A Place to Heal | A Place to Grow
Our team of experienced, dedicated St. Albert therapists and counsellors are here to help you heal and grow through some of life's toughest challenges.
In this webinar, Grant discusses the many benefits of the mindfulness practice of gratitude, including the ways in which the individual benefits of this practice also enhance us socially and culturally.
Read MoreRegardless of age, gender, or culture, humans find nature restorative, especially in times of such great uncertainty. Many people report that their moods improve after spending time outside. The natural world can bring us calm, balance, and connection. Eco-therapy can help us harness the healing power of nature to create positive change in our lives as we tackle the challenges from our new reality. In this wellness talk, Selena and Shaheen share: - what Eco-therapy is and how it can benefit us - how we can integrate eco-therapy into our current reality of social distancing
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant discusses the negative impact of social comparison and reads from the work of Jon Kabat-Zin. This webinar ends with a guided visualization entitled, Taking Refuge Inside and Out.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant discusses ways of savouring experiences as means of increasing our state of wellbeing. A brief discussion on things we think make us happy, but don’t, is followed by a discussion highlighting Grant’s journey to mindfulness practice. This webinar finishes with a Breathscape/Bodyscape Meditation, based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Read MoreWith so many changes for parents and children, it can feel like the world had turned upside down. In this webinar, psychologist Christine Crocker explores the needs of parents and children during this time, with connection as a key focus. She shares with participants some of the elements to a 'good enough' parenting day, to help add to your own unique recipe for daily success.
Read MoreThis new social norm to stay physically distant from others, away from our usual places of gathering, and to avoid touch in rituals of greeting and affection, is creating a sense of loss and anxiety for many. For others, their social connection has long felt awkward or absent and these new restrictions only intensify what was already there. Keeping connected, however, is important for our physical and mental immunity. No matter what your usual style, this webinar will help you stay healthy by understanding the emotion of loneliness and developing personal strategies to keep it at bay.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant provides a list of online applications that focus on the practice of mindfulness. The work of Tara Brach is introduced with an overview of the RAIN of Self- Compassion. This webinar concludes with a Self-Compassion Meditation adopted from one of Tara’s online meditations.
Read MoreIn this session, Dr. Rhonda Wizniak shares tips for reading with your children at home, including basic strategies to help develop your child's reading abilities and level. The webinar will also help you better understand the process of learning to read.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant provides some coping strategies for dealing with increased stress and anxiety, including the mindfulness practice of 5-4-3-2-1. This webinar ends with a Body-Scan Meditation.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant highlights some of the consequences of not being mindful and discusses some of the myths and misconceptions of mindfulness meditation. This webinar closes with a Loving-Kindness Meditation.
Read MoreBeing in a helping role can be overwhelming and exhausting during routine times. With the arrival of the CO-VID 19 pandemic, health care professionals and caregivers are facing more uncertainty, greater risk of exposure and added stress while caring for patients and our community’s most vulnerable citizens. In this webinar, Adam Sartore addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic can place health care workers and caregivers at greater risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. The webinar also offers strategies and resources for finding moments of personal wellness and navigating the emotional stress of helping during these uncertain times.
Read MoreCouples who function effectively treat each other with consideration and support each other. There is nothing like a pandemic to test the strength of healthy relationship. In these unprecedented times with increased uncertainty about the future, there will be moments (maybe days) when even the most healthy and high-functioning couple is going to spin out of control and perform below their capacity. In times of stress, like no other the ability to respond quickly with repair measures is crucial. In this webinar, participants learn that conflict and big emotions are not the enemies. Couples are introduced to the Gottman repair checklist and shown how the tool applied to real-life scenarios. When managed responsibly, honestly and with care, even the most intense stress, is something that can make a relationship stronger.
Read MoreDo you know your love language? What are the things that make the people in your life feel truly loved and supported? During this time when we are all being encouraged to socially distance, it is normal to feel some loneliness, and perhaps even a bit lost at times. In this webinar, Cynthia Smith offers creative ideas about how to have our emotional needs met, and experience meaningful connection with others, during this challenging time.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Grant outlines various types of grief that might be present for people in light of the COVID19 pandemic. The mindfulness practice of GLAD is introduce, as is the mindfulness practice of Self-Compassion, based on the work of Kristin Neff. This webinar concludes with a Self-Compassion Meditation.
Read MoreWhen times get challenging, personally or globally, anxiety often rises. In this video, learn how and why your anxious brain responds the way it does, and some practical tools for increasing your peace.
Read MoreWhen faced with big life changes and difficult topics, it can be challenging as parents to find the right balance of giving information and protecting your kids. The COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of uncertainty and brought with it significant change for families. In this talk, Lindsey McColl, of River's Edge Counselling Centre, shares ideas for supporting kids through these changes, while managing their emotional needs and your own.
Read MoreIn this webinar, Andrea explores the challenges associated with parenting and schooling children while maintaining social distance. Topics include structure and routine, managing family conflicts and providing emotional support at home.
Read MoreWe find ourselves in unprecedented times. The stress and anxiety we are currently dealing with is something most of us have never had to face in our lifetime. Amidst the uncertainty, even ten minutes of mindfulness meditation a day can help calm your nervous system, enabling you to find a sense of inner peace.
In the first webinar of his series, Grant provides viewers with a brief history of mindfulness, discussing what mindfulness is, including a description of the two types of mindfulness practices. Grant also reveals some of the research finding pertaining to mindfulness meditation. Included in this webinar is a short Breathing Meditation and a Gratitude Meditation.
This talk is for anyone searching to anchor themselves during this challenging time of social distancing, isolation, working from home, kids at home, and high anxiety. When we centre ourselves, it can have a profound impact on our outlook and on our relationships with others, including our partners, spouses, children, and our community. In her clear and gentle manner, Kjariene shares some perspectives and simple exercises for finding a sense of balance and centering yourself.
Read MoreThis letter was sent to all of our clients last night. It was a difficult letter to send, but I know it was the right thing to do. The silver lining for us is knowing that we will be able to continue to support most of our clients through this difficult time.
I personally want to thank our team, therapists and admin, as they have been working tirelessly to help us shift the way we work in such a short period of time. Your commitment to clients and community inspires me every day
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And to our clients...we are here for you. Thank you for your patience as we move to this new way of offering services.
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Isolation and distancing are needed to fight this pandemic...but already we can see it, that connection and cooperation is what is truly going to save the day. Encouraging everyone to keep reaching out to loved ones and those who are struggling, in whatever way you can. We've got this! 💚
Nicole
We are writing to let you know that as of March 18th, all of the counselling sessions provided at River’s Edge Counselling Centre will be offered remotely, by either video or telephone.
This difficult decision has not been made lightly. It has been made after considerable research and thought about the impact of continuing to offer services in-person in our office on the health of our clients and the community as a whole. We believe this will contribute positively to the goal of “flattening the curve,” protecting vulnerable people and ensuring that essential services are not overwhelmed in the coming days.
Thankfully, we will still be able to meet the needs of most of our clients during this difficult time. We understand that it will come as a disappointment to many clients to lose in-person contact with their therapist, perhaps even more so at a time when we are all more isolated. For others, it may come as a relief to know that they can stay connected with this support, even if they face self-isolation or quarantine.
The full extent of the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is yet unknown - but many of us are already feeling it. What we most want to communicate to you at this time, is that we are here for you.
While isolation and distancing are what is needed to fight this pandemic, connection and emotional honesty are antidotes for secondary effects of anxiety and depression. We all face this situation with vulnerability, including some of the reasons we reach out for counselling in the first place. But we also all face this situation with resilience. As counsellors, it is our job to create a safe space for vulnerability, for sharing difficult emotions and experiences. It is also our job to shine a light on people's resilience, and help them draw on it for strength and calm amidst life's struggles. The COVID-19 crisis puts us in touch with our vulnerability, but it is also an opportunity to experience our resilience.
Thank you for including us in your circle of care and trusting us to be helpful. Thank you also for your patience, as we take this big step together, and shift the way we offer care.
If you have an upcoming appointment, your therapist will schedule it as a video session at the same time.
You will receive an email with a link to open at the time of your appointment. We will accept e-transfers and credit cards as payment.
Please ensure you have a camera (computer, phone or tablet will work), and a quiet, confidential space to meet. You may wish to use a headset, but it is not required.
If you prefer to use a telephone, just email your therapist directly.
If you have any questions, it is best to contact your therapist directly for a prompt response. However, our admin team is also here for you (info@riversedgecounselling.com; text or call 780-460-0022). Due to the high volume of calls, email and text are best and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We fully trust clients to make the best choices for themselves. If video or phone sessions don't feel right for you at this time, that is no problem. Please just let your therapist know that you would like to hold off for now.
Given the uncertainty in everyone's lives right now, we have been very flexible with our cancellation policy and will continue to do so. However, please be mindful of how busy our therapists are trying to meet client needs. Providing 24hrs notice when cancelling or rescheduling, if possible, to allow us to make time for other clients, will be greatly appreciated.
When this situation passes, we look forward to welcoming you back into our space and offering the hospitality we enjoy giving to our clients. Until then, stay well.
For more information about video and phone counselling, including its effectiveness and the potential benefits/risks, please see our E-counselling webpage, as well as our handout Information about E-counselling and Telecounselling services.
Notice the impulse to touch your face and be intentional about the decision not to do so. It is not an easy habit to break, but possible with mindful practice.
Wash your hands. You can make this a mindful ritual, enjoying the warm water and suds; imagining it as a compassionate act towards yourself and others.
Notice any anxiety that arises in your everyday. Breathe, and focus on the present moment. Feel the safety of the NOW.
Cover your cough. Sneeze into your elbow. Or use a tissue, and toss it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipes. Use hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands. When we practice simple etiquette, we are offering protection to those who are most vulnerable.
Stay home if you are sick and be kind to yourself. Please do not visit the office if you are unwell, or you have been travelling outside the country in the past 14 days. As always, our 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply for those who are sick, or in quarantine.
