We read about the importance of taking time for self-care. Is it spa time, meditation, yoga classes, or beautiful outdoor places to breathe, and is it really necessary? Yes, it can be all of those things and it is necessary. But more than that, it is the opportunity to honour and respect YOURSELF, and appreciate YOUR mind, body, and feelings. If you feel guilty or selfish for honouring and respecting yourself first, please seek out a counsellor. We can talk about balance – your balance – and bring it back to including YOU in the people you need to care for.

Expressive therapies can serve as a complimentary form of treatment for autism, meeting the pervasive challenges that present in children, in wonderfully creative ways. In improving sensory, social, and emotional functioning, the expressive therapies provide stress relief and a boost to self-confidence, and can serve as a subtle opening for growth and connection. Symptoms can be mitigated by engaging in creative activity that is soothing while also increasing tolerance to stimuli. Behaviours can be channelled into an expressive outlet; compulsive shredding of paper can turn into beautiful collages. Working alongside a therapist can also help with social skills and allow a powerful bond to be forged.

Since 1908, our mission has been to share our talent and wisdom to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individual and families in their homes and communities. In keeping with this ideal, we have become pioneers in the development of community health care and capacity building education services. Inspired by our historic roots and traditional respect for human dignity, we strive to care with professional excellence and compassion. All of our employees have specialized knowledge, experience and/or advanced skills certification in all areas of community health care.

Breaking up can be unbelievably stressful, on both sides. It’s heartbreaking to be left. And partners don’t always respect the decision to end things. How can you handle the breakup, without wrecking anyone (including yourself)? Do you argue, get insulting, or make life difficult – or do you just give up? It’s hard to be your best self when triggered and disappointed – and when feeling deeply alone. Counselling can be a safe and neutral place to consider how to carry yourself through this time – how to behave, how to set boundaries, how to make a plan, and how to support yourself better.

Wireless technologies such as laptop computers emit energy known as electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Some peer-reviewed studies have suggested that EMFs could be linked to health effects on not only laptop users, but also those near laptop users. A few ways to reduce your exposure to EMFs include: 1) Avoid using a laptop when it is connected to the internet to eliminate the wireless transmissions between the laptop and the router in your home. 2) Avoid using your laptop on your lap. Instead, place the laptop on a desk or other stable surface. 3) Use a keyboard and mouse that are separate from the laptop.

Holistic Nutrition is an integrated look at health that incorporates the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It explores how diet, supplements, lifestyle choices, the health of our minds and spirituality all contribute to, or prevent, many diseases and poor health conditions. Holistic nutrition strives to find a balance amongst them, using evidence-based science and taking into consideration the health of the individual, society and the health of the planet. Natural nutrients have properties that are best described by these words: “live, natural, good quality”. These simple words can serve as a guide to everyone wishing to improve their health.

Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship between client and music therapist to facilitate contact, self-expression, communication, and other clinical goals. Our bodies pulsing with internal rhythms of the heart, the digestive system, and the lungs synchronize to music with its intrinsically rhythmical structure. For people living with autism, ADHD, mood disorders, effects of TBI, stroke, or trauma, the skillful use of music and its elements such as melody, rhythm, and dynamics promotes positive change. Most significantly, it influences the important and necessary shift in physiological and emotional responses away from dysregulation towards regulation and balance.

Research supports the statement that ‘people who own dogs live longer’, and pet owners have some great advantages in balancing daily living. Your dog gets your day started with a much-needed walk, and possibly a couple more throughout the day. You are loved unconditionally by your furry friend. You take time to groom, train, talk to, and play with your dog – social interaction that can offset hours spent on the computer and phone. A dog can change your life, add to your life, give you a life, and extend your life! Not a bad thing to consider.