Before that happens, we want to give you some simple things to focus on this year to give your mental health a boost. 

At My Winnipeg Therapist, we work with people of all ages, from children and teens to adults over 50 and beyond. It’s never too early or too late to make your mental health a priority. 

Here are 7 simple tips to improve your mental health this year:

Tip 1 |  A Healthy Mind Starts with the Right Foods

There is no one-size-fits-all remedy, but some things to consider as you navigate the foods that help you feel well are:

• Proteins for Breakfast 
• Complex Carbohydrates
• Limited Caffeine, Alcohol, and Food Dyes and Simple Carbs
• A Variety of Fruits and Veggies
• Probiotics: Gut Health Improves Brain Health

Tip 2 | Make Exercise a Priority

Exercise not only helps battle against depression and anxiety by regulating important brain chemicals, but studies also show that exercise helps improve self-esteem, enhances interpersonal connections, and helps regulate behaviours in children with ADHD and other executive functioning deficits.

This can look as mild as walking or light yoga, all the way up through interval and endurance training, bicycling, or running. You should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, but even as little as 15 minutes of cardio activity a day can have positive benefits for your mental health.

Tip 3 | Connect with People

In our social media versions of reality and our remote working world, it’s sometimes hard to recognize when we may be isolating ourselves without real, face-to-face connections with others. 

People who have strong relationships with others report having a stronger sense of well-being. Looking for ways to connect with people? Consider one or more of these options:

• Join a club, collective hobby, or sport
• Volunteer
• Visit a friend or family member who could use the company
• Have a game night or movie night with friends or family
• Look for local social meetups online
• Start a conversation with somebody new
• Reach out to a colleague or social media friend for lunch

Tip 4 | Take A Break

Sometimes we just need to turn a part of us off so we can regenerate a sense of wellbeing. Too much of anything can be toxic to our mental health. If you feel like you have overconsumed, overworked, or overstimulated yourself, take a break.  This can be a small change or a larger one, depending on your habits and the resources available.  Here are a few common options.

• Taking a social media hiatus
• Taking a personal day off from  work
• Taking a leave of absence
• Getting a babysitter for the night, even if it’s just to get some alone time
• Going on a retreat or spa weekend
• Hiring a house cleaner to help with chores
• Saying NO to social engagements you feel you’re obligated to attend

You can’t run off a drained battery. If you need to let go of some things to help you feel better, there should be no guilt or obligation around it. Find something that speaks to your values and sense of happiness.

Tip 5 | Meditate, Journal, Reflect

These are small changes that have a big impact on your mental health. When you integrate one or more of these regularly,  you will increase your:

 Memory and focus

• Productivity
• Mood
• Relationships
• Awareness

You may also decrease or regulate your:

• Brain Clutter
• Stress and Anxiety
• Physical Pain
• Negative Emotions
• Aging

Tip 6 | Good Sleep is Critical.

All stages of sleep are important for overall brain health, memory, focus, and cognition. But during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) or deep sleep, your brain has the opportunity to process the emotions you felt during the day. 

A lack of sleep can contribute to mood and mental health disorders and increase emotional reactivity.

Here are some ways to improve your sleep and improve your mental wellbeing:

• Have the same bedtime and routine every night
• Turn off electronics and screens long before you go to bed 
• Invest in an eye mask to block out ambient light
• Avoid substances like alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco at night
• Get regular exercise during the day
• Get natural light exposure during the day
• Integrate Meditation, ASMR, or other relaxation techniques

Tip 7 | Find Purpose and Meaning 

Following your purpose and calling makes you feel in touch with yourself as a whole and worthy. What makes for purpose and meaning is different for everyone. You might try one of the following to find yours:

• Engage in work that makes you feel useful
• Invest in relationships and spend quality time with people who matter to you
• Volunteering can help enrich your life and make you happier  
• Care for others, which can be as rewarding and meaningful as it is challenging 

If you are interested in improving your mental health in 2022 and could use some extra professional support, reach out for help from our team of therapists. Let’s get you on the path to wellness in 2022!

The post 7 Tips to Improve your Mental Health first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is triggered after experiencing or witnessing extreme experiences like:

• Life Threatening Violence
• Combat Exposure
• Sexual Violence or Abuse
• Childhood Abuse
• Grave Accident or Injury

Not all trauma results in PTSD.  Symptoms of trauma can present differently depending on factors like intensity and duration of the trauma, the number of traumatic events people experience over time,  genetics, brain chemicals, and natural resilience, support, and coping mechanisms. 

When It’s Time to Seek Treatment for PTSD
PTSD symptoms are generally categorized in 4 ways and include:

• Intrusive Memories
• Avoidance
• Negative/Distorted changes in thinking and mood
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions

For sufferers, repeatedly reliving traumatic events can drastically impair your ability to function in day to day activities. Learn more about these symptoms and how to recognize PTSD here.

If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD symptoms, and are finding it hard to cope, there are support and treatment options available. Getting help is a personal decision, but the earlier someone receives treatment for their symptoms, the easier those symptoms are to treat and manage. It takes time to treat the symptoms of PTSD, but gradually, therapy will help you build the support and techniques you need to help you work through your trauma. 

How Therapy Can Help

Those who suffer from trauma and PTSD may benefit from different treatment approaches.  A team member at My Winnipeg Therapist can help guide you to find therapeutic solutions that will help you gain control after a traumatic event. You and your mental health professional can discuss what type of therapy or combination of therapies will help you manage your PTSD.

Our treatment approach is based in cognitive therapy and teaching mindfulness techniques to help you cope with your trauma and learn to overcome the stress and anxiety that comes with it. 

Cognitive behaviour therapy helps you recognize thinking patterns that perpetuate negative beliefs about yourself and the fear of traumatic things happening again. Your therapist will work with you to change these patterns and manage the stress and fear associated with them

Mindfulness techniques help you stay in the present moment and break away from feeling in danger as if the past trauma is happening to you -in the present -. Over time, you will learn to train yourself -to -increase feelings of peace, safety, and calm.

Psychotherapy and any medical or alternative interventions you seek can be included with coping techniques you use independently. That can look like support groups,  education and empowerment, self-care, and following the treatment plan your therapist provides.

Take the first step
When you are ready to address the symptoms of PTSD, reaching out to a mental health professional who you can trust is the first step. Our team of specialists at My Winnipeg Therapist offers a variety of resources and services to fit your needs.  Contact us today for help with PTSD and other counselling needs.

The post PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, & When to Seek Treatment first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

As the stigma surrounding mental health continues to break, individuals are beginning to realize the importance of mental health – to a positive and fulfilling life. In their search to find answers to the difficulties they’re facing, many people turn to a quick internet search for “therapy services near me” or “free therapists”. 

While most counselling and therapy isn’t free in Manitoba, it is possible that services are covered in full or in part by your Employee Benefits, or other extended health coverage. If you’re not sure what coverage you have, contact your provider to find out how much you are covered for counselling services.

These are helpful questions to ask:

• Does my extended health plan include mental health benefits?
• Do I have a deductible? If so, how much?
• How much coverage do I have?
• Is there a yearly limit on the number of sessions?
• Most benefit packages don’t require pre-approval by your physician, but it’s important to check.

Why It’s Important to Seek a Licensed Therapist

As you begin your mental health journey, you may be wondering if the cost is worth it. As we continue to learn more about the importance of maintaining good mental health, research shows that it is a necessary component of overall health, and just as important as good physical health. We’re also learning that the costs of not taking care of our mental health are detrimental to us in multiple ways

While it’s important to surround yourself with a number of resources, including friends and family, your dedication to improving your mental health is best achieved through professional counselling services. 

An effective mental health professional is not an advice-giver doling out “I think you should” statements, but rather provides you with effective coping and treatment strategies  based on their training and experiences. They are professionally trained and licensed to teach you new skills, techniques, and approaches while offering a new perspective and no judgment.

They teach you to listen to yourself.

Benefits of Professional Counselling Services

Because counselling is an individual journey, it’s difficult to say “how long” or “how much”. Rather, counselling should be viewed as a holistic practice that helps you learn effective strategies for both past and upcoming challenges. Providing you with a toolbox of resources and contributing to a healthier mental state can:

• Increase coping skills to handle life stressors
• Improve self-esteem
• Feel confident in your abilities
• Create healthy relationships
• Keep a positive mindset

1 in 5 people in Canada faces a mental health concern during their lifetime. You are not alone. There are people and services available to help you. If you live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or are interested in online or phone services, My Winnipeg Therapist is here to help. Learn more or schedule an appointment today.

The post Is Counselling Free in Manitoba? first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

When faced with challenging circumstances in life, it’s just as common to experience post-traumatic growth as it is to undergo PTS in the first place. From greater personal strength and stronger relationships to spiritual enhancement and a deeper appreciation for life, there’s a myriad of benefits derived from post-traumatic growth. And while a traumatic experience can alter your life in unprecedented ways, here’s a look at the mental, emotional and even spiritual changes that can come to define who you are positively. 

What Triggers Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)?

Experiences deemed as traumatic, like sexual assault, loss of a loved one, terrorism, natural disasters and cancer, can cause post-traumatic growth (PTG) to occur. Although these are common examples of traumatic experiences, PTG can transpire from any difficulty that causes you to question your core beliefs and values – i.e. your philosophy on life, the nature of others, what you’re capable of, your goals, etc. For instance, witnessing disturbing events on the evening news or grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic can bring your values and beliefs into question. 

What Are The Benefits of Post-Traumatic Growth?

1. It Strengthens Relationships

Oftentimes, trauma can bring people closer together. As you navigate your recovery, the level of care and concern displayed by those in your life can open your eyes to new possibilities within your relationships. To strengthen connections during a hardship, it’s important to remain open – reach out for help, accept support, allow yourself to count on others and don’t shy away from expressing your emotions. Along with improved relationships, people tend to feel closer to family, friends and loved ones, as well as learn more about what those individuals really mean to them. 

2. It Makes You Aware of New Possibilities

When faced with trauma, it sometimes means reevaluating the goals you’ve set out to accomplish in life. As Alexander Graham Bell infamously said, “When one door closes, another one opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” After a traumatic experience, however, we’re often forced to identify new goals and reestablish our priorities, which allows us to discover new possibilities we may have never considered before. 

3. It Increases Your Personal Strength

When faced with trauma – however unexpected it may be – it provides you with the foundation to better manage hardships in the future. What’s more, as you embark on your journey towards healing, you’ll discover qualities and strengths about yourself that you weren’t privy to before. There’s an indescribable beauty to finding and harnessing an inner strength you never thought imaginable. 

4. It Gives You a Deeper Appreciation for Life

When the things you value the most are threatened by a traumatic experience, it provides a renewed sense of gratitude for the smaller, often unnoticed aspects of life. During the recovery process, a person’s perception of life is often altered – priorities shift, things taken for granted are treasured, and your appreciation for life is reawakened. 

5. It Can Increase Spirituality

As human beings, we’re often confronted by a need to make sense of traumatic experiences – often posing questions surrounding “Why?” Reconciling your view of the world is no easy feat, but over the course of recovery, it can drive increased clarity regarding the meaning of life. It’s not uncommon for those who’ve experienced trauma to cultivate a deeper connection with a larger purpose. Whether that be religious or spiritual in nature, it can truly instill a greater sense of fulfillment in life. 

Experiencing Growth Through Trauma

While trauma is a natural part of living life, that doesn’t diminish how unsettling and disruptive a traumatic event can be. And many times, the circumstances arise unexpectedly. As you recover, however, you might discover that there’s not just a light at the end of the tunnel, but positive changes that come from the struggles as well. 

At My Winnipeg Therapist, our trauma counsellors are equipped with the tools and resources needed to guide you through difficult times. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome trauma and reclaim a better outlook on life.

The post 5 Ways Trauma Can Help Drive Personal Growth first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

It’s important to understand how perfectionism operates in people’s minds, why some are likely to get trapped by it, and what people can do to escape the perfectionism script in their minds.

Recognizing What Perfectionism Is and Isn’t

It’s great to have accountability and work towards your goals, but there’s a difference between perfectionism and high standards. Perfectionism relates to that inner critic inside that can contribute to perpetuating negative mental health. 

When you set goals for yourself that are so high, they are practically unachievable, your self-worth takes a hit. It’s common to think that this type of thinking will lead us to push ourselves harder and achieve more success, but the reality is it breaks us down. We start to feel levels of anxiety, and even depression, and may begin to avoid tasks and people for fear of failure.

The real secret to success involves learning how to control your thoughts. Once you take steps to quiet the inner critic and embrace your struggles, then your self-talk and ability to learn from mistakes become an asset that can propel you towards more productivity.

Change Harmful Thought Patterns

Perfectionism is a major contributor to low self-esteem. You can begin to address it and change that destructive inner voice in your head by taking steps to:

1- Stop the Inner Critic

2-Embrace Your Imperfections

3- Create Positive Self Talk

It may sound easier said than done, but you can take small steps to improve your own view of yourself, and what it means to fail and succeed. The only true failure is not trying to begin with. Which is exactly what unhealthy perfectionism causes. 

People develop such a fear of uncertainty and making mistakes, that they don’t even start. When it comes to people who achieve success,  it’s important to remind ourselves that every mistake and failure teaches us something to propel us forward to the next step. 

Actionable Steps To Improve Your Self Concept

It’s common to get trapped in our comfort zone because we let fear dictate our choices, but the reason it feels uncomfortable to make mistakes is that we are growing. There are several ways to address stressful and uncomfortable situations, so you can return towards progress instead of perfectionism.

The next time you want to rake yourself over the coals, take a beat to talk yourself through the situation, and understand what can be learned from it. For example;

 “This mistake happened because I was in a rush and overtired. Anybody would be overtired after trying to accomplish everything I set out to do this week.  I learned that I need to plan better and set some boundaries next time so this doesn’t happen again.”

 And make sure to recognize your achievement when you have taken those steps successfully the next time.

Final Thoughts

It’s okay to not be perfect, it’s okay to make mistakes, and there is no one way to reach success. When you’re working towards your goals, instead of trying to be perfect, be kind to yourself.

Looking to get more support as you develop better mental health strategies? Contact us today for counselling options.

The post How to Overcome Perfectionism: A Prescription to Change your Thoughts first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

Average Cost of Therapy

The cost of therapy ranges greatly depending on many different factors, including location, skills, and availability. In Winnipeg, therapy can range from $95 per hour to $250/hr or higher. Most therapists average around $150-175/hr, but again, the price is based on a number of factors, including:

1. Training: highly trained and experienced therapists typically charge more based on extra credentials, skills, and knowledge
   
2. Location: therapy in larger Metropolitan areas – including Winnipeg – and areas with higher rent costs may force therapists to raise prices to cover their operating costs
   
3. Reputation and Availability: A highly sought-after therapist with excellent reviews and low availability will likely charge a higher per-hour fee than a new therapist just out of school, looking to build their experience and client base
   
4. Specialization: If a therapist is an expert in a particular, highly specialized field or treats an unusual or rare condition, including trauma or PTSD, their costs for treatment may be higher than a more generalized specialty like anxiety or depression
5. Session Length: Don’t be fooled by low, fixed rates. Oftentimes, shorter sessions may seem “cheaper” in the long run, but lack the proper time with the therapist to focus on root causes. Similarly, many therapists charge more for an initial consultation to get a deeper understanding of what may have led a client to seek therapy in the first place.

How to Pay for Therapy in Winnipeg

As previously mentioned, while advocacy efforts have helped propel mental health issues to the forefront of government policy, most therapy services, including psychotherapy and counselling with a private practitioner, are not covered by universal healthcare. You may be able to help offset the costs by:

1. Seeking health coverage from your or a family member’s employer-sponsored benefit plan
2. Employee Assistance Program Coverage (EAPs) from your employer or an immediate family member’s workplace to cover the cost of private therapy
   
3. University and College student mental health insurance that pays for private therapy
4. While you cannot claim most therapist treatment costs related to a mental health condition on your income tax return under health expenses, treatment from clinical social workers is considered a tax-deductible expense

Registered Social Workers are recognized as ‘medical practitioners’ under the Income Tax Act, which means clients may be able to claim this service as a medical expense on income tax returns.  Under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), the federal government gives a non-refundable credit of 15 percent on allowable medical expenses that exceed 3 % of the taxpayer’s net income of $2,109 as of 2012, whichever is less. The Manitoba government also offers credits.

In addition, while most counsellors and therapists charge GST, registered social workers are exempt, meaning you are not charged this fee. 

You may be able to claim the therapy on the CRA Income Tax Form, Line 330 – Medical Expenses for Self, Spouse or Common-Law Partner, and your Dependent Children.  Social workers are on the list of approved qualified medical practitioners for almost all provinces.

Therapy is listed as an eligible medical expense by the CRA. The following is from their website:

Therapy – The cost of therapy received by a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit, provided by someone who is not the spouse or common-law partner of the person who is claiming the expense and who is 18 years of age or older when the amounts are paid. The therapy has to be prescribed and supervised for a mental impairment by a medical doctor or a psychologist.

This example is based on charging this fee, which means you are not charged this fee when working with a social work clinician. 

At My Winnipeg Therapist, we never want cost to prevent you from seeking the health and services you need. We offer affordable telehealth services and employ a variety of expert, novice, and closely supervised intern therapists to offer individualized therapeutic care at many levels. Contact us today to learn more about your provider and treatment options.

The post How Much Does Therapy Cost in Winnipeg? first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Canada, affecting one out of every ten adults. Symptoms correlated with anxiety disorders can vary greatly from person to person. One individual may experience intrusive, obsessive thoughts while another grapples with debilitating panic attacks. 

Seeking professional help may feel overwhelming, but managing and treating symptoms of anxiety is integral to living a happy, healthy life. Here are 5 signs it’s time to treat your anxiety. 

It’s Taking a Toll on Your Physical Health

Whenever your emotional health suffers, it can negatively impact your physical health as well. Research shows a direct link between chronic anxiety and stress and the manifestation of physical symptoms such as headaches, frequent colds and nausea. People may also experience unexplained neck and muscle pain when facing persistent anxiety. 

You No Longer Feel in Control of Your Emotions

From anger to sadness, coping with anxiety can be an emotional rollercoaster when left untreated. Those struggling with anxiety often feel a lack of control – as if they’re in the driver’s seat, but unable to hit the brakes. 

Whenever an unanticipated problem arises, many people automatically adopt a worst-case scenario mindset. This type of thinking, often referred to as catastrophizing, can feel intense and paralyzing. 

Without seeking the help of a mental health professional, catastrophizing can lead to withdrawal, avoidance and panic attacks. From psychotherapy to cognitive-behavioural therapy, there’s a myriad of methods for exploring and regulating your emotions, as well as adopting techniques to shift your thinking patterns. 

Your Performance at Work or School Has Taken a Hit

Dealing with a mental health issue like anxiety can often nuzzle its way into your everyday life – interfering with your performance at school or in the workplace. Anxiety disorders often impede your ability to focus, causing decreased energy, impaired attention and feelings of apathy. 

A lack of interest paired with poor concentration can often lead to increased errors and reduced productivity in the classroom and workplace. When your performance at work falters, it can put yourself and others in harm’s way. For instance, if you’re a caretaker or police officer, it’s imperative to be in a healthy state of mind at all times.  

You’re Using Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

It’s not uncommon for those grappling with mental health issues to adopt destructive habits, such as substance abuse, compulsive behaviours (gambling, eating, sexual promiscuity, etc), and even exorbitant internet and social media use as a way to distract themselves. While these coping mechanisms can temporarily relieve negative thoughts and anxiety, they ultimately exacerbate the problems you’re facing. What’s more, they often have a way of spiralling out of control in the form of addiction and dependence. 

You’ve Experienced Some Form of Trauma

From abusive relationships to traumatic events, some people suffer from anxiety as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy is an invaluable resource for exploring difficult experiences in a safe environment designed to foster healing. 

While you may have a strong support system of family and friends, oftentimes, people are uncomfortable opening up to their loved ones. Or, sometimes, they simply want to protect those they care about most. A mental health professional will be equipped with the mindfulness techniques and coping strategies needed to dismantle traumatic associations. 

When you’re struggling with anxiety, it can cause you to feel disconnected from work, life, friends and family. Over time, you’ll find yourself losing interest altogether in the hobbies or activities that once brought you joy. 

At My Winnipeg Therapist, our mental health professionals have the expertise needed to help free you from negative thoughts, take control of your anxiety and reconnect with the things that make you smile. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your light.

The post 5 Signs It’s Time To Treat Your Anxiety first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

While data shows that divorce rates have been dropping over the years, it also shows that younger couples are hesitant to fully commit to a long-term relationship.  One reason for this is that modern couples are challenged with even more internal and external factors than previous generations.

When it comes to marital stability and divorce predictions, not many relationship gurus establish themselves as the voice of authority the way Dr. John Mordecai Gottman has. A psychological clinician, professor, and researcher, Gottman introduced the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” concept when referring to the main predictors that a relationship is going south. Using these principles, alongside the revolutionary ideas of Belgian Psychotherapist Esther Perel about relationships, we amassed the five profound warning signs every couple should look out for, since they all point to a critical solution: Couples’ Therapy.

Here are the five signs that couples therapy may be the next step:

• We attack our partner instead of the problem.

What happens is that when you both encounter some inconvenience, you find ways to find fault in each other. Gottman classifies this under the first Horseman of the Apocalypse, which is Criticism. While it may be easily disguised as a complaint, Criticism intends to make the other person feel inadequate, wrong, or incapable. Once this pattern starts to take root, you may find yourself exhibiting the following signs.

• We condemn our partner.

In the words of Mother Teresa, “if you judge others, you won’t have time to love them,” and this line especially rings true in this case. That said, contempt slowly creeps in after we’ve hurt our partner, and we’ve convinced ourselves that they deserve it. As a result, we start to mock, ridicule, and demean our partner. To differentiate Criticism from contempt, Gottman explains the former as the act of attacking the person’s character, while the latter is the exertion of one’s superiority over their partner. That said, if you don’t nip this in the bud, you’re taking your relationship down a slippery slope.

• We refuse to admit our mistakes.

When you’re a non-confrontational and passive type of person, chances are you won’t deal with any underlying problems head-on. In most cases, you may even come up with excuses, shift the blame, and refuse to put yourself in your partner’s shoes. While this approach isn’t as aggressive as the first two signs, the main reason why Defensiveness is considered a Horseman of the Apocalypse is that it negates the need to compromise.

• We shut our partner out.

In connection with the recent sign, this act of complete unwillingness to communicate is what Gottman specifically coined as “stonewalling. As the name implies, this is when we put a figurative wall in between our partners and us, thus preventing them from ever getting to us and stopping us from having to face the problem at all. This demonstration of denial may put any conflict to a halt, but this is only the calm before the storm.

• We become complacent.

When psychotherapist Esther Perel was asked in an interview with London Real about what we can do to make our relationships last longer, she poked hard at our inherent disregard for things we believe we already possess. That said, the last sign couples should look out for, but are most likely to miss, is how we perceive our partners as mere possessions. With this kind of mindset, we take our partners for granted because we know they’re still going to stick around. This prevents us from practicing appreciation and gratefulness for our partner’s efforts, which may quickly breed resentment on the other party.

Starting Couples Therapy

These signs start to manifest slowly, one at a time, but when the couple fails to tackle their issues, one sign can induce a domino effect. That said, it is only right that at least one side of the couple introduces the need for a couples therapy session, where they can freely share their perspectives within the safety net of a mediator.

So, when any combination of these five signs starts to manifest in your relationship, it is high time for you to reach out to a professional trained to help you recover your marriage. If you’re anywhere in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, we recommend that you contact us at My Winnipeg Therapist for a quick consultation. Our clinic offers Couples Therapy Services that are tailored to the needs of every couple we encounter. We assure you that every appointment is handled by our psychotherapists with complete dedication and confidentiality.

For more inquiries, contact our office and schedule your consultation time with us today.

The post 5 Signs You Should Start Couples Therapy first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

Remember, too, the numbers reported are only those who have been clinically diagnosed. Too often, depression goes untreated and underdiagnosed for various stigmatic reasons.

One prominent factor contributing to depression is one’s over-reliance on alcohol. For starters, alcohol abuse accounts for a high number of fatalities in the United States, with an estimated 95,000 people dying from alcohol abuse-related accidents each year. In Canada, drunk driving is the country’s deadliest crime, accounting for an estimated 1,500 fatalities each year. With that being said, what a lot of people fail to account for are the deadly long-term effects that alcoholism brings, not just in accidents, but in situations where it causes depression and anxiety. 

The Alcohol & Depression Link

This brings us to the question: Is there a link between a high consumption of alcohol and episodes of depression? Research tells us the answer. In recent studies, it has been shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between alcohol abuse and depressive disorders. In fact, it has been noted that they end up both contributing to an extremely vicious cycle. Both alcoholism and depression can exist together, and the presence of one increases the risk and worsens the condition of the other. In other words, alcoholism can elevate the chances of depression, and depression can trigger someone’s desire to overuse alcohol. 

This back-and-forth cause-and-effect situation is a common problem. The risk for someone who is depressed is to use alcohol to numb the pain of depression. While in the short term, you feel less pain, using alcohol for this purpose regularly increases the severity of the pain of depression. In other words, a short-term gain, but long-term pain. Commonly enough, it can also ignite an episode of depression in people who weren’t supposedly suffering from a mental illness in the first place. Alcoholism can be extremely dangerous, and people who suffer from it are usually caught in an endless spiral from which they can hardly escape without constant support and professional help. 

How Depression Clinics Can Help

Alcoholism-induced depression is an extremely serious issue, and no one should go through it alone. That is why depression clinics such as My Winnipeg Therapist are here to help. My Winnipeg Therapist is a therapy and counselling service located in the charming city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our trained therapists are very effective in curbing many anxiety and depression-related issues and, in turn, improving the lives of people who suffer from a mental illness. 

If you are suffering from bouts of depression or feel the need to talk to someone because you feel a weight on your chest, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The therapists at My Winnipeg Therapist believe that depression is never to be taken lightly, and that such a problem requires professional help, constant support, and valuable assistance from well-trained personnel. 

If it feels like everything is too much right now, we’re here for you.

For more information, please submit a no-obligation appointment request today.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us via phone at (204) 504-6976 or email info@mywinnipegtherapist.com.

The post Alcohol & Depression: What You Should Know first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.

Marriage therapy, also known as couples counselling or marriage counselling, refers to a type of psychotherapy couples seek to resolve conflict, facilitate better communication and improve their relationships. From intimacy issues to raising children to the prospect of a divorce – there’s a myriad of reasons why couples partake in marriage counselling. 

If you’re asking yourself, Where can I find marriage therapy near me? Here are a few tips for finding a therapist that’s a good fit for you and your partner. 

Do They Specialize in Marriage Counselling?

So you’ve made the decision to seek professional help. We applaud you. A crucial piece of partnering with an effective couple’s counsellor lies in finding a professional you feel naturally comfortable with.

It’s pivotal to look for a local licensed therapist who specializes in addressing relationship issues. Without the proper training or experience in treating marital-related issues, you run the risk of potentially inflicting added, unwanted damage to your relationship. 

According to the HuffPost, “Some signs that your therapist is qualified are that he/she has a degree in marriage/couple/family therapy, or is a mental health professional with special training/certifications in marital counselling, such as Gottman-based therapy, a PREP, Inc. certification, a PAIRS certification, or training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).”

When conducting research, invest some time in reading through a therapist’s online reviews. Or, if you’re unsure of what type of credentials someone holds, simply ask them directly about their experience, background and training. 

Marriage Therapy Near Me: Interviewing Candidates

If you’ve found two or three therapists that appear to be a good fit, the next step is to schedule a session or phone call to interview each contender. The goal is to uncover which couple’s counsellor can adequately accommodate both you and your partner’s needs. During your conversation, you’ll have the opportunity to assess if the therapist is empathetic, compassionate and operates as an unbiased, objective third party. 

To help drive a successful conversation, here are some questions you can ask the marriage counsellor:

• Do you have formal experience in couple’s therapy? What type of educational background or training as a mental health professional do you have?

• What can I expect if we work together? This question should prompt a deeper discussion – covering elements like session length, how sessions are structured, the assessment process, what type of treatment they offer and more. 

• How often do you work with couples? What percentage of them experienced an improvement in their relationship as a result of therapy?

• If you’re seeking someone who has expertise handling a specific issue, such as infidelity, you can ask the therapist about his or her experience and viewpoint regarding the topic.

Every married couple can benefit from marital therapy. There’s always an opportunity for couples to forge deeper bonds and improve communication. If you’re facing some more complex issues, working with a licensed therapist is an effective way to find common ground, mend problems and even repair or save your marriage.

To learn more about how the experts at My Winnipeg Therapist can help you and your partner with couples/marriage counselling, Contact us today.

The post Marriage Therapy Near Me: How to Choose the Right Therapist first appeared on My Winnipeg Therapist.