Kristen Johnston

Counselling in Port Moody

Why Counselling Isn’t Just for People with “Serious” Mental Health Issues

When many people think about counselling, they imagine someone in crisis—struggling with depression, trauma, or a major mental health breakdown. At Juniper Counselling in Port Moody, we see counselling differently. While therapy can absolutely support people during those hard times, it’s also a powerful resource for everyday life. Counselling isn’t only for people with a […]

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middle school

Back-to-School Confidence: Helping Middle Schoolers Ease Anxiety and Thrive

Middle school can be a mix of excitement, independence, and—let’s be honest—big emotions. As summer winds down, many kids feel a swirl of anticipation and worry. A new grade means new teachers, new classmates, and sometimes new expectations. For kids prone to anxiety, this change can feel overwhelming. Here’s how you can help your middle

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cell phone use reduces connection

When Connection Leaves Us Feeling More Alone: What Social Media Is Doing to Our Minds

Is Social Media Making Us More Anxious? How Counselling in Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam Can Help.   Over the past decade, researchers, parents, and mental health professionals have been watching an unsettling trend: young people are reporting higher rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self-doubt. Some experts, like psychologist Jonathan Haidt (author of

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loneliness epidemic blog post

Feeling Lonely? You’re Not Alone — And It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Have you ever felt like you’re the only one who doesn’t have weekend plans? Or like everyone else seems to be doing just fine—while you’re quietly feeling disconnected? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, loneliness is becoming such a big issue in Canada (especially here in BC) that people are calling it a

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idiot compassion vs. wise compassion

Idiot Compassion vs. Wise Compassion: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter in Therapy?

At Juniper Counselling, we often speak about compassion as one of our core values — creating spaces where clients feel seen, supported, and safe. But not all compassion is created equal. In fact, there’s a term coined by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa that captures this beautifully: idiot compassion. While it may sound harsh at

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You're Welcome in therapy

Who’s Welcoming Who? Why ‘You Are Welcome Here’ Feels so Cringy

When you’re looking for a therapist you will inevitably see the phrase “You are welcome here.” It’s often intended as a gesture of inclusivity, a way to create a safe atmosphere and affirm that all identities, stories, and struggles are invited into the room. However, this well-meaning phrase subtly reinforces a dynamic we at Juniper

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Why Consistency is important to therapy

Why Consistency is Key in Therapy: What the Research Says About Frequency and Length of Treatment

At Juniper Counselling Port Moody, we often say that therapy is a journey—not a quick fix. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How often should I come?” or “How long will this take?” The answer depends on a few personal factors, but there’s one thing that research and experience agree on: consistency

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