Kristen Johnston

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, there’s an unspoken expectation that we should feel better. More energy. More motivation. More joy. But for many people, spring doesn’t feel like a fresh start—it feels surprisingly heavy. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Why do I feel worse when everything is supposed to

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek counselling. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. For many, anxiety arrives with a diagnosis—anxiety disorder—and with it, a quiet (or loud) belief: Something is wrong with me. But what if anxiety isn’t always a disorder? What if, in many cases, anxiety is a reasonable response to the

In recent months, there has been renewed criticism and “debunking” conversations surrounding Polyvagal Theory, originally proposed by Stephen Porges. For many therapists — and many clients — this has felt unsettling. Polyvagal language has shaped how we talk about trauma, safety, shutdown, and connection. Concepts like ventral vagal, sympathetic activation, and dorsal collapse have become

If you’ve ever looked for mental health support, you’ve probably seen the words counselling and psychotherapy used almost interchangeably. It can leave you wondering: Are they the same thing? Is one “more serious”? Am I supposed to choose? The truth is: both counselling and psychotherapy are valuable, effective ways to support your mental health. The

Boundaries Aren’t About Distance — They’re About Connection Boundaries aren’t walls — they’re communication tools.They tell others: “Here’s how to connect with me in a way that feels respectful and safe.” Many people associate boundaries with shutting people out, but in truth, they are the foundation of emotional closeness. Without boundaries, connection becomes confusing or