Kristen Johnston

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 […]

In a world filled with small talk, smiling emojis, and “Have a nice day!” platitudes, we’ve come to prize niceness. We’re taught to be agreeable, to smooth over discomfort, and to avoid conflict at all costs. But what if being “nice” isn’t always what the world needs? What if what we really need is more

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

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

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

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

Mental health support shouldn’t make you feel broken.And yet, many people who walk through the doors of therapy have already internalized the idea that something is “wrong” with them—that they are flawed, sick, or damaged. But what if healing didn’t begin with fixing?What if it began with remembering your wholeness? At Juniper Counselling, we believe

If you’ve ever felt like therapy was too clinical, too fast, or just didn’t “get you,” trauma-informed counselling might offer the safety and understanding you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, this approach centres your experience, dignity, and emotional safety. Juniper Counselling in Port Moody specializes in trauma-informed

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and no two experiences are exactly the same. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one (human or pet), navigating a divorce, or adjusting to a major life change, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. At Juniper Counselling in Port Moody, we offer gentle, trauma-informed support to