The holidays are often framed as a time to rest. Time off work. Slower mornings. Fewer meetings. And yet, many people arrive at January feeling depleted, foggy, or oddly unmotivated—wondering why all that “time off” didn’t translate into feeling restored. At Juniper Counselling, we often remind clients: rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. True rest goes far beyond […]
This handbook is grounded in a commitment to fostering deeper understandings and connections to how we can support magnifying climate change impacts on individual and community mental health and wellbeing. The goal of this resource is to offer an accessible, easy-to-engage touchpoint for people looking to connect with climate wellbeing information, strategies and pathways to
Climate Doom to Messy Hope Handbook Read More »
For people who look “fine” on the outside but feel exhausted on the inside. In Port Moody, Coquitlam, and the wider Tri-Cities, so many people are juggling demanding careers, families, caregiving roles, community commitments—and still showing up with a smile. On paper, everything looks “fine.” Inside? Not so much. This experience has a name: high-functioning
What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed but Still High-Functioning Read More »
You’ve probably heard the word “trigger”—something that sends your nervous system into stress or survival mode. But did you know there’s an opposite? They’re called glimmers—tiny moments that help your body feel calm, connected, or even quietly joyful. What Are Glimmers? The term glimmers was coined by therapist Deb Dana, a leading voice in Polyvagal Theory—the science of how our
Finding Glimmers: Small Moments That Help Us Feel Safe, Seen, and Alive Read More »
Motherhood is one of the most meaningful roles a person can have—but it can also be overwhelming. Many mothers experience “the emotional load of motherhood”: the invisible, constant responsibility of planning, worrying, managing, and caring for the entire family. Add in exhaustion, social expectations, and limited support, and it’s no surprise that so many women
How to Manage the Emotional Load of Motherhood (and Avoid Mom Burnout) Read More »
We all have an inner voice — the steady stream of thoughts that narrates our day, revisits conversations, and worries about what might come next. Sometimes, that voice can be helpful, offering reflection and insight. But when it loops endlessly on the same fear or regret, it becomes rumination — and that’s when our mental health takes
How to Stop Rumination Read More »
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and effective approaches to mental health support. At Juniper Counselling, we use CBT with kindness, curiosity, and evidence-based expertise to help you navigate challenges and build lasting change. A Collaborative Approach CBT isn’t something “done to” you — it’s a collaborative process. In your
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Finding Balance Through Life’s Transition At Juniper Counselling, we often meet women who feel like they’re “losing themselves” in midlife. They describe sudden mood swings, brain fog, irritability, or anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere. Understandably, many worry something is “wrong” with them, or that they’re going crazy. Here’s the truth: sometimes what
Menopause and Mental Health Read More »
At Juniper Counselling, we often meet clients who feel stuck swinging between two extremes: feeling “less than” (shame) and feeling “more than” (grandiosity). While they may seem like opposites, both are fuelled by the same energy—an inner spotlight that keeps us focused on how we measure up in the eyes of others. This constant self-evaluation
The Hidden Connection Between Shame and Grandiosity Read More »
Many people turn to cannabis to help with sleep. While it can seem like a quick fix, the effects are more complex than they appear. Cannabis may help you fall asleep faster, but it can also disrupt the deeper stages of rest your body truly needs. At Juniper Counselling, we often hear clients wondering if
Cannabis and Sleep: What You Need to Know Read More »
