Why I write (a lot) about what I know.

When cutting corners leads to nervous system consequences.

Digging deep on the topic and practice of change.

Megan decides that it’s time for another end-of-year reflection.

Tackling perfectionism with a distinctly underwhelming approach.

An exploration of some of the reasons why you might choose self-help, therapy, or a combination of both.

Can slowness ease anxiety? This counsellor thinks so.

Life lessons learned from a jumble of yarn.

An article in contradictions: being challenged by gratitude lists’ tricky bits, but seeing their value just the same. Megan also reveals her 2022 list.

A therapist’s personal account and reckoning about the meaning of vacations.

Exploring the common phenomenon of feeling stuck, with some strategies to encourage taking the next step.

The normalization of therapy in our society, including “proactive therapy,” is all good, right? Yes! (mostly).

A closer look at some of the reasons why the holiday season might not work for you.

A counsellor takes a stab at understanding her own experience with overwhelm, including her part in it.

Musings on mental self care during the holidays.

The impact of COVID-19 has stretched us to the max: physically, emotionally, socially and practically. As we cope with all of this, should our coping be subject to scrutiny too?

A reluctant, self-confessed exercise-hater takes another kick at the can with a boring-as-hell exercise plan.

Exploring the merits of connecting with emotional discomfort.

This counsellor is shocked when her previous standard of of minimal screen time is blown wide open.

A sobering reflection on how lofty personal expectations during COVID-19 have yielded some very human results.

My reflections on coping with COVID-19 self-confinement.

If healthy interpersonal boundaries were easy, we’d all be doing it! But it’s a reward that’s worth it.

Reflecting on “goals,” Willow Tree Counselling-style.

Most of us feel like imposters at some point in our lives. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

A baking episode-gone-bad prompts me to take out the slop both literally and emotionally.

A social worker is surprised to find herself ‘suddenly’ mid-career.

Getting personal about a breadmaking day gone bad (and what I did about it).

I’m interested in the question of whether present actions can have implications for our future self, particularly when such actions are done with the mindset and foresight of caring for our future self.

“Nothing will interfere with my…happiness.” I’ve learned a lot from that quote, referencing it many times in my own sessions, as it has caused me to think about the meaning of happiness and its role in life.

I recently heard someone using the term ‘under new management’ to reflect the idea of doing life differently—in new and healthier ways. I liked this idea and sought to expand on it.

Recognizing over-apologizing and what to do about it.

For those who are intrigued, and want to consider alternative options to avoidance, there may be something in this article for you.

Gratitude does not depend on getting, or possessing, despite the fact that it is often experienced as a state of abundance.

Just because actions are self-caring doesn’t necessarily mean that they feel self-caring.

Coping with the unexpected in our day-to-day.

If seeking help were easy, people would just do it; it takes a lot of fortitude to reach out to a therapist. 

A sudden crisis and how I worked through it.

Exploring the psychological dilemma between letting go of the comfort of self-pity and challenging oneself with new, healthier alternatives.

Feeling bad about so-called “unacceptable” feelings and what to do about them.

Moving house on a short timeline prompted questions to myself about clutter, housework, motivation and personality.

Mindfulness practice. Not fancy, not easy but it works!

Resolutions should be lifestyle-workable, interesting, fun and engaging….and an option any time of year!

Understanding the tendency to please and how to work on it.

It takes guts to parent in a way that is genuine for you personally while also living in a world where the concept of the parent who can “do it all” is celebrated.

Talking about ways of working with worry so that it doesn’t overwhelm. A follow up article to When Worry Takes Hold, Part 1.

Some observations about worry and some options for change.

Understanding loneliness during the holiday season and adopting some practical workarounds.

Dealing with an unanticipated office change and meditating on the reality of impermanence.

How to be a better listener.

Everything around us in a state of flux and change constantly.  Most of us prefer not to think about this.

When it comes to holidays, there are a lot of ideals to “live up to.”  Sometimes we react to these messages by trying to attain them…perfectly!

Emotional and physical attachments are by nature rigid and inflexible.  The more we hold on, the more we suffer. There is an alternative.

A recovering messy-holic asks some philosophical and psychological questions about the problem.

An article about how I chose to spend my two week vacation in a way that would benefit my own mind.

A bus ride like no other.

Many of us choose New Year’s resolutions which are doomed to fail. There is another way!

Experiencing the holiday season differently.