It snuck up on me but Willow Tree Counselling is now 15! The history of my practice and a few observations along the way. Props to my clients too.

The ritual of tea enters the counselling space.

Some of the things that motivated me, and continue to motivate me, to pursue this path.

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

For therapists searching for a clinical supervisor, this can be hard! Let’s look at factors to help clarify the process.

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

Tackling perfectionism with a distinctly underwhelming approach.

Me getting vulnerable about why seeing myself as old, or at least older, has been difficult, but maybe a little interesting too.

Can slowness ease anxiety? This counsellor thinks so.

Life lessons learned from a jumble of yarn.

The rise of virtual therapy leaves an old-time counsellor continuing to contemplate the future of in-person counselling.

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

An unexpected client death leaves this counsellor trying to process a loss, so very difficult to comprehend.

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

I revisit this topic 12 years later and in the process learn that teaching others how to find a therapist and finding one myself are two very different experiences.

Counsellors have their own life issues: it’s part of being human. What does this mean for counselling clients?

This counsellor officially opens up about her hearing loss for the first time.

Reasons for counsellor absences with some possible benefits for clients too.

Why counsellors get into the profession, including the qualities that can help them be of service to clients.

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

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.

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

An in-depth look at the situation of dual relationships in a counselling context.

A light-hearted take on what counsellors get up to when their counselling door is closed and they’re not counselling.

Pathways to becoming a counsellor in British Columbia.

An attempt to clarify the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists.

Touching on basic information about social work and social workers that might be relevant to the public, with apologies to social work historians and academics.

The ins and outs of the counselling receipt.

Is wondering about your counsellor’s life outside the therapy office just a question of curiosity? At the heart of this question are some deeper ones.

Digging deep into the topic of confidentiality in counselling.

Guest writer and counsellor Susie Merz reflects on her experience in a therapeutic flotation tank.

Understanding boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.

If in addition to the clinical benefit you receive from therapy, you connect with your counsellor on a human level, odds are that counselling will be a more positive experience for you.

The glory of the social work profession. Yes, really!

Cancelling an appointment should be a straightforward process and is always better than just not showing up.

Lost in the acronyms? Read here to find out what the letters behind your counsellor’s name really mean.

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

Why it is in clients’ best interest to understand what counsellor burnout looks like so that steps can be taken to avoid it in the therapy relationship.

Understanding differences and similarities between ‘counselling’ and ‘psychotherapy.’

The counsellor sits on the client couch and learns a thing or two.