Archive for the ‘Thoughts and Therapy’ Category

Forgiving Your Parents

Forgive Your Parents - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Is it necessary to let your parents off the hook?

Robert Karen PhD in his article, Forgiving Your Parents, tells us that forgiveness is the route to happiness, maturity and self-acceptance.

Check out this article if you are contemplating this question.

Move Past A “Rotten” Childhood

Move Past your Rotten Childhood - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Get a new story, no victim mentality.

Check out this article, 7 Best Pieces of Advice For People Who Want To Move Past A Rotten Childhood, by Tracy McMillan, writer for the hit TV series, Mad Men.

Ms. McMillan is no stranger to difficulty with a father with spent most of his time in jail and a prostitute mother who abandoned her. Her advice is brilliant and right to the point.

Say Goodbye to Resentment

Say Goodbye to Resentment - Cheryl Woolstone counselling Blog

“Resentment is the poison you swallow hoping the other person will die.”

This graphic quote from actress Carrie Fisher, reminds us that we are hurting ourselves when we resent another person, and we are giving them control over our emotional state.

Want to loosen the grip of resentment and embrace forgiveness, here are some ideas… Read more »

Feeling Means You’re Dealing

Feeling Means Your Dealing - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Pain may actually be the best thing that happens to you.

It could be the only thing that moves you forward.

Sounds so cliche, I know, trying to convince you on the benefits of pain and loss, but lets dig a little deeper. Read more »

Why Am I Alone?

Why Am I Alone? - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog Post

Do not ask yourself that question.

If you do, you are headed down a path of failure and misery.

The answer propels you on a fault-finding mission, sets you up for agony and self-doubt. The result is diminished self-esteem and confidence.

The answer…you change the question. Read more »

Bipolar Disorder Documentary

Bipolar Disorder Documentary - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Bipolar Disorder devastates families.

Check out this powerful documentary about the impact of  Bipolar Disorder on the family.

Family Matters, follows the lives of four families as they struggle to cope with the manic highs and devastating depressions of their family member.

Tune in on at 10pm on Tuesday May 3rd, Knowledge Network (Canada).

Are You A Flake?

Are You A Flake? - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog Post

Check out this irreverent, smart article by Sonia Simone:

The Complete Flake’s Guide To Getting Things Done

So many of my clients identify themselves as “stuck”, unable to follow through on their ideas, dreams and passions. Big dreamers, poor executors and as a result little confidence and low self esteem.

Learn from Sonia how to stop the “Flaky” and become proud and productive.

Heading For Divorce?

Are You Headed For Divorce? - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog Post

Avoid becoming a divorce statistic.

Pay close attention to the research of Dr. John Gottman!

Learn about the “Masters” and “Disasters” of relationships.

Check out the article, The Top Five Signs That You Are Headed For Divorce. Watch the videotapes of the research couples demonstrating the behaviours that lead to divorce. Can you see yourself in any of these couples?

Stroke of Insight

What does “living in the present moment” really mean?

Go beyond a vague understanding of this concept.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist and brain stroke survivor, discusses the experience of a stroke. Expect to be deeply moved, entertained and inspired by this featured TED Talk.

Your Brain In Love

Your Brain in Love - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Ever hear yourself make any of these statements:

“She drives  me crazy” “I flipped out” “I lost my mind” “He knows the buttons to push to get me going”

Do you want to know why your reactions to certain conflicts are way out of range with the actual situation? 

Understanding the basics of brain functioning can help you make sense of what is happening in your relationship. Read more »

Feeling Yes, Feeling No

Feeling Yes, Feeling No - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Have you ever seen the Jim Carrey movie, “Yes Man”?

Carl, played by Jim Carrey has become withdrawn with an increasingly negative spin on life since his divorce.

A friend invites him to a “YES!” seminar which turns his life around. Carl decides that he is going to stop being a “No Man” and vows to answer “YES!” to every opportunity, request or invitation that comes his way.

How can you apply the power of “YES” to your emotional life? Read more »

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Don't Worry, Be Happy - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Do you live on the sunny side of the street?

Do you live where the grass is always greener?

You know that you are an optimist when you consider a setback or a disappointment to be temporary and changeable.

Are we born with an optimistic temperament? Or can we learn to live on the sunny side of the street? Read more »

Is Your Emotional Bank Account Overdrawn?

Is your Emotional Bank Account Overdrawn? - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Are you drowning in debt?

Spending beyond your means? Not planning for your future?

Our relationship with money can be a metaphor for our personal relationships.

A sound financial house is built on the principal of deposits outweighing withdrawals. You can view your relationship through the same lens. Read more »

Are You a Prisoner of Your Own Thoughts?

Are You A Prisoner Of Your Own Thoughts - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

Put a name to the impulses that direct your actions!

Clients are always relieved to know that there is a more accurate explanation for unhealthy patterns than the explanation they give themselves.

Usually the personal explanation is punitive, self-deprecatory, not inspiring or enlightening. Read more »

Just Let It Go Is Easy To Say

Just Let It Go - Easy For Them To Say - Cheryl Woolstone Counselling Blog

“Let It Go” often means “Get Over It”

And that’s not the most helpful thing to say.

I notice my clients will tell themselves, “I should be able to get over this” and then judge themselves harshly for being unable to do so. It’s not a matter of letting go, you would if you could.

When you move away from the confounding statement “Let It Go” then you can start to think about the idea of “Let It Be”. This changes everything. Read more »

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