Living Fully

Pride Month is often centred on visibility and celebration, but many queer folks continue to face stigma, discrimination, and uncertainty.  In this episode of Living Fully, we continue the conversation with counsellor Rasha Taha, exploring how these experiences show up in everyday life, from microaggressions to more direct forms of exclusion, and their impact on mental health over time. We also lo...

Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In this episode of Living Fully, counsellor Rasha Taha explores the history of Pride, the importance of visibility, and how identity is shaped by both personal experiences and the world around us.  This episode also touches on how identity develops over time, the role curiosity and support pla...

The world can feel overwhelming right now. Between constant news updates, political tension, financial stress, and social media, many people are carrying anxiety, exhaustion, and uncertainty. In this episode of Living Fully, we talk to counsellor Krystal Blacklock about the mental health impact of living in a constantly connected world. We explore why so many people are feeling powerless right now...

For many people, starting counselling can feel unfamiliar, intimidating, or even a little overwhelming. You might wonder what to say, whether your problems are “serious enough,” or how your information stays private and confidential. In this episode, we talk with psychologist Jelena Radan and social worker Laura McNeil about the realities of counselling, from first sessions and confidentiality to...

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles we take on, but it can also be one of the most demanding. Registered social worker, Camille Kim explores the mental and emotional toll of caregiving. Whether you’re supporting an aging parent, a partner, or a child, caregiving often comes with a complex mix of responsibility, love, stress, and exhaustion. Camille shares how burnout can show up ove...

AI is showing up in more and more parts of daily life, including how people look for support when they’re feeling anxious, alone, or overwhelmed. In this episode, counsellors Sarah Rosenfeld and Denis Sushkin talk about how artificial intelligence is being used in relation to mental health, why it can feel appealing, and where its limits really matter. They talk about the accessibility and conveni...

We all worry sometimes. But when does worry become anxiety, and how can you tell the difference? In this episode, social worker Carmen Sadoway talks about how anxiety works, why it can feel so intense, and how it often connects to uncertainty, change, and the urge to prepare for every possible outcome. You’ll learn to recognize the physical signs of anxiety, panic attacks, explore both helpful and...

This episode originally aired February 6, 2024.  Beyond allowing us to pay the bills, the way we make our living can fill us with purpose and can be a part of our identity. But it’s not uncommon for our work life to bring up feelings of worry and anxiety. The pressures of longer hours, inflexible schedules, and demanding workloads can contribute to increased stress, creating a delicate balance bet...

Is it okay to laugh when things feel hard? In this episode of  Living Fully , we talk to psychologist Joel Zimmerman about humour and laughter as a coping strategy. He explains how laughter affects stress hormones, why it can calm your nervous system, and how it helps break up all-or-nothing thinking. You’ll also hear about the balance between levity and sensitivity, how family and culture shape o...

What if your worth isn’t measured by your productivity? So many of us move through life chasing the next milestone — the next promotion, the next goal, the next improvement — believing that if we just achieve a little more, we’ll finally feel like enough. But that constant striving often comes at a cost. In this conversation, we talk with registered psychologist, Lisa McIsaac about how perfectioni...

If money worries are keeping you up at night, you’re not alone. Counsellors Joel Zimmerman and Long Zhou talk about how financial stress shows up emotionally, physically, and in our relationships—think irritability, isolation, avoidance, and that “I can’t keep up” feeling. They dig into why money triggers a survival response, and share practical shifts that can help better cope. "Living Fully" is...

Good mental health isn’t the absence of pain. It’s how we respond to it. In this episode we’re joined by Claire Masikewich, who shares her experience navigating her daughter Sloan’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and relapse — and how her family continues to cope through uncertainty, grief, and fear. Claire speaks candidly about the early shock of diagnosis, the ongoing emotional toll, and the pract...

Loneliness is more common than we think, but it doesn’t always look the way we expect. You can be surrounded by people, busy at work, active on social media – and still feel deeply alone. In this episode of Living Fully , we talk with counsellor Rasha Taha from Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta about loneliness in a real, relatable way. They explore what loneliness is, why it show...

The holidays can be meaningful and memorable—but they can also be exhausting. Between family expectations, packed calendars, gift exchanges, and tighter budgets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, counsellor Denis Shushkin shares practical strategies for managing holiday stress and maintaining healthy relationships. Denis shares how to: Set boundaries with family around gatherings, co...

For many men, identity is tied to being strong, steady, and responsible for providing to their family. But those expectations aren’t always healthy or realistic. In this episode of Living Fully, we talk to counsellors Sarah Rosenfeld and Joel Zimmerman about how identity, masculinity, and mental health intersect. They discuss the ways pressure shows up in daily life, why some coping strategies sto...

Breakups are a common reason people reach out for counselling. In this episode, counsellor  Rasha Taha joins Katherine to discuss what make breakups so painful. They talk about what healthy grieving looks like, how to rebuild confidence and self-worth, and the small daily habits that can help you recover and feel like yourself again.  "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professio...

Starting counselling is a big step, and finding the right person can make all the difference. In this episode, counsellor Rasha Taha talks about the importance of the counsellor-client relationship, what a “good fit” actually means, and how to find a counsellor that is a good fit for you.  You’ll hear practical advice on how to find the best counsellor for you, how to ask for a new counsellor if n...

Social connection is one of the strongest protectors against depression. In this episode, we talk with registered social worker, Sarah Rosenfeld about why human connection is so important for our mental health, and how to keep relationships alive when motivation is thin. We also hear from Maddi, a Calgary Counselling Centre client, who shares how individual and group counselling helped her feel le...

Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns — and also one of the most treatable. In this episode, we talk with psychologist Long Zhou about what depression really feels like, the signs it may be time to seek help, and how counselling can make a difference. We explore what to expect when starting counselling, why early support matters, and the small but powerful changes that can he...

We often hear the word “trauma,” but what does it actually mean? In this episode, we talk with counsellor Ashley Enzie about what trauma is, how it can show up in our thoughts, emotions, and bodies, and why each person’s experience is unique. We cover common signs, the role of triggers, and ways to start building safety and support—whether you’re ready for counselling or just beginning to explore...

Social media is part of everyday life, but the constant comparisons, late-night scrolling, and pressure to post can take a toll—especially on teens. In this episode, Katherine sits down with counsellors Mansi Saini and Krystal Blacklock to explore the impact of scrolling on teen mental health—and what can help.  "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. ...

In this episode we continue the conversation with counsellors Aja Manning and Nicole Ward about helping kids navigate big emotions. We explore what happens in children’s counselling, the role of parents, and what behaviours or changes might signal that it’s time to reach out for help. You’ll also hear about the importance of validation, play therapy, and what to do when parenting doesn’t go as pla...

Kids can experience emotions that feel overwhelming, with reactions that might seem outsized compared to what’s happening in the moment. And sometimes they need help understanding and managing these feelings. In this episode, counsellors Aja Manning and Nicole Ward share practical, everyday ways parents and caregivers can support children through tough moments. They explore how to co-regulate, mod...

The early days of a relationship are often full of excitement, ease, and spark — but what happens when things settle down? In this episode, Calgary Counselling Centre counsellor Kyle Ho talks about how relationships evolve over time and what helps keep them strong. Learn how to stay close with your partner, communicate openly, and keep the relationship fresh, even when life gets busy. From navigat...

Whether it’s a big presentation, a job interview, a performance, pressure has a way of getting to all of us—no matter how prepared we are. In this episode, psychologist Joel Zimmerman and professional bagpiper Daniel Lidgren, talk about what performance anxiety really is and how to manage it. You’ll hear Daniel’s personal story of grappling with anxiety on stage, and Joel’s insights into what happ...