Living Fully

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode of Living Fully , Paula shares how her journey from Colombia to Canada, and her efforts to build a successful life, led to burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress.  Paula opens up about the pressure of cultural expectations, the experience of being an immigrant navigating unfamiliar systems, and how counselling helped her reflect, r...

Job loss can shake your confidence, your sense of purpose, and even how you see yourself. In this episode, we talk with social worker Jessica Sitko about the emotional toll of losing a job and how to start putting the pieces back together. We explore why careers often feel so tied to our identity and what it looks like to rebuild self-worth when that identity is shaken. You’ll hear practical advic...

Change is part of life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether it’s something positive like starting a new job, or something more difficult like financial instability or big world events, uncertainty can be hard to sit with. So how do we know when normal stress tips into anxiety? And what can we do to feel more steady during unpredictable times? In this episode, social worker Rasha Taha joins hos...

From a young age, many of us start comparing how we look to others—and those comparisons can stick with us for years. Whether it’s pressure to stay a certain size, hide signs of aging, or meet a beauty standard that feels impossible, how we see ourselves can have a major impact on our mental health. In this episode, host Katherine Hurtig talks with social worker Sharona Pilmeister about where our...

How we think about challenges, setbacks, and our own abilities can shape the way we navigate life. In this episode, psychologist Joel Zimmerman joins us to talk about the power of a growth mindset—what it is, why it matters, and how shifting the way we view failures can have a major impact on our mental well-being. We explore why it’s so easy to focus on the negative when things go wrong and how s...

The relationships we have with our families shape so much of who we are—from how we communicate to how we see ourselves and handle emotions. But when those relationships are challenging, they can take a toll on our mental well-being. In this episode, social worker Shannon McKinnon joins us to talk about how family dynamics can impact mental health in both positive and difficult ways. She shares ho...

Shame is a deeply personal and often painful emotion, yet it’s something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. In this episode, psychologist Lisa McIsaac helps us understand what shame really is, how it differs from guilt, and why it can feel so isolating. We explore where shame comes from, how it develops over time, the impact it has on mental health and self-esteem, and why it can b...

Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a celebration of romantic love, but for many people, it can be a tough day—especially if you’re single, recently out of a relationship, or grieving a loss. In this episode, social worker Camille Kim shares how to navigate the emotions that can come up and ways to make the day meaningful, no matter your relationship status. We explore why Valentine’s Day can fe...

Why are goals such an important part of counselling? In this episode, social worker Carmen Sadoway helps us understand how setting meaningful goals can give you direction and clarity, no matter what you’re going through—whether it’s depression, anxiety, grief, stress, or just feeling stuck. We’ll chat about: Why goals can act like a compass, pointing you toward the changes you want to make.  How c...

The start of a new year can feel like a time for fresh beginnings, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the pressure to reinvent yourself and set new year’s resolutions. In this episode of Living Fully , we explore how to reflect on the past year with gratitude and self-compassion, set meaningful intentions, and build habits that support mental well-being. Our guest, psychologist Lisa McIsaac, shar...

The holidays come with a lot of expectations. This episode of Living Fully explores the emotional complexities of the holiday season, highlighting the pressures that can lead to feelings of loneliness, even when surrounded by others. Social worker, Sharona Pilmeister, talks about why the holidays can be challenging for those who are alone, whether due to grief, distance, strained relationships, or...

This episode explores the mental and emotional challenges new parents face as they adjust to life with a newborn. Counsellor Jennifer Grassie talks about how parenthood can impact both moms and dads differently, from balancing work and family roles to handling feelings of responsibility, self-doubt, and overwhelming pressure to "get everything right."  Our conversation covers practical self-care s...

Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, we talk to Stefan De Villiers, Christine Berry, and Kyle Ho – counsellors at Calgary Counselling Centre - about the many forms of abuse beyond the physical, including emotional, financial, digital, and spiritual abuse, and the often-hidden impacts these those who have experienced the abus...

Depression often makes you want to shut yourself off from the world, but staying connected can be a key part of feeling better. In this episode, Katherine Hurtig sits down with Sarah Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Counselling at Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta, to explore the role social connections play in overcoming depression. They talk about how loved ones can offer suppor...

On this episode, we’re re-running our conversation from October 3, 2023, with registered social workers, Anna Hemens and Camille Kim about how small actions can have a big impact on our mental health.   When we’re feeling depressed even the most basic, daily activities can feel overwhelming, and the thought of feeling better can seem out of reach. But small, manageable actions, while they may seem...

In this episode, we explore the nuances of supporting someone you care about through their mental health journey. Learn how to recognize the signs that a loved one might be struggling, and the best approaches for having open, empathetic conversations about mental health. We explore the importance of active listening and share practical tips on where and how to learn more about mental health. We al...

Knowing what to do when your child is struggling with their mental health can be overwhelming. This episode breaks down the signs of childhood depression and offers practical advice for parents. Recognizing Symptoms: Children may not always express their feelings verbally, in this episode we walk you through some of the signs to look for, both physical and behavioural, and how these symptoms diffe...

In this episode, we welcome Derek Caperton, research officer at Calgary Counselling Centre, to talk about the role of research and data in mental health counselling. He’ll give his perspective on how studies and data analysis are shaping the future of counselling. Our conversation covers how research improves counselling outcomes, how counsellors apply these insights in practice, and what limitati...

In this episode of Living Fully, we explore the challenges that come with college and university life. From juggling classes, part-time jobs, and a social life to maintaining healthy habits, the demands of post-secondary education can be overwhelming. Psychologist Joel Zimmerman discusses the realities of student life and offers strategies for managing stress and time effectively. We delve into co...

Couples counselling isn’t just for when your relationship is struggling. In this episode, social worker, Denis Sushkin, talks about how counselling can help couples in many ways including guiding you and your partner in making important decisions, processing feelings, and navigating the end of a relationship, especially when children are involved. The episode covers such topics as how to get the m...

In this episode, social worker Stephanie Warner, with her expertise in holistic nutrition and eating psychology, delves into the profound connection between our diet and mental health. Discover how the quality of our food impacts our mood and overall well-being, and gain insights into managing mental health issues like anxiety and depression through nutrition. Stephanie shares practical examples o...

Finishing high school. Moving away from home, heading to university. Starting your first “real job.” These are big, exciting changes. You gain more independence but the path to adulthood can also feel overwhelming at times. In this episode, we explore the unique mental health challenges that young adults face as they transition to adulthood. Psychologist Wardah Elahi sheds light on these challenge...

Ever notice how after a workout, you feel better, calmer, happier, and more relaxed? That’s because physical activity plays a crucial role in your mental health. Engaging in regular exercise of any form, it doesn’t need to be strenuous, and you don’t need to get an expensive gym membership, releases “feel-good” chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, elevating your mood and reducing st...

Self-esteem influences how we view ourselves and the world around us, which directly impacts our mental health. Low levels of self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and hopelessness, creating a cycle of self-doubt and negative thoughts. In our last episode, we explored the intricacies of self-esteem and its impact on our lives. Today, we’re taking it a step further and hear...

Self-esteem is essential for your mental health. The way you think and feel about yourself affects all aspects of your life. It plays a role in your relationships, your work, and how you approach your goals. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more confident in your relationships and have the passion and motivation to work towards your future. But there are many factors that can affect your...