Living Fully

Grief is one of the most human emotions you can experience- it’s inevitable that at some point in our lives, we’ll all experience it.  Everyone experiences grief in their own way, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with loss. Knowing how to navigate the complex emotions that come from grief and loss can be overwhelming.   On this episode of Living Fully, our host Katherine Hurtig...

Although perceptions about counselling have evolved, there are still many myths about how counselling works and whether it helps or not.  These misconceptions can be barriers for some people who could benefit from counselling. On this Living Fully episode, social worker Sarah Rosenfeld walks us through some of the main misconceptions about counselling. She explains how counselling works, what to e...

For a lot of people, the idea of practicing self-compassion can be challenging. Many of us were brought up seeking external validation and believing in the words of other people more than our own experiences. This can make it hard to ignore our inner critic and reframe our thoughts to be more compassionate.  On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker...

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 between professional fulfilment and emotional well-b...

When you struggle with anxiety or depression, it can feel incredibly isolating, and learning how to navigate these emotions can seem like an uphill battle. Through the lens of personal experience, our host, Katherine Hurtig, sheds light on the transformative power of counselling. On this episode of Living Fully, we’re turning the tables. Our host, Katherine Hurtig, shares her story about her journ...

December is in full swing, and you know what that means — a mix of festive vibes, holiday joy as well as stress and expectations. While the holiday season can be a wonderful time for celebration, quality time with loved ones, and a chance to unwind from the demands of daily life, it also presents its own set of challenges. Family gatherings, holiday commitments, and financial pressures can be over...

On this episode, host Katherine Hurtig talks with Stefan De Villiers, registered social worker about domestic abuse experienced by men. Stefan talks about the common misunderstandings and negative beliefs people have about this issue. The episode explores the various forms of abuse, some of which may not be so obvious, and how they impact a person's mental well-being. From emotional and psychologi...

The rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among men, clearly indicate that men are struggling with their mental health. These struggles stem from a variety of factors that require attention if we are to achieve meaningful change. To further address these concerns, we present the third instalment of our four-part series on men's mental health. In this episode, Che Burnett, a registered s...

Everyone can experience a range of mental health problems, but they often differ in how comfortable they are discussing their feelings. The societal expectations around what it means to be a man, and the stigma around reaching out for help continues to pose challenges. To help address these issues, we’re focusing on men’s mental health. we continue with part two of our four-part men’s mental healt...

Men all over the world are struggling with their mental health. Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among men continue to rise. There are many underlying factors to these challenges that need to be addressed in order for meaningful change to happen. To help address these issues we’re focusing on men’s mental health. For the next four episodes we’ll be talking about the challenges men are experi...

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 insignificant, are the key to helping us feel like ourselves again. Whether it's the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning, or having a shower, taking a walk, or reaching out to a friend, tack...

Depression and anxiety are different, but it’s quite common to experience the feelings of anxiety and depression at the same time. On this episode of Living Fully, Katherine Hurtig talks with registered psychologist, Wardah Elahi, about the differences between these two mental health concerns and why they often show up together. Learn tips and strategies to manage the symptoms of anxiety and depre...

Boundaries play a crucial role in maintaining our well-being and creating healthy connections whether it’s with our partner, family, and work, or even with ourselves. Setting boundaries is more than just saying 'no' to things that don't serve us. It’s about saying 'yes' to our own needs. On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered psychologist, Curtis Bader, and re...

Even the hardest working parents with the best intentions make mistakes sometimes. As humans, making mistakes is inevitable, but it’s important to give ourselves compassion when we mess up. Having self-compassion can improve your mental health and the relationships you have with your children.   On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker, Denis Sushk...

Anxiety is a common feeling that most of us experience at some point in our lives. However, for people who struggle with anxiety, it can feel like it takes over their life and stops them from doing the things they enjoy. We experience anxiety when we overestimate potential risks and underestimate our ability to handle them. With the help of different coping strategies, instead of being something n...

Back-to-school is an exciting time for a lot of students, but it can also be the cause of added stress. As the new school year begins, it’s essential to address the challenges and anxieties that can occur for both children and parents.  On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker, Nicole Ward, about how stress and anxiety can show up for parents and k...

How do we know counselling works?  Your physical vital signs can be easily measured, but when it comes to mental health, how do we know that clients are benefiting from the counselling process? In this episode, we talk with Cathy Keough, registered social worker and Director of Counselling Initiatives at Calgary Counselling Centre about the effectiveness of counselling, and how we can measurably s...

Communication is key to healthy relationships with everyone in our lives. But conflict and disagreements are an inevitable part of interacting with others.   On this episode of Living Fully, we talk to Stefan de Villiers, registered social worker, about how to have difficult conversations. Whether it’s a conversation with a co-worker we don’t get along with, or an argument with our partner, these...

Please note: Krista Beck is incorrectly described at one point as a "registered social worker" when she is in fact a registered psychologist. When life throws you a curve ball, how do you deal with it? How do you manage stress in your life? There are many different and effective ways to cope — but do you know what methods are best for you? On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig tal...

In early May, the Government of Alberta declared a provincial state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burned throughout the province, forcing tens of thousands from their homes.  A climate event of this nature is obviously very stressful for those impacted as their lives, homes, and businesses are at risk.  In this bonus episode, Katherine Hurtig talks to Sarah Rosenfeld, registered social wor...

On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered social worker Diana Izard about ways to express assertiveness, boundaries, and the healthiest ways to communicate. They cover the traits of both passive and aggressive communication, ways to practice and work towards your personal needs, and how to deal with someone who may be testing your comfort zone.  This podcast epis...

On this episode of Living Fully, host Katherine Hurtig talks with registered psychologist Krista Beck about social media and its relation to your mental health. They cover the positive and negative impacts social media can have on mental health, the difference between social media ideation and reality, parenting and social media, and how to spot the red flags surrounding posts that may be more har...

The relationship you have with your partner can bring so much joy and meaning to your life. But these relationships aren’t without their challenges. Despite the love you have for each other, a healthy relationship requires intentional focus and commitment. On this episode, we talk with registered social worker Anna Hemens about the key ingredients to a healthy relationship. Learn important communi...