There are so many benefits to counselling that we hate to just stop with these. The biggest one we see every day is a decrease in feelings of overwhelm and an increase in feelings of wellbeing. Counselling is a self directed process with the help of a professional to support and guide you, as you work through a new challenge or roadblock that life has presented.  Counselling is not about telling someone what to do, but rather helping them explore feelings and options that might not be clear as they experience the emotions of an event or difficulty.  The best time to seek counselling is, well any time you just feel you need some clarity in life and a fresh view that those close to you cannot provide. So give it a try, do this for yourself and we think you’ll be glad you did.

How would you describe yourself and your counselling approach?

Over the years my approach has become more and more eclectic. I love Mindfulness Based CBT and find myself using more positive therapy strategies these days. We are very good at identifying what we don’t want in our life but it is harder for people to identify what they do want. I like to start there because I like that challenge.

What do you love about being a counsellor?

I love that I get to meet people sometimes in their most vulnerable state and help them find their own strength and power. As a counsellor we get to see people make changes and realize what they are capable of. Sometimes that means helping them let go of things that no longer serve them to make space for new experiences.

One thing that is important in your own self care?

Yoga, EFT or meditation. I am not an EFT practitioner but I actually use it sometimes when I am under stress. I find it gives me clarity. All of these activities calm the mind because my over active brain is what can give me trouble.

What do you do when you hit a roadblock or a speedbump in life?

I usually stop for a day and cry. Once I have that out of my system I go into task mode. I create a plan….well to be honest I create several plans and consider all of my options. I consult with those close to me and I start putting things into action. With any moment of adversity you need to move through it because giving up isn’t an option for me. I use the supports I need and do what has to be done and hope that the experience has helped me grow as a therapist.

What book or article might we find on your nightstand right now?

The books I have on the go are “The Art of Not Giving a Fuck” and “Braving the Wilderness”. One is about learning when to give something our energy and when to just let is go so it doesn’t drain the life out of us. The other is by Brene Brown a favourite author of mine. She has her Phd in social work and she just gets it. Her writings on courage and vulnerability are great reads but this one is about the four practices of true belonging and it really resonates with me, because we all have that need, the need to belong…to be connected.

Kimberley is the owner of Kimberley Gunning Counselling in Niagara

For appointments contact 905-353-5343 or email: kimberleygunning@yahoo.com

Here we go, the start of a new adventure!  We will be posting on topics surrounding living our best lives.  News, wellness strategies, interesting recipes and anything that catches our eye as worthy of talking about. Stay tuned.