Building Bridges Counselling Services

12/24/2025

Boundaries aren’t walls - they are information. They help others understand what matters to you, how you want to be treated, what feels okay and what doesn’t, and what you need to stay connected and well.

When you share a boundary, you are not being difficult. You’re offering clarify bout what supports a healthy relationship.

Boundaries help create trust, respect, and safer connections.

12/24/2025

Learn more about Building Bridges at:

https://buildingbridgescounselling.ca/

12/23/2025

The cultural expectation to be cheerful in December can make sadness or stress feel even heavier.

Your emotions don’t need to match the season. You’re allowed to feel exactly how you feel, without apology.

12/22/2025

Happy end of Hanukkah to all who celebrate from Building Bridges!

12/22/2025

Sometimes the emotion we feel is simple… and the story we attach to it is what makes things heavier. The feeling might be sadness, frustration, disappointment or anxiety.

But the story might sound like:

“I’m too much.”
“I should be over this.”
“I always mess things up.”
“People must think I’m weak.”

The feeling is human. The story is learned. Learned from our past experiences, old beliefs, or moments where we needed to make sense of something, but that no longer serves us. In therapy, we try to gently separate the two: What am I actually feeling, and what story am I adding on top of it?

There can be so much room for compassion when we hold the feeling separate from the (old) story.

12/21/2025

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming. Between gatherings, expectations, and quiet moments, it’s important to care for your mental health as much as your physical health. 💚

Remember: the season is about connection, not perfection. Take care of yourself—you deserve peace and joy. 🌿✨

12/20/2025

As deadlines pile up and we push to wrap things up before the calendar flips, remember: your well‑being matters just as much as the work.

Take breaks when you need them. Be kind to yourself - progress is still progress . And don’t forget to just breathe 💛

You’ve worked hard all year. Finishing strong doesn’t mean burning out—it means carrying yourself forward with care.

💛
🌟

12/19/2025

As the days get shorter, many people notice their confidence dipping too. This isn’t because we’re doing anything wrong but because our energy, routines, and nervous systems naturally shift with the seasons.

If you’re feeling a little less motivated, a little harder on yourself, or craving more reassurance than usual, you’re not alone.

This season, try offering yourself:
• gentler expectations
• more rest than you usually need
• small routines that ground you
• connection with people who feel safe

12/18/2025

12/18/2025

As winter has arrived in Alberta, think about your self-care plan:

• What will you keep consistent (walks, journaling, phone calls)?
• What holiday or winter tradition gets you joy (even a small one)?
• Who will you check in with each week (friend, therapist, peer)?
Planning doesn’t mean ‘rigid’, it means being kind to your future self.

12/17/2025

Everyone has big feelings - it’s part of being human! 💛

Emotional regulation is just a fancy word for learning how to calm your body and brain when those big feelings show up.

Why is it important?

- It helps you think clearly and make good choices.
- It keeps your friendships and family time easier.
- It shows your brain that YOU are the boss, not the feelings.

Remember: having big feelings is okay. Learning how to calm them is a superpower.