Val Edelman Counselling Services

04/17/2024

I'm collaborating with UBC SARAVYC team (https://www.saravyc.ubc.ca/) on the Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey 2024. Their previous surveys in 2014 and 2019 were used to improve health care and social policies for trans youth. It's a national survey, but New Brunswick's trans youth were underrepresented in the past. Given our climate here, it is especially important for trans and nonbinary youth in New Brunswick to have opportunities to share their views and be included. Here is the link to the research team's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/saravyc.ubc/, a reel about the study: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3s4U0FPuHu/ and a link to the study: saravyc.ubc.ca/CTYHS2024. Trans and nonbinary youth 14-25 years old who reside in Canada are eligible to participate. I don't have a TikTok or a Snapchat link, though young folks tell me we should ;). If you have those platforms please share if you feel comfortable to. I can also send you a poster if you are comfortable and willing to display one where youth may see it. Thank you!

05/18/2023

This message seems particularly important now for New Brunswickers when our government is questioning the validity of Policy 713.

10/25/2022

In-person DBT Skills Group starting in November! Yes, in-person and virtual groups are available now 😀! This program has 4 modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The groups are small and we co-create a supportive, non-judgmental environment. The skills we learn and practice are ideal for folks who are tired of responding to emotions in ways that are harmful to themselves and their relationships. It's an ideal opportunity to learn new strategies that are effective, improve your ability to handle intense emotions and improve your relationships. Are you interested? Email me at val@valedelman.ca or call 506-261-7355

10/17/2022

I'm so excited to start the next round of DBT SKills Group! These groups are ideal for people who feel they are on an emotional roller coaster and can't get off the ride. It's one of my favourite activities as a counsellor because DBT Skills work and learning in a safe, supportive environment works. Send me an email if you're interested: val@valedelman.ca

I provide a non-judgmental space where you can talk about your problems, life events, relationships, values, thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. Together, we can discover ways to address your problems and lessen their heaviness on your life. Together, we can discover how you can pursue what is impo...

09/16/2022

I will remain open on Monday September 19, 2022. I also recognize that a day to honour Queen Elizabeth II is also a day to honour a figure head of colonial power. Colonial power was used to enact atrocities on Indigenous peoples around the globe. Personally, I cannot acknowledge a symbolic day to honour the Queen without acknowledging that she did not take responsibility to ensure reparations, reconciliation and respect for Indigenous people.

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01/21/2022

Hi All,
Counselling is recognized as an essential service during NB's lockdown. I continue to offer appointments in person wearing a medical N95 and can offer you an KN95 at the door. If you have any cold/flu symptoms (even with a negative rapid test) please choose the virtual option instead. I will do the same :). Here is a link to my online booking platform for your convenience: https://www.gorendezvous.com/en/valedelman

I would love to hear how you are figuring out ways to have that sense of connection during Covid lockdowns. I heard a strategy a couple of days ago that peaked my interest: opening the window and letting the cold air in, to change the atmosphere inside and connect with outside, with nature. At -29 when walks out there are a bit painful, maybe today is the day to try it. Let me know if you try it too and what it felt like!

11/12/2021

Do you want to try a self-compassion practice?

Notice your breathing for a couple moments.
Put your hand over your heart and feel the warmth.
Notice any difficult thought or emotion about a difficulty, tension, stress.
Ask yourself, "what do I need to hear at this moment to express kindness to myself".
You may want to say, "may I have compassion for myself, may I show myself patience".
How do you feel after the practice?

11/08/2021

I support front line workers. NB has the lowest paid public service in Canada. Our Conservative government is not bargaining fairly, using the Emergency Measures Act to force workers back to work and buying advertisements to mislead the public. Our major newspapers' bias favours the Conservative government. Let's blow up social media to show our support for Cupe workers. Please share this post or make your own.

In 2021, many CUPE locals in New Brunswick put forth in their first pass of Centralized bargaining on a new wage mandate a general economic increase demand o...

10/30/2021

Art Market today in Fredericton. I've gotten a sneak peak of some items from these talented, hardworking artists and I'm here to say that they are great.

The art market is TODAY!!! From 12-3pm at where masks and proof of vaccine are required!

Cant wait to see you there! Come support local q***r, trans and fat artists❤️🌈

***r ***rartists

10/20/2021

Which one speaks to you today?

Today is and we wanted to share some helpful tips! Share some of your tips below...😊

09/29/2021

This Thursday is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I’d like to share some resources and invite you to add to this list.

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Here are some things you can do on NDTR:

In the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq and Passamaquoddy territories (New Brunswick):
* Watch a video and read about The Wolastoqiyik Grandmothers and the Sisson Mine: https://scalar.usc.edu/works/mere-hub/the-wolastoqiyik-grandmothers-and-the-sisson-mine
*Jenna's Nut-Free Dessertery will offer traditional to-go meal. It will be 1L of one of their traditional soup and a bannock mix for pick up Wednesday. A portion of each sale will be used as a donation in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day https://www.facebook.com/nutfreedessertery/

In the Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories (metro Vancouver area):
* Iron Dogs Books will be open. Iron Dog Books is an Indigenous-owned bookshop and booktruck dedicated to bringing great books to Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories https://irondogbooks.com/
* CreeNation Creations offer take home meals featuring comfort foods made with an Indigenous touch. I am not sure if they are open on Thursday but you should check them out anyways. Delish! https://www.facebook.com/numbaoneniceguy

Online:
* Sister Sage: Indigenous brand that hand-crafts wellness and self-care products inspired by their culture and traditions: https://sisterssage.com/pages/about-us .https://www.facebook.com/indigenousbathproducts
* National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is providing online events for all Canadians Schools for youth grades 5-12. Educators and the general public and live stream : https://nctr.ca/education/trw/
* APTN streaming programing https://www.aptn.ca/ndtr/?fbclid=IwAR3AkcWbxLyqieb9wA0ckOP_QkpM3MUfzPaf8t17oUMgcJA_CnCXnwtYKzU
* CBC special programming: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/community/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-1.6188471
* CBC for kids: https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-what-does-reconciliation-mean?cmp=FB_Feed_CBCMain&fbclid=IwAR0GoZVvt5K_ip4HuGAFstqB9_kgYa4JbXzAUGSvCfKWj4OQl-l3sPj3Bd8

Read books by Indigenous authors:
I can recommend the following books:
* Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City This is an important read based on true stories in Northern Ontario. They synopsis: “In 1966, twelve-year-old Chanie Wenjack froze to death on the railway tracks after running away from residential school. An inquest was called and four recommendations were made to prevent another tragedy. None of those recommendations were applied. More than a quarter of a century later, from 2000 to 2011, seven Indigenous high school students died in Thunder Bay, Ontario…” https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_display.php?i=6648
* The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. This was a great book suggested to me in by my feminist sci fi book club. It is a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

On Thursday, I will be rereading the 94 Truth and Reconciliation calls to action and writing to our MPs and MLAs, while listening to the CBC NDTR programming. If you would like a copy of the letters to use as a template for your letter, private message me your email address. You can find the Calls to Action here:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
Or read it in the Honouring the Truth Reconciling for the Future, Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Executive_Summary_English_Web.pdf

What do you plan on doing for Truth and Reconciliation Day? Do you have any resources to add in the comments?