Archway Counselling Association

04/16/2026

We’re not just learning about mental wellness as a lifestyle in the church. We’re learning together, right where we are!

This year’s Church Mental Health Summit-Truro Edition-is rooted in real conversations with real people from Canadian and local communities.

Our keynote speaker, Daniel Whitehead is joining us in person from Vancouver, bringing their experience and insight directly into the room—not through a screen.

Our workshop speakers are local voices from Atlantic Canada who understand the unique realities of supporting mental wellness in our churches and communities.

Keep following for more details about special events, workshops, speakers, and registration details!

04/15/2026

Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It begins with staying willing to learn together.

Leveling up isn't a solo act! Who's ready to stumble, learn, and grow together? 😄

Need a little extra support as you learn and grow! Call (902)893-3991, or Email info@archwaycounselling.ca. We'd love to journey with you.

04/14/2026

Today is the day!! Welcome Rev. Renée MacVicar.

We are looking forward to connecting with everyone and being encouraged as we learn to shift from Striving to Abiding!

See you very soon at The Peg in Masstown!

04/13/2026

It’s easy to believe that strong relationships shouldn’t have conflict. But in reality, every meaningful relationship includes moments of misunderstanding, tension, or hurt.

According to research by John & Julie Gottman, what makes a relationship healthy isn’t the absence of these moments, it’s the willingness to repair them.

Repair can sound like:

“My tone was harsh, let me try again.”
“I see your point"
"I can see my part in this.”

These small steps rebuild trust and keep connection moving forward. Over time, they often strengthen relationships more than avoiding conflict ever could.

What makes repair hard for you?

04/10/2026

Sometimes the conversations meant to strengthen a relationship can sound like criticism instead of care.

Often, when someone names what feels strained or missing, they’re not pointing out failure, they’re reaching for connection. But if those moments are heard as blame rather than invitation, both partners can end up feeling discouraged or misunderstood.

Learning to recognize the need underneath the concern can help shift these conversations from tension toward teamwork.

Small changes in how we speak—and how we listen—can keep relationships flexible, responsive, and growing.

04/08/2026

“Growth in relationship comes from learning how to listen differently to one another.”
— John Gottman

Listening with curiosity instead of defensiveness, with openness instead of assumptions, can create space for understanding and connection to deepen. Even small shifts in how we hear each other can move a relationship forward.

Example:
Defensive (shuts the conversation down):
“Well, I’m overwhelmed too.”

Curious (keeps the conversation open and moving toward understanding):
“You mentioned that you’re feeling overwhelmed. What does that feel like for you?”

Try it tonight!

04/07/2026

Mark Your Calendars-this is going to be a great time together!

We are excited to have Daniel Whitehead from Sanctuary joining us for this two-day event.

All our workshop speakers will be live! You can look forward to relevant topics, practical discussions, and tools to help you integrate mental wellness as a lifestyle into your church and community.

Let's move from inspiration to integration!

Watch for more details on Workshop Topics, Speakers & Registration Details!

See you there!

info@archwaycounselling.ca or (902) 893-3991

04/07/2026

It's not too late to register!

Did you know? Yes, our "Pastors Retreat" is designed to benefit Church Leaders as well as vocational Pastors. Consider who on your leadership team might benefit from taking a day away and hearing from a seasoned church leader.

This year's theme: From Striving to Abiding

With our facilitator, Rev. Renée MacVicar. Renée currently serves as the Executive Minister for the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

This will be a special time together!

04/06/2026

GROWTH in relationships rarely happens all at once. It begins with noticing.

Today's Reflection:
"Understanding your partner's language in relationships."

Sometimes when a partner names areas for growth in a relationship, their intention is to protect connection, not criticize it.

They may be noticing what feels distant, strained, or missing and trying to move the relationship forward. But it can sometimes sound like something is wrong, and a partner may experience this as failure or criticism instead of an invitation to grow together.

Often, what’s being expressed isn’t dissatisfaction with the person, it’s hope for the relationship.

If you're the partner trying to keep connection but finding criticism coming out instead, try stating the need underneath the concern more directly.

Example:

Criticism (indirect need; creates disconnect):
“It sure would be nice if someone else helped with the dishes around here, instead of leaving them for me.”

Stating the need directly (invites the relationship to connection and growth):
“It makes me feel really appreciated when you share in doing the dishes. Would you be open to sharing this household chore more?”

If you're the partner on the receiving end of the criticism, try listening past the words and hearing the desire to strengthen the relationship and stay connected, rather than hearing it as personal failure.

Does your relationship/s need a little fine tuning? Check in with Archway and let us journey alongside you as you make mental wellness a lifestyle. We are here to help!

Email: info@archwaycounselling.ca, or Call: (902)893-3991

04/06/2026

Refreshments are ready! Now all we need is YOU!!

Are you a pastor or church leader in the Truro area?

Join us this Wednesday, April 8th @ The Well. 8:30am-10am.

We would love to meet you, and provide encouragement as you pour out and minister to others.

Spirituality is a vital part of making mental health a lifestyle in our community and we want to help you keep yours healthy and lifegiving!

Want more information, or to sign up?
Email info@archwaycounselling.ca, call (902) 893-3991 or send us message!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

Our April newsletter is out! This month, we focus on cultivating healthy relationships and their impact on mental wellness.

Join us for insightful reflections, upcoming events, and an introduction to Archway's therapists and staff. Together, we can make mental wellness a lifestyle.

Want to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox? Visit our website and sign up! https://archwaycounselling.ca/



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Email from Archway Counselling Association Spring into Action! Revitalize Your Relationships with Our Latest Tips.     Monthly News & Updates April 2026 | Issue 4 Dear friends, Thank you for inviting