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When Therapy Feels Hard: Why Discomfort Can Be a Sign of Growth
Even sitting quietly in a session is a brave act of self-care and growth.
Stefan Jurgens
Dec 16, 20254 min read
Beyond Work: Why Personal Growth Comes First
I worked late, checked emails over dinner, and took pride in always being available. From the outside it looked like commitment. In reality, I was drained. | Inner Counsel Psychotherapy
Stefan Jurgens
Oct 14, 20253 min read
Feeling Unjustly Treated? How to Cope and Stay Grounded
This post explores how to cope with unfair treatment by naming emotions, pausing before reacting, and protecting your peace, helping you stay grounded and move forward with clarity and self-respect. | Inner Counsel Psychotherapy
Stefan Jurgens
Sep 25, 20254 min read
Adult Play Isn't Childish: It's Essential for Stress Relief, Creativity & Connection
Adult play isn't childish—it's essential for wellbeing. Discover how playful moments reduce stress, spark creativity, deepen connections, and build resilience. Reclaim joy through simple, present-minded engagement with life.
Stefan Jurgens
Jul 4, 20254 min read
We Wear Some Scars, Others Wear Us
Scars, particularly emotional ones, are narratives of survival and growth. By honouring them, we reclaim our power, transforming hidden pain into bridges of connection, growth, and wisdom. When I was a young boy, I fell on broken glass that was hidden in long grass. That scar is still with me, decades later. It felt like a crisis then. Now, it's just part of me. It seems smaller now, not because it was insignificant, but because I’ve grown around it. That scar, like others on
Stefan Jurgens
May 15, 20252 min read
The Beauty of Imperfect: Embracing Our Flaws
The Floorboards That Taught Me A Lesson This weekend I scrubbed our old veranda floorboards. Seasons of rain, sun, and neglect had faded the wood's original warmth, leaving behind a muted, etched surface. As layers of grime disappeared, some stubborn stains remained. And amongst those deep-set discolorations were loads of cracks and weathered grooves. “What a mess,” I thought. Stepping back, I took it all in and reconsidered my perspective. The deck wasn’t meant to look perfe
Stefan Jurgens
May 12, 20252 min read
Who Are You? Reconnect With Your Self
Healing begins when we’re seen, not for our roles or résumés, but for who we are beneath them. Therapy shouldn’t be another self-improvement project. It’s where you stop performing, exhale the ‘shoulds,’ and reconnect with the person you were before the world handed you a script. How I Work My practice centres on presence, curiosity, and compassion. Instead of rushing to solutions, I create a safe environment for you to slow down, hear your inner wisdom, and gently unravel st
Stefan Jurgens
May 1, 20252 min read
Sometimes We're Like Cats: We Hide When We Don't Feel Right
We took the cat to the vet today. It's never fun, but it's necessary. Cats don't complain. They don't have the vocabulary for it, not in a way we easily understand. Instead, they get quieter, more withdrawn. They hide. And since cats tolerate pain and discomfort better than we do, by the time we notice something's wrong, it's often been wrong for a while. People aren't that different. We don't always recognize when something's off. We don't always have the words to describe i
Stefan Jurgens
Apr 7, 20253 min read
From Family History to Personal Success: Transforming Inherited Challenges into Professional Growth
We inherit more than just our genes: our ancestors' fears, beliefs, strengths, and struggles shape who we are today. By understanding these legacies, we can let go of the burdens and embrace the gifts they offer. Do You Carry More Than Your Own Story? Sometimes, I feel like I’m not doing enough. Even when I check everything off my to-do list, there’s still that nagging sense that I should be doing more. It’s as if I can’t truly believe I’m finished until I’m completely exhaus
Stefan Jurgens
Apr 3, 20254 min read
Navigating Job Loss: Managing the Emotional Fallout and Finding Your Way Forward
Losing a job is more than just a financial setback. It can feel like losing a part of yourself. I know this firsthand. When I was let go from a role where I'd consistently performed at a high level and received exceptional reviews, the shock hit me like a tidal wave. Suddenly, everything felt unstable. I questioned myself constantly. Was I not good enough? Had I missed something? The stress about bills and responsibilities was relentless. Depression crept in. If you’ve been t
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 31, 20253 min read
Turning Setbacks into Success: How to Transform Disappointment into Your Next Opportunity
Ever faced a setback despite doing everything right? That rejection stings, doesn’t it? I’ve been there, and I can now say that rejection was often the best thing for me. Disappointment Stings I once missed out on a job I thought was the perfect fit. Despite having the right qualifications, the rejection hit hard. But instead of focusing on the “no,” I asked myself, What could I learn from this? What skills could I develop? What type of work environment truly suited me? That
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 24, 20252 min read
Hope: Our Hidden Superpower for Professionals Facing Burnout and Uncertainty
Ever felt like you're running on empty, despite doing everything "right" in your career? I've been there. Hope is more than wishful thinking: it's a mindset that fuels resilience and success. This post explores how psychotherapy helps us harness hope to navigate challenges and thrive. A few years ago, I found myself feeling stuck. I had a successful career, but something was missing. Despite the security and expertise I had built, I felt unfulfilled, questioning my purpose, a
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 20, 20254 min read
Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times: Lessons from a Psychotherapist
Do you feel overwhelmed by the news cycle? You're not alone. Anxiety spreads fast, but so does calm. Lately, I’ve been feeling it. There's a persistent anxiety, a sense of unease about the world. Maybe you have, too? Economic uncertainty, political instability, and an endless stream of alarming headlines make it difficult to stay grounded. Even as a psychotherapist, trained to help others navigate emotions, I have to remind myself to apply the very strategies I teach. The tru
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 13, 20254 min read
Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Build Lasting Confidence
Struggling with imposter syndrome? Learn what it is, why it happens, and how therapy can help you break free, gain confidence, and thrive in your career. Do you ever feel like you don't deserve your success? Like you're just one mistake away from being "found out"? If so, you're not alone. Many professionals struggle with imposter syndrome. It's a silent but powerful force that can undermine our confidence and limits potential. I know this feeling, too. There have been moment
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 10, 20253 min read
The Intelligence Advantage: Turning Insight into Influence
Ever shared a brilliant idea in a meeting, only to be met with silence? Or noticed that your insights, instead of sparking collaboration, create distance? If so, you’re not alone. This is the intelligence paradox, where your ability to think deeply and solve complex problems inadvertently makes social interactions more challenging. But here's a truth: intelligence is a superpower, and like any superpower, mastering its use can change everything. Why High Intelligence Can Crea
Stefan Jurgens
Feb 17, 20252 min read
The Silent Cost of Legal Excellence: A Look at Mental Health in Law
I spent nearly 20 years as a law librarian, and let me tell you: there's something we need to talk about. Behind the polished offices, power suits, and prestigious firm names, many professionals involved in the legal field are struggling. I've seen it firsthand: the associate who hasn't left the office before midnight in weeks, the litigator who can't sleep before big court dates, the paralegal trying to handle everything alone, the in-house counsel juggling impossible deadli
Stefan Jurgens
Feb 10, 20254 min read
You’re Great at Communicating: So Why Is It So Hard When It Matters Most?
I remember my years working in the Bay Street world: fast-paced, high-pressure, and full of brilliant minds. It was an exciting place to be, but also one where I often second-guessed myself. Did I phrase that email to a partner well enough? Was my comment in the meeting too bold, or not assertive enough? The competition was intense, and even though I was good at what I did, I never quite felt good enough. Work/life balance? That was a joke. Long hours blurred into personal ti
Stefan Jurgens
Feb 3, 20251 min read
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: Embracing Our Power to Shape Our Experiences
Life has a way of surprising us. Plans fall apart, relationships shift, and things don’t always go the way we expect. It’s easy to feel stuck or defeated in those moments. But here’s something important to remember: While we can’t control everything that happens, we do have control over how we respond. And, honestly, we’re the experts when it comes to ourselves. Sometimes, just a small shift in how we look at things can make all the difference. Think about it: you're trying
Stefan Jurgens
Jan 20, 20254 min read
How Internal Family Systems Helps Build Emotional Resilience For Professionals
As a professional, you're always seeking tools to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and inner balance. Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a transformative approach for addressing internal conflicts, promoting healing, and reconnecting with your compassionate core Self. You might be asking, "So what?" IFS techniques can help us resolve inner conflicts, reduce stress, and make better decisions, resulting in improved clarity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. T
Stefan Jurgens
Jan 6, 20253 min read
Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is typically viewed as a period of joy, connection, and celebration. However, it's important to acknowledge that this time of year can also be overwhelming. With end-of-year work deadlines, financial pressures, family responsibilities, and the burden of unmet expectations, it's understandable that many of us experience stress, anxiety, or even burnout. Let's explore why this occurs, how to identify burnout, and ways to manage the holidays with a bit more ea
Stefan Jurgens
Dec 16, 20244 min read
Looking for insight, guidance, or practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges?
This blog offers tools from therapy to help you manage burnout, heal from past wounds, and explore personal growth. You’ll find posts designed to foster emotional wellness, resilience, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.
Welcome to your journey toward self-discovery and meaningful change.
A Reminder: The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not medical or therapeutic advice. It does not create a therapeutic relationship. For diagnosis or treatment, consult a licensed mental health professional.
Inner Counsel Psychotherapy Blog
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