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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
When the Universe Gazes Back: How The Stars Help Us Find Ourselves
Starlight Becomes Inner Light I’ve been amazed by the idea of ‘outer space’ since the Apollo days. As a kid, I’d lie in our backyard, squinting at the moon, convinced I could see the astronauts’ footprints. Fast-forward to today: I’m still that wide-eyed kid, now exploring the Webb Space Telescope website for new images. Those swirling galaxies, neon gas clouds, and glittering star nurseries? They’re stunning . But here’s the thing: the more I marvel at the universe’s vastn
Stefan Jurgens
May 5, 20253 min read
A Simple Secret to Feeling More Alive
A walk in the city reminded me that tiny acts of noticing, like buds on trees, a stranger’s smile, or warm coffee, can reignite joy. No grand plans needed. Just curiosity. I’ve been knee-deep in the ‘wake up, work, zone out, repeat’ cycle. You’ve probably felt it too, haven’t you? That autopilot state where days blur and you’re doing life instead of living it. I wasn’t drowning, exactly… just numb. Going through motions, ticking boxes, showing up for everyone except m
Stefan Jurgens
Apr 28, 20252 min read
The Overthinking Trap: How to Reclaim Your Inner Wisdom and Thrive
Overthinking drains our energy and dims our potential. Learn why your mind races, how to reconnect with your innate resilience, and practical ways to trust yourself again.
Stefan Jurgens
Apr 24, 20253 min read
Embracing Empathy, Self-Care, and Professional Confidence
Success isn't about pushing harder. It's about aligning with your values, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being. True confidence comes from self-awareness, self-care, and redefining success on your own terms. The Stories We Tell Ourselves Have you ever looked successful on the outside but felt uncertain inside? I've been there, chasing external validation, believing it defined my worth. Then, I changed the narrative. Instead of measuring success by others' standards
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 17, 20253 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
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
The Drive to Accomplish: Finding Peace in the Pause
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of always needing to accomplish something? Like if you’re not working, learning, fixing something, or cooking, you’re somehow wasting time? I know that feeling deeply. It’s like this invisible force pushing you to keep going, no matter how tired you are, no matter how much you’ve already done. I’ve lived it. And honestly, it is exhausting. For me, this drive has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s brought me a lot of ac
Stefan Jurgens
Jan 16, 20252 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
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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