top of page
Your Inner Voice Shapes Your Future: Mindful Self-Talk Tips
The language we use shapes how we interpret the world. Adding "yet" to thoughts like "I haven't reached my goals yet" shifts from self-criticism to possibility. Replace "I can't handle this" with "This feels hard, but I can take one step at a time." Speak to yourself with the same respect you'd offer a friend. Small changes in self-talk build resilience and emotional balance.
Stefan Jurgens
Oct 20, 20254 min read
Reflections To Calm Your Mind & Enrich Your Life — Part 1/2
Here are five gentle reminders to help you step out of that loop and move through life with more ease.
Stefan Jurgens
Sep 11, 20253 min read
Five More Gentle Truths for When Life Feels Heavy — Part 2/2
These five reflections pick up where the first five left off. They focus on how to work with feelings, honour daily variability, move beyond avoidance, claim your belonging, and speak to yourself with the care you would give a friend.
Stefan Jurgens
Sep 8, 20253 min read
Recharge Your Soul: How to Unplug with a “Gone Fishin’” Sign
Feeling burnt out? Practical ways to unplug and recharge. Simple steps to take a break from work and return calmer, clearer, and more present. | Inner Counsel Therapy
Stefan Jurgens
Aug 11, 20253 min read
Your Inner Voice, Your Choice
Understand how your inner voices shape mental health. Learn to reframe negative self-talk, embrace self-compassion, and reclaim control. Practical tips for transforming inner dialogue into a source of strength. A friend once told me, “It’s great to have someone listen. I spend all day listening to myself.” Their comment stuck with me because it nails the constant inner chatter we all experience: bursts of optimism, nagging doubts, and that critical voice which bleats, “You’r
Stefan Jurgens
May 26, 20254 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 Instead, they get quieter, more withdrawn.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
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
Your Initial Therapy Consultation: What to Expect & How to Find the Right Fit
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big decision, and it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect. Your initial therapy consultation isn't a full therapy session. It's a relaxed conversation to explore whether you and I are a good fit to work together. Here’s what you can expect when we meet at Inner Counsel Psychotherapy . What Is an Initial Therapy Consultation? This first meeting is an opportunity for us to connect and determine if my app
Stefan Jurgens
Mar 3, 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
Navigating Life, Embracing Change
Choice is the expression of change. It’s through our choices that we embrace the transformations life offers. For busy professionals, navigating choices can feel overwhelming when balanced against demanding careers and personal responsibilities. Psychotherapy offers tools to clarify priorities, overcome self-doubt, and foster growth in ways that align with both personal and professional aspirations. Your past experiences influence your viewpoint, but they don't have to define
Stefan Jurgens
Jan 13, 20252 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
bottom of page