Inner Counsel Psychotherapy Blog

Have you ever felt like you're running on a hamster wheel? Going through the motions day after day, but not actually moving toward what you truly want in life? I've been there. A few years ago, I found myself in a career that looked successful on paper but left me feeling empty and unfulfilled. Each morning, I'd wake up with a sense of dread, knowing I was living someone else's definition of success rather than following my path. This feeling of being "stuck" is incredibly co

Perfectionism isn't about doing your best. It's about never feeling good enough. I know this firsthand. Maybe you can relate? Perfectionism isn't just about having high standards. It's about feeling like nothing is ever good enough. Consider the three types of perfectionism: Self-Oriented Perfectionism – Holding yourself to impossible standards and feeling like a failure when you fall short. Other-Oriented Perfectionism – Expecting perfection from others and struggling with d

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

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

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

Winter in Canada is often dark, cold, and can feel relentless. With shorter days and limited sunlight, we might feel our energy dip and our mood slip. This is because seasonal changes can exacerbate feelings of sadness and isolation, making it even more important to pay attention to mental health. For those already struggling with depression, this time of year can feel especially heavy, and the support of friends, family, or colleagues can be a crucial lifeline. Helping a fri

Therapeutic letter writing offers an efficient way to manage stress, process emotions, and gain clarity. This simple practice delivers profound emotional relief, making it a valuable investment in well-being. Imagine that it's a busy, busy day with endless meetings, emails, and responsibilities. And amid to-do lists and tight deadlines, it’s easy to neglect our well-being. This is where therapeutic letter-writing, a practice grounded in Narrative Therapy, can offer a profound

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 t

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