Living Fully

Everything you wanted to ask about counselling

For many people, starting counselling can feel unfamiliar, intimidating, or even a little overwhelming. You might wonder what to say, whether your problems are “serious enough,” or how your information stays private and confidential. In this episode, we talk with psychologist Jelena Radan and social worker Laura McNeil about the realities of counselling, from first sessions and confidentiality to the counsellor-client relationship, communication, and boundaries. The conversation also explores couples counselling, counselling for children and teens, what happens if a counsellor doesn’t feel like the right fit, and why reaching out for support doesn’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.  Calgary Counselling Centre [https://calgarycounselling.com] and Counselling Alberta [https://www.counsellingalberta.com] provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers. For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

The mental and emotional toll of caregiving

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles we take on, but it can also be one of the most demanding. Registered social worker, Camille Kim explores the mental and emotional toll of caregiving. Whether you’re supporting an aging parent, a partner, or a child, caregiving often comes with a complex mix of responsibility, love, stress, and exhaustion. Camille shares how burnout can show up over time, what happens to our nervous system when we’re constantly “on,” and why so many caregivers struggle to balance their own needs with the needs of others. We also explore the wide range of emotions that can come up, and why all of them are more common (and more normal) than you might think. Learn practical, realistic ways to care for yourself while caring for someone else. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.  Calgary Counselling Centre [https://calgarycounselling.com] and Counselling Alberta [https://www.counsellingalberta.com] provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers. For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

AI and mental health: risks, limits, and possibilities

AI is showing up in more and more parts of daily life, including how people look for support when they’re feeling anxious, alone, or overwhelmed. In this episode, counsellors Sarah Rosenfeld and Denis Sushkin talk about how artificial intelligence is being used in relation to mental health, why it can feel appealing, and where its limits really matter. They talk about the accessibility and convenience of AI, the “illusion of connection” it can create, and why tools that are designed to be validating and agreeable can miss the complexity, nuance, warning signs and lack the human response that real support requires. They also explore privacy concerns and the risks of relying on AI in moments of crisis. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.  Calgary Counselling Centre [https://calgarycounselling.com] and Counselling Alberta [https://www.counsellingalberta.com] provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers. For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

Worry vs. anxiety: how to tell the difference

We all worry sometimes. But when does worry become anxiety, and how can you tell the difference? In this episode, social worker Carmen Sadoway talks about how anxiety works, why it can feel so intense, and how it often connects to uncertainty, change, and the urge to prepare for every possible outcome. You’ll learn to recognize the physical signs of anxiety, panic attacks, explore both helpful and unhelpful coping strategies, and discover simple ways to approach anxiety with more compassion.  "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.  Calgary Counselling Centre [https://calgarycounselling.com] and Counselling Alberta [https://www.counsellingalberta.com] provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers. For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.

Anxiety in the Workplace

This episode originally aired February 6, 2024.  Beyond allowing us to pay the bills, the way we make our living can fill us with purpose and can be a part of our identity. But it’s not uncommon for our work life to bring up feelings of worry and anxiety. The pressures of longer hours, inflexible schedules, and demanding workloads can contribute to increased stress, creating a delicate balance between professional fulfilment and emotional well-being.   On this episode of Living Fully, registered social worker Kelsey Bradley talks about the relationship between work and anxiety, unravelling its sources and offering valuable insights on how you can navigate these challenges. We explore various aspects of workplace anxiety, from distinguishing between regular everyday stress and prolonged anxiety, to addressing performance-based anxiety and imposter syndrome.   Download a copy of seven activities you can try for easing workplace anxiety [https://calgarycounselling.com/s/Anxiety-in-the-Workplace.pdf]. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment.  Calgary Counselling Centre [https://calgarycounselling.com] and Counselling Alberta [https://www.counsellingalberta.com] provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers. For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.