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Boundaries: the Power of No and Yes

By Fran Westwood

Enjoying Life human flourishing Relationships

Posted: November 14, 2025

Boundaries is a common word nowadays, so much so that many people in or outside of the therapy world may be familiar with this concept. This is for good reason, as recognizing one's existing boundaries, and developing healthier ones, can be life changing. Exploring your boundaries can begin with a question or two: where do I end and you begin? What is mine to do here, and what is the other person’s? Developing clarity about what is our responsibility and work, and what is not, can be difficult and very freeing. This can pertain to all areas of life, including but not exclusive to our emotional, physical, psychological and financial realities.

Bringing Awareness to Disconnection

By David McCallum

Depression

connection internal family systems mental health Relationships self compassion shame stigma

Posted: June 3, 2025

Recall a time when you felt disconnected from yourself and/or others? What was it like for you in that state? Perhaps certain emotions showed up for you, like grief, sadness, shamefulness or disgust. Refer to the “Emotion Wheel” below and see which emotions resonate with your experience of disconnection.

The gift of validation

By David McCallum

seasons

Enjoying Life Grief internal family systems mental health Relationships trauma holidays self compassion

Posted: December 1, 2024

The Gift of Validation What are you noticing within your system as we approach the holiday season? Perhaps there is some anticipation of extended time and space to more intentionally relax and connect with loved ones. There may also be some trepidation about what those relational dynamics may look and feel like. Grief in its many forms can manifest as well. Whatever you notice, before, during and after the season, know that all of it is welcome. You do not have to feel a certain way around the holidays, even though there may be expectations (familial and societal) to do so. You have a choice.

The Dance of Anger

By Graham Watt

couples

anger management marriage Relationships

Posted: August 27, 2024

Relationships can be frustrating. There can be a lot of frustration in a relationship and often times in a cycle of frustration people begin to try and understand what is happening.

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