We all fall into patterns—ways of reacting, thinking, or behaving that once made sense, but no longer feel right. Sometimes it’s a familiar feeling that shows up out of nowhere, or a reaction that seems bigger than the situation calls for. These patterns can keep us stuck, especially when we start to believe they define who we are.

But what if we didn’t take them so personally? What if we could let them surface without immediately judging or trying to fix them?

With practice, it becomes possible to notice what’s happening without getting swept away. This creates room to respond differently—more in line with what matters to us now, not just what we’ve learned to do over time.

No two people respond to trauma in the same ways.

It’s important to be open-minded, sensitive, and compassionate when supporting a loved one. If you’re the one struggling, remember that your feelings are real. It’s okay to have good days and bad days- this is a normal part of the recovery process.

Grief touches all of us at some point in our lives. Whether it comes suddenly or follows a long goodbye, the experience of loss can leave us feeling unmoored—like the world has shifted beneath our feet. In psychotherapy and counselling, grief is given the time, space, and compassion it deserves. It isn’t something to “get over,” but rather something we learn to live with—gently and gradually.

Art has long been a tool for expression, but it’s also a powerful form of regulation and healing. In my work as a therapist—and in my own personal growth—I’ve seen how creative practices can shift the way we connect to ourselves. For me, creative expression helps me be more mindful. It gives me a way to slow down, listen inward, and see things more clearly.

Why Connection to Self matters
By Angela Larmer

Disconnection from ourselves can show up in many ways—feeling numb, overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or like we’re on autopilot. For some, it’s a response to chronic stress. For others, it’s linked to unresolved trauma, grief, loss, or major life transitions.

The first step in setting healthy boundaries is recognizing the internal signals that arise when a boundary is being crossed. These signals—feelings of discomfort, resentment, or frustration—are your mind and body’s way of alerting you to a potential violation of your needs or values. Reflecting on past experiences or imagining possible scenarios can help you identify these cues more clearly.

Being trauma-informed in therapy means understanding how deeply trauma can affect someone’s life and creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. It’s about working together to help clients heal without ever causing more harm.

At its heart, this approach starts with safety…