Open hearts. Honest conversations. By cover art

Open hearts. Honest conversations.

By: Family Services of the North Shore
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  • Summary

  • Join registered clinical counsellor Valerie Dolgin and her guests as they chat about the issues, big and small, we’re all facing together. From heightened anxiety to pandemic parenting to finding joy in unexpected places, we’ll laugh and share relatable stories about what we’re learning – and our challenges along the way. Grab your walking shoes or fill up the sink and tune in for a lively discussion, including concrete tools and coping techniques you can apply to your own life.
    Family Services of the North Shore
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Episodes
  • How Validation Builds Self-Compassion for People with Eating Disorders

    How Validation Builds Self-Compassion for People with Eating Disorders
    Jan 31 2024
    Show Notes: Introduction to Dr. Geller’s recent research studies, including the approach and key findings Definition of validation, and what exactly validation means to people living with eating disorders Relationship between validation and self-compassion Introduction of self-compassion, and association with positive outcomes in recovery Introduction of barriers to self-compassion, and how people have overcome them Types of support, and how to provide support Importance of enduring support throughout the recovery journey Resources: To learn more about Jessie’s Legacy – the story behind the program and the range of resources available to you, click here to visit our website Refer to Josie Geller and Avarna Fernandes's article, Learning from Individuals with Lived Experience: The building blocks of self-compassion click here In this episode we refer to the Eating Attitudes Screening Tool, click here to access the anonymous online screener. We also refer to the Body Image Screening Tool, click here to use. This is also an anonymous online screener. Research article on validation, The power of feeling seen: Perspectives on validation from individuals with eating disorders. Journal of Eating Disorders, 9, 149, click here Research article:  Self-compassion and its barriers: Predicting outcomes from inpatient and residential eating disorders treatment. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1), 1–10, click here
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    55 mins
  • Transition

    Transition
    Jan 30 2023
    Show Notes Recognition and appreciation for LGBTQ2S+ folks that have gone before us, who have worked so hard to bring transgender and queer issues to the forefront and out into public discourse, particularly acknowledging trans women of colour. This journey for Beckham and Sheila began when Beckham was 16, in high school, and came out as gay or bisexual, telling their parents they were dating a woman.  At that time Beckham went by the name Rebecca and identified as female. Beckham found support in their community through a high school counsellor, and a queer youth group.  Joining this group provided opportunities for supportive friendships and connections to events, as well as positive examples of older adults in the queer communities. After high school, Beckham went away to university, which provided a ‘blank canvas’ and allowed for evolution and transformation.  Being away and independent provided space to explore gender and identity and to fully embark on their journey of self discovery without the worry of other people’s expectations. During this time, Beckham expanded their understanding of gender and expression, transitioning their name to Beck and ultimately Beckham, changing their appearance and pronouns. As a parent, navigating parenting a child who was working through figuring out their gender identity and expression, Sheila focused on learning and educating herself, building knowledge, and ultimately becoming an advocate.  She is also a supporter for parents at different stages of this journey. Sheila emphasizes the importance of reaching out and locating communities that may be different than the ones you are in. Parent's support groups for Sheila included Family Services of the North Shore PROUD2BE parents group, and PFLAG, where she built meaningful and important connections with other parents who she would not have met within her own existing communities.  A turning point for Sheila was finding people to connect with and forming friendships based on common experience and perspective.  These friendships, coupled with finding a relevant counsellor, helped to alleviate feelings of isolation and aloneness. As a parent working through this, Sheila recognized the importance of taking care of herself through exercise and the outdoors.  Through counselling, she also knew that she had to process her own feelings rather than supress them. Creating and maintaining open lines of communication is so important, and not always easy.  Space and time, between (difficult) conversations can be extremely helpful.  Also, being sure to continue to do every-day simple things together and continue to have regular conversations. A parent can be their child’s greatest advocate. Meet your child where they are. Focus on unconditional love. Validate…I see you, I hear you, I love you.  Validation is not approval; it is looking for the emotion behind what the person is saying. Figure out how to show up for your child, it makes a big difference. Become an ally.  Beckham offers an acronym for folks to consider: LEVEL UP which stands for; Listen and hold space, Educate yourself, Validate, Empathy- extend empathy, Love, Understand- seek to understand, Pronouns. Know that kids change their minds.  Follow your child’s lead while keeping in mind kids don’t always know what they want, and/or they may not have the words/vocabulary for it, yet. Today, Sheila lives close by Beckham and their family, which includes their partner and two children (+furry friends).  The interests Sheila and Beckham have always shared are alive and well, and they now know one another as adults. Relationship is central, and these two may now be the closest they have ever been.  There will be challenges and celebrations along the way; love your kid. Reach out; resources are listed below. Resources Beckham Ronaghan holds a Masters of Social Work, is a registered Social Worker in BC,
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Youth Mental Health

    Youth Mental Health
    Apr 27 2022
    Show Notes: These days we hear a lot about youth mental health, and there is a lot of worry about the mental health of youth. Things that are affecting the mental health of youth, from the perspective of two members of Family Services of the North Shore’s YouthLAB 2021/22 cohort. Types of mental health challenges they notice in themselves and their friends and peers. Ways they manage stress and anxiety. Ways youth might be able to feel more ease and less distress in their lives. How adults can be most helpful to the youth they care about. Advice for parents about supporting their teens, and comfort and support tools and activities. Social media, and their opinions about the positive of connection as well the negative impacts. Global and social issues and how they influence and impact young people. Opinions on therapy. Resources: To check out the new YouthLAB website click here. To learn more about YouthLAB and support for Youth through the Agency, click here. To access counselling for children, youth, and adults, email our intake counsellor intake@familyservices.bc.ca. If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, click here to learn more. If enjoyed the podcast and would like to support our work, click here to learn about becoming a donor.
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    48 mins
Psychology Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Success
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