Overview



Sojourn Wellness Group offers a range of psychological services for Women in Sherwood Park and Edmonton Area.

We understand you may feel alone and misunderstood with your problems and anxieties. These negative thoughts and feelings may affect or alter the way you live and relate to other people. You may feel overwhelmed with worry and tension; at Sojourn Psychology we will provide you with strategies and solutions to aid you to live a more full and productive life.

Our dedicated staff is ready to answer your confidential questions.





Counselling Topics


Anger

We all feel angry sometimes. Most of the time, we are able to deal with feelings of anger or irritability on our own. We may resolve the situation or look at the problem from a different perspective; other times, anger may cause problems in our life and the lives of those around us. 

There are many reasons we may experience anger:

  •   Feeling hurt or threatened
  •   Feeling out of control
  •   Stress
  •   Unfair circumstances
  •   Unmet goals
  •   Unresolved deep rooted emotions
  •   Unresolved trauma

Anger is a problem when:

  •   It is affecting your physical health
  •   When it’s Caused by something that happened a long time ago (indent)
  •   When it is hurting your relationships with loved ones
  •   It;s interfering with your ability to do your job
  •   It’s Making you act violently towards yourself, someone  else, or someone’s property (spacing and indent)
  •   When anger is much stronger than you’d expect based on the situation
  •   When anger is very frequent to the point that you can’t enjoy things anymore (indent )

Anger is a very common topic and it is good to ask for help

with anger management. One of our psychologists will work on strategies with you to understand your behaviour and how to overcome your anger.


Anxiety

Most of the time anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and helps you stay alert, it helps you cope.  But other times anxiety can be disabling if it interferes with daily life.

People with anxiety disorders experience a combination of anxious thoughts or beliefs, physical symptoms, and changes in behavior, including avoiding everyday activities they used to do. Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms. They all involve a fear and dread about things that may happen now or in the future. 


Attachment and Earned Security

The hope of adult attachments is to earn security.  We naturally desire to have someone come alongside of us in our adult years who will build a secure attachment with us.  

When we feel insecure in our love relationship communication suffers, intimacy suffers, and enjoying time together begins to disappear.  Sometimes we feel we cannot explore the difficulties we face with the people we love. It is common to feel alone during these times.

It is important to feel safe to understand ourselves and to feel confident to express ourselves to others, as well as to start to understand how to be with others.

Relationships are difficult to understand.  

Our psychologists are great supporters in this process.


Boundaries

Setting boundaries is an important part of any relationship. To have the healthiest relationship, both partners should know each other’s wants, goals, fears and limits. You should feel comfortable communicating your honest needs to your partner without being afraid of what they might do in response.

Boundaries are rooted in respect for ourselves and others and allow everyone to feel safe.  

Do you have questions about setting boundaries in your own relationships? One of our psychologists will be a great resource for you.


Communication and Conflict

Communication and Conflict are common stressors for people. We may feel very powerless when conversations go wrong, however it feels very affirming when we learn new skills and apply them in our communication with others.

Some communication themes you may face:

  • Anger Management
  • Assertiveness
  • Balancing Relationships
  • Boundary Setting
  • Broken Relationships
  • Communication Skills
  • Compromise
  • Conflict Management
  • Dealing with Difficult People
  • Empathy
  • Extended Family
  • Forgiveness
  • Listening Skills
  • Love Languages
  • Partner
  • Kids
  • Social Skills
  • Work

It is possible to gain psychological support to overcome difficulties with communication and conflict.


Depression

Are you tired and irritable all the time? Have you lost interest in your work, family, or hobbies? Are you having trouble sleeping and feeling angry or aggressive, sad, or worthless? Have you been feeling like this for weeks or months?

Both men and women get depression. Common markers of depression for men are:

  •   More likely to feel very tired
  •   Lose interest in their work, family, or hobbies
  •   more likely to have difficulty sleeping

Women typically notice: 

  •   Appetite and weight changes
  •   Depressed mood
  •   Difficulty concentrating
  •   Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
  •   Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  •   Lack of energy and fatigue
  •   Sleep disturbance (sleeping more or sleeping less)
  •   Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death

But most individuals will notice a variety of any of the above symptoms.

No matter what you may be facing it is important to consider finding psychological support if any of the above concerns are showing up.  One of our therapists is here to support you.


Divorce and Separation

Families experience separation and divorce.These changes impact family members in different ways. Psychological counselling is beneficial for families to help each family member to understand the changes that are happening. 

Counselling will help with processing through individual thoughts and feelings. It is so important that children feel supported to love both their mom and their dad.

There are many issues that could arise with parental separation or divorce:

  •   Balancing Relationships
  •   Balancing Time
  •   Communication
  •   Family Conflict
  •   Family System/Roles
  •   Grief and Loss
  •   Guidelines and Expectations
  •   Co-parenting Issues
  •   Sibling Rivalry

Sojourn Psychology does not offer high conflict mediation or custody and access services. 


Emotion Management

It is common to struggle with emotional management. It’s good to reach out to a psychologist to help you make sense of  your emotions. You may not fit the criteria for a mental health issue,, but your feelings and emotional well-being matter.

Emotional concerns you may face:

  • Aggression
  • Aloneness
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Belittled
  • Embarrassment
  • Excessive Tearfulness
  • Fear
  • Guilt
  • Helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Life Changes
  • Loss of Job
  • Feeling misunderstood
  • No Direction
  • Overwhelmed
  • Passiveness
  • Rigidity
  • Sadness
  • Self-Pity
  • Shame
  • Work

Many people seek out support for normal day to day emotional struggles.  Our psychologists are a great resource to help you sort out your emotions, no matter what you may be facing.


Family of Origin

Our early relationships with our parents, caregivers and siblings are at the core of who we are and how we attach to the people around us. These early relationships also influence our ability to bond with our children.

Understanding our family of origin is not about blaming ourselves or other family members.  It is useful to have a psychologist can come along side of you and help you see your experiences for what they are and help you balance any reactions of shame, guilt or embarrassment over your past.


Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Understanding and balancing multiple relationships is difficult.  It is hard to balance our own role in relationships and it is also hard to watch as others try to balance their relationships.

Whether you are interested in understanding a current relationship or a past one understanding forgiveness, reconciliation and attachment systems is very healing.

Topics may include:

  •   Abuse(s)
  •   Anger
  •   Attachment (insecure, disorganized, avoidant, anxious, and secure) (Indent)
  •   Apologizes
  •   Boundaries
  •   Communication
  •   Crisis
  •   Decision Making
  •   Earned Security
  •   Estranged Family Member(s)
  •   Family Roles
  •   Family History
  •   Grief and Loss
  •   Grudges
  •   Guidelines and Expectations
  •   Hurt feelings
  •   Recovery
  •   Sibling Rivalry
  •   Understanding

 

We have Registered Psychologists on our team that have experience in supporting people like you on your journey to understand these things.


Grief and Loss

When we go through difficulties we often feel utterly alone. It is good to reach out and ask for support if you feel you are unable to explain your pain, grief and loss,  to a friend or loved one, you should consider psychological therapy. 

Difficulties you may face:

  • Abuse(s)
  • Child Transitions
  • Illness of a Loved One
  • Illness of a Family Member
  • Loss of a Loved One
  • Loss of a Family Member
  • Loss of a Friend
  • Moving
  • Parental Separation and Divorce
  • Parent Transition
  • Personal
  • Trauma
  • Unsure

Counselling will help you explore your situation and also support you as you gain understanding and how to reach out to loved ones.  Feel free to call our office for personal support to help you through your time of loss and adjustment to a new normal.


Life Changes and Transition

We all go through life transitions. These times can be marked by: anxiety, stress, fear, powerlessness, guilt, shame, or possibly other emotions. 

Psychological counselling will benefit you to understand the changes that are happening and to process through your thoughts and feelings. 

Types of transitions you may be experiencing:

  •   Abuse(s)
  •   Balancing Relationships
  •   Balancing Time
  •   Child Transitions
  •   Communication
  •   Divorce
  •   Elderly Parents
  •   Family Conflict
  •   Family System/Roles Illness of a Loved One
  •   Illness of a family Member
  •   Job Loss
  •   Job Promotion
  •   Goal Changes
  •   Grief and Loss
  •   Guidelines and Expectations
  •   Loss of a Loved One
  •   Loss of a Family Member
  •   Moving
  •   Parental Separation and Divorce
  •   Retirement
  •   Sibling Rivalry
  •   Separation
  •   Trauma

Our team of counselling psychologists are here to support you.


Mental Health Concerns

At times it is important to consider: Do I have a mental health concern?  Some concerns that you may face:

  • Abuse(s)
  • Attachment Injuries
  • Addiction(s)
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Asperger’s
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Giftedness
  • Impotency
  • Intimacy Concerns
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Menopause
  • Nonverbal Learning Disability
  • OCD
  • Personality Disorder
  • Phobias
  • PTSD
  • Pornography
  • Risk-taking Behaviours
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Identity
  • Social Isolation
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Trouble with the Law

 

No matter what you are facing it is important to consider psychological support.  PSychologist has the professional training necessary to help you evaluate your mental health.


Midlife Issues

Midlife crisis can occur in both men and women, and may be marked by:

  •   Acute awareness of time passing
  •   Desperately grasping at a chance for vitality and pleasure
  •   Fear of the future
  •   Fearing the “passing of youth”
  •   Feeling hopelessly trapped
  •   Feeling pressure to break out of the norm
  •   Identity crises
  •   Life feels empty and inauthentic
  •   A Sense of failure
  •   Spilling into family life
  •   Struggling to find life balance

No matter what you may be facing it is important to consider finding psychological support. If you are struggling, it is good to find a qualified psychologist who will be able to help you make sense of this season of life.


Parenting and Family Issues

There are many versions of “family” today, and without a doubt you have some version of “modern family” yourself.  It is important that parenting issues are considered case by case for this very reason. 

Many parents may choose to touch base with a psychologist to explain the complicated dynamics of your family system and to evaluate what parenting strategies and supports your specific family needs.

Our psychologists approve of parents.  We want parents to feel encouraged to ask for help and to feel safe to let their guard down.  It is difficult parenting, especially as family roles continue to grow and change. We believe parents are people like everybody else and parents deserve grace, empathy and encouragement like everybody else.  As well, we understand that parents want their children to trust that they are cared for and understood.

We do not do high conflict mediation or custody and access.  If you are unsure what this means feel free to call our office and ask.


Recovery

We understand the pain and suffering that is caused by substance use and that both the afflicted person and their family suffer when a compulsive behaviour is present.  If you have concerns that you or someone you love may be battling a substance abuse, please seek support. 

There is a lot to understand about recovery and dependency. You may want to reach out to a Psychologist to gain additional understanding and support through the recovery process. 

One of our psychologists is here to support you.

 


Relationships

The Benefits of Couples Therapy:

  •   Accept yourself and your partner for who you are
  •   Differentiate how your partner perceives you from how you perceive yourself
  •   Discover how gender differences in perspective can help you understand each other
  •   Eliminate faulty assumptions that create distance in your relationship
  •   Know the negative patterns of interactions in your relationship and how to stop them
  •   Learn why your intentions matter less than the impact of your actions
  •   Learn to communicate with composure
  •   Learn to listen with compassion
  •   Learn what can change and what can’t in each other and the relationship
  •   Make permanent change that strengthens trust and partnership and enhances affection and intimacy
  •   Master a problem solving method that will turn the negative pattern into a positive pattern that will enhance your connection now and for years to come
  •   Pinpoint your vulnerabilities
  •   Take responsibility for your reactive behaviour

If you looking for couples or marriage therapy we have psychologists that are specialized to meet this need.


Resolving Fear and Hurt

We all struggle with emotions from time to time.  It can be very confusing to struggle with sadness, fears, or even embarrassment.  Emotional Pain is a common human experience and yet it is a struggle to understand and to overcome.

Emotional concerns you may face:

  • Aggression
  • Alone
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Belittled
  • Embarrassment
  • Excessive Tearfulness
  • Fear
  • Guilt
  • Helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Isolation
  • Life Changes
  • Loss of Job
  • Misunderstood
  • No Direction
  • Overwhelmed
  • Passiveness
  • Rigidity
  • Sadness
  • Self-Pity
  • Shame
  • Work/Life Balance

Our Registered Psychologists can support you as you seek resolution.


Self Esteem

Self Esteem is a common concern and varies in each individual: It  is very evident in our daily life. Many of us would benefit by working  with a psychologist on improving our self esteem which will improve our life and entire wellbeing.

Common self esteem concerns: 

  • Procrastination
  • School Performance
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexuality
  • Sports
  • Distractibility
  • Goal Setting
  • Identity
  • Motivation
  • Personality

Give our office a call to enquire about seeing one of our psychologists to discuss your concerns.


Sexuality

Sex and intimacy are definitely an important part of your life.  It is common for clients to want to discuss their unique and personal concerns regarding intimacy and sexuality.  

Examples of sexual concerns:

  • Abuse(s)
  • Affair
  • Anger
  • Attachment Injuries
  • Broken Trust
  • Emotional Isolation
  • Feeling Inadequate
  • Communication
  • Dating
  • Depression
  • Family of Origin
  • Impotency
  • Life Transition
  • Not Feeling Safe
  • Pornography
  • Quality Time
  • Rape History
  • Routine
  • Recovery
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse History
  • Sexual Identity
  • Singleness
  • Stress
  • Time Management

We are available to talk through your concerns about sexuality in a safe, non judgement , confidential way.


Trauma and Abuse

Having gone through a traumatic experience may result in a variety of struggles:

  •   A sense of constant danger
  •   Feeling disconnected
  •   Feeling insecure
  •   Feeling numb
  •   Feeling unable to trust other people
  •   Feeling unsafe
  •   Frightening memories
  •   Hard time getting over pain
  •   Helplessness
  •   Hopelessness
  •   Increased sense of vulnerability or feeling overexposed
  •   Upsetting emotions

Whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, you should consider therapy for healing and support to move on.

A Traumatic event will most likely lead to emotional or psychological trauma if:  

  •   It happened in childhood
  •   It happened repeatedly
  •   It happened unexpectedly
  •   You were unprepared for it
  •   You felt powerless to prevent it
  •   Someone was intentionally cruel

 

Recovering from a traumatic event takes time.  One of our psychologists will come along side of you on your healing journey and support you at your own pace.


Work/Life Balance

There are so many pressures each of us face as adults.  Each individual juggles multiple roles and jobs on a continued basis.  As our lives become imbalanced our stress can pile up.

Stress is normal. A moderate amount of stress improves our efficiency and our mental sharpness. 

Here are some signs motivation has turned from helpful to stressful:

  •   You feel like you’ve lost control of your life
  •   You frequently find it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand (indent)
  •   You often feel guilty about neglecting your different roles
  •   You’re always tired

It is good to consult a psychologist if these signs are showing up for you.

Our Therapists Specializing in Women’s Counselling