Laura Gatien & Associates Counselling Services
66 Waterloo street, suite 215 E2L 3P4 Saint John, NB, Canada

First Responder Peer Drop-in Group, held every Wednesday night beginning May 12th-6:00 - 8:00pm This is not a counseling group, there is no therapy component or therapist present. It's an informal place to be with other people who have similar stressors. There is no commitment, no pre-registration, no fee... A place to feel understood. Simply peer to peer support For any questions please call Dave Grady 902-786-8220

One in five moms will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, yet 85% of these go untreated. The transition to motherhood is challenging under "normal circumstances." The pandemic has made it more difficult and amplified concerns as new moms have less support, less connection, and decreased opportunities for screening postpartum. In this recent article, two brave Saint John moms shared their experience and we know they are not alone. ... We can't just be asking about how the babies are doing. If you have new moms in your life, we encourage you to reach out and check in with them. Ask them how they are coping. Offer them support in ways that are safe. If you are a new mom and you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Support is available and you deserve to feel better. We encourage you to reach and book an appointment. https://www.cbc.ca//pandemic-postpartum-anxiety-and-depres

Need to reach out to someone? Our FREE Friday Call-In Clinic is running strictly virtually (over the phone) and the process of accessing our call-in is easy: Call our office at (506) 651-1239 and ask our admin to add you to the list for the call-in (they will ask you for your name and best phone number to reach you).... After that, go about your day and be available between 2pm and 4pm, as one of our therapists will call you back to begin your session. This service is first come, first served. Let us connect you with community resources or whatever else you need. Sessions are 25-30 minutes in length. #lauragatienandassociates #lauragatien #saintjohn #newbrunswick #freecounselling #freecounsellingsessions #removingbarriers #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #anxiety #stress #depression #communityresources #accessforall #endthestigma #friday

Some people believe that ADHD is used as a 'crutch' or the easy way out for kids. ADHD is often looked at in a negative connotation and has it's own stigma attached to it. Imagine, being the child in class who isn't fully understanding what the teacher is saying, isn't able to fully pay attention, is distracted by every little noise or movement, is feeling anxious and worried because their marks are slipping and their caregivers are upset. This feeling can lead to not wantin...g to go to school or be put in situations where there are expectations or they need to perform in someway. This can lead to withdrawing, appearing 'lazy' or not motivated. This can also lead to more anxiety, possible depressive symptoms and negative self view and self talk. Listen to your kids. Listen when they tell you what they feel and what is happening. Try and understand and try and put yourself in their shoes, for just a minute. Call us if you need help understanding some of the things you child is experiencing or if they need help working through it. Book and appointment, Call 651-1239 email [email protected]

Administrative Professionals Day! From all of us here at Laura Gatien & Associates, a big thank you goes out to these two ladies who help us, help you every single day! Thank you Kelly & Christina for always being eager to step in and help us in everything we do. You keep our office running smoothly, help keep us organized, and you are always a friendly face for everyone in the office! Your passion for your jobs and your sense of humour make our office a fun place to be. We... appreciate you more than we let you know! Love, the entire team

Today I would like to talk about toxic relationships. These kinds of relationships are based on power and control. The behaviours of the partner needing the power and doing the controlling, is often based on deep emotional wounds that may be difficult to understand, even for them. Things often start out wonderful, and you may consider yourself incredibly lucky to have found someone so perfect for you. Then things may slowly change. Very subtly, almost unrecognizable. And yo...u get that feeling in your gut, like this does not feel right. Or, that reaction feels harsh? Or uncalled for? Or are they kidding or are they serious? These questions slowly change to, Is it my fault? If I kept my opinion to myself, would this have happened? Am I crazy? I have worked with many clients who say that the most difficult part is losing yourself and not being able to recognize who you are anymore. And the feeling of uncertainty and always questioning your own thoughts, feelings, opinions, and behaviors. Power and control is about manipulation, confusion, obsessions, compulsions. It is harmful and dangerous emotionally and physically. You have seen the signs; you have felt the gut feelings listen to this. Listen to yourself. Trust yourself. You are not alone. If you would like to learn more about what signs to look for, or how to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Please, reach out. I would love to help. Call us at 651-1239 to book an appointment. Thanks for listening, Steph

According to statistics by the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada, and each week 500 000 Canadian’s miss work due to mental illness. Employers who prioritize mental wellness in the workplace and take active steps to reduce barriers and stigma around mental illness create supportive work environments that increase employee wellbeing, improve retention and job satisfaction. Winter can be a challenging time for many pe...ople's mental well-being and this year has had added stressors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are offering a one-hour live employee seminar around mental wellbeing in the winter months. For more information on booking this presentation for your office, reach out today at 651-1239 or [email protected]

Meet Terri-Lynn and Jessica - our newest Interns! Terri-Lynn and Jessica will be starting with us on May 3rd. We have a few spots remaining on our Low-Cost Counselling Program list, so if this is something you have been interested in - now is your time to book. Give us a call at (506) 651-1239. With a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University, complimented with a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick, Terri-Lynn Vanderbeck will be joining the team as a...n intern to complete her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. For the past five years, Terri-Lynn has been teaching elementary and middle school kids in various parts of Canada. Her teaching career, while fulfilling, prompted her to want to help and empower people in a more meaningful way. During her sessions, Terri-Lynn wants her clients to feel validated and heard so that together, both she and her clients can feel motivated to grow. Terri-Lynn is passionate about empowering her clients and working with them to reach their goals. She is eager to learn from the therapists at the practice and the clients she will meet. Jessica Hickie is one of our newest interns and begins with us May 3rd. Along with our other intern, she will be taking over our Low Cost Counselling Program. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University and is currently completing her Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University. Jessica has diverse life experience through community engagement, private sector employment experience and has helped many families with financial planning and management. Jessica has a genuine interest in individual wellbeing and helping people manage the multiple roles life throws their way. During her sessions, Jessica wants her clients to feel safe, validated, and understood so that clients feel supported to explore and face their challenges in ways that are personally meaningful. Jessica is eager to learn from the talented therapists at the practice and from the clients she will meet. #lauragatien #lauragatienandassociates #saintjohn #newbrunswick #lowcostcounselling #interns #counsellinginterns

Pssst! Here are a few reminders, in case you forgot! 1. You are Worthy of the Same Love you Give Others 2. The Same Light that you see In Others is Shining on You too. 3. You Matter Just by Being You... 4. You are Not Worth Any Less if you Need to Rest 5. Your Presence Alone is a Symbol of Love all On it's Own To learn more about self-worth or for a reminder of all of the ways you are worthy, call us! Book an appointment Call - 651-1239 Email - [email protected] Message us on Facebook or Instagram Book on the online portal at https://oab.owlpractice.ca/lauragatien

If I've learned anything in my career, is that we have no idea what someone else is going through or how they are feeling. We have no idea what is really happening in someone else's home, relationship or mind. Thinking we are alone in our struggles can be a very depleting feeling. Understanding that just because someone doesn't share with you how they are feeling or what is going on in their life doesn't mean they are not in the same boat, just paddling differently. Open up... to a friend or family member - you'd be surprised how often they will relate to your struggles or share their own experiences. You are not alone. FREE Drop in/Call in Clinic Every Friday 2-4pm

This really struck me, this is exactly why therapy can be so powerful. The work you do here no one can take away from you. Self awareness, self acceptance, personal growth, inner peace, it’s invaluable and it belongs to you! ... 651-1239 [email protected]

Speak your truth today during our WEEKLY FREE FRIDAY DROP IN Clinic. Clinic is currently virtual, just call in from 2-4pm, leave your name and number and a therapist will call you back! Happens every single week. Reach out. 651-1239

When someone is hurting or struggling to deal with emotions, often we are not sure what to say. Or we don't say anything because we don't want to say the wrong thing. Or we get awkward and stumble over our words. Here are a few tips on things to try saying if you want to say something. You can also say nothing, stay silent and listen. Or a simple touch of a hand or hug can say more than any words. To learn how to help someone who is struggling in your life, book an appointm...ent. Call 651-1239 Email [email protected] Book on the online portal https://oab.owlpractice.ca/lauragatien

Have you heard of Productivity Shame? It's a real thing. Basically, we put such an expectation and so much pressure on ourselves each day to accomplish a giant list of things. Then, when we aren't able to get it all done, we feel a self-defeating, overwhelming sense of shame, guilt and inadequacy. ... We are SO hard on ourselves. Let's practice some Self-Compassion - let's say, "okay self, you may not have gotten everything on your list done today, but you did a good amount and tomorrow is a fresh new day!" Therapy can help with this, because ultimately our disappointment with ourselves comes down to how we view our self-worth. So call us and we can work on changing the story you tell yourself and how to tweak your expectations of yourself. Call or Text 651-1239 Email us at info@ lauragatien.com Message us on Facebook or Instagram Book on the online portal https://oab.owlpractice.ca/lauragatien FREE Drop in/Call in Clinic Every Friday 2-4pm

We get A LOT of questions about how to access therapy. From referrals to payment and everything in between. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions. Cost of therapy - $130/hour... Coverage - Most insurance companies (Blue Cross, Sunlife, Manulife, etc.) cover a certain percentage of therapy sessions. In most cases (with exception of Blue Cross) would pay the session fee upfront, get a receipt that you submit either online or by mail and you get reimbursed by your insurance company. Our office can direct bill Blue Cross ONLY and then you would only pay the percentage that is not covered. (For example, 80% coverage of $130 is $104 so you would pay $26 at your appointment). We do not work with EAP Companies If you are working with Social Development and have a case worker, you can check to see if they cover counselling services at any community agency including ours. If you are working with Victim Services, you can check with your case worker regarding therapy sessions, as this may be an option for them to provide. NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit) - may be able to cover therapy sessions. If you have no coverage available to you, we can add you to our low cost counselling list with our clinic interns and as always, you can call us every Friday for free from 2-4pm. If you have questions of any kind, please reach out 651-1239. [email protected]

First responders, dispatchers, military members, medical professionals, correctional officers: Do you think your job has negatively affected your life in any way? ...Health, relationships, outlook on life, quality of life? If you answered yes, know that we've got a safe space for you here. Join us for 8 weeks of virtual group sessions, designed just for people like you. Find healing, coping tools and a supportive environment that can positively impact your daily life and how ...you handle the job you've dedicated yourself to doing. Register to reserve your spot with us today. https://www.lauragatien.com/group-counselling-first-respond

Many people think their most important relationships in their life are with their children, their spouse or their friends and family. In reality, the most important relationship in our lives is the one we have with ourselves. How we talk to ourselves, how we treat and our body and mind. A critical piece of improving this relationship is having self compassion and empathy for ourselves. ... 1. It's speaking kindly to ourselves. 2. It's recognizing that because are human we make mistakes and showing ourselves grace when we mess up, make a bad call, a bad choice or don't show up how we intended to. See more

One Year Ago. It's been one year this weekend (April 18-19th) since the devastating 2020 Nova Scotia attacks. The beautiful image is by Dawn Mockler capturing the love and support being sent from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia during this difficult time. 22 innocent lives were lost, including a member of the RCMP who was responding to the call. When a member is lost in the line of duty, within the first responder community the loss is felt widespread. It is a stark reminder tha...t every day while serving our communities first responders are putting their own lives at risk. Their bravery is incredible. The impacts of this incredibly stressful role for first responders and their families are real. Traumas' most devastating impact on humans can be a complete shattering of how you view the world and your place in it. The events in Nova Scotia are a testament to the lingering emotional trauma. The firsthand exposure to human suffering and cruelty is real and intense. We send our thoughts to all of the families and loved ones of all those that were lost and who are grieving each day. Reach out to those you love. If you are struggling, you are not alone. #lauragatien #lauragatienandassociates #saintjohn #newbrunswick #novascotia #therapy #counselling #novascotiastrong #support #supportingeachother #trauma #firstresponder #firstresponders #lovedones

New Look & New Logo You might be asking, why did we change our visual brand? Our original logo and colours were chosen on a whim, quickly, as I was launching the business. I needed business cards, marketing materials, signage, and more! I didn't have time to put much thought into it.... As the clinic grew, our brand voice, values, personality and messages developed naturally through our communications on social media, through our emails, and with our client interactions. However, we felt our visual brand didn’t represent us well. I founded Laura Gatien and Associates with a vision to: - Meet unmet needs for mental health, to fill gaps in the system, to serve people (who need help) effectively, to keep families together and, in turn, keep communities thriving to create a better society. - Reduce mental suffering, help people live a happier life with their family and at work. - Reduce stigma, to try to reach people who traditionally don’t get help. - Narrow the gap between the therapist & client - an equal relationship - Put the client in control. We wanted all of our branding to embody our vision - including our logo. So, we worked with designer Lindsay Vautour to help us with the design. We worked through several ideas and concepts before landing on our final choice. We loved the idea of "untangled thoughts" - coming out of the maze - and wanted to see that represented in the logo. As therapists, we often feel that is what we help clients with - untangling and sorting things out. We like holistic symbolism too - looking at the whole person; people are more than their diagnosis. Lindsay beautifully captured the essence of untangling (out of the maze), holistic imagery, simplicity and professionalism in our final rendering. I'd love to know what you think down below!

Looking for your opportunity to get what's bothering you off your chest and head into the weekend with some clarity on what to do next? Our FREE Friday Call-In Clinic is running strictly virtually (over the phone) and the process of accessing our call-in is easy: Call our office at (506) 651-1239 and ask our admin to add you to the list for the call-in (they will ask you for your name and best phone number to reach you).... After that, go about your day and be available between 2pm and 4pm, as one of our therapists will call you back to begin your session. This service is first come, first served. Let us connect you with community resources or whatever else you need. Sessions are 20-25 minutes in length. #lauragatienandassociates #lauragatien #saintjohn #newbrunswick #freecounselling #freecounsellingsessions #removingbarriers #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #anxiety #stress #depression #communityresources #accessforall #endthestigma #friday

Reconnecting with curiosity Throughout the day we make so many snap judgments about others and ourselves. Cultivating curiosity is a great way to practice open-mindedness, better understand our world and stop self-judgment in its tracks. Here are a few tips! ... Ask yourself if you’re making any assumptions? What are some other possibilities to consider? Ask yourself what’s causing me to feel this way? "what thoughts are causing this feeling?" Try to respond to judgement about a situation with let’s see what happens. Book a session now to learn more ways you can implement curiosity into your life!

Stephanie C. is one of our interns at Laura Gatien & Associates. She has been seeing clients through our Low-Cost Counselling Program, First Responders Helping First Responders Virtual Group, and our Free Friday Call-In Clinic. Sadly, this is Stephanie C’s last week with us, since she is finishing up her internship as she has met her Master's Degree requirements. Before she left, I wanted to ask her about her experience as an intern and working with clients. Q: Describe somet...hing you have learned from your clients. A: I have learned so much from my clients that it would be impossible to keep it to the length of a Facebook/Instagram post. It takes a lot of courage for so many of us to open up and trust a therapist. When I’m in a session with a client, it is as if I am holding up a mirror for them, and our time together allows them the space for self-reflection, deeper healing, and growth. Watching them see their strength that they have from within is inspiring. We all need some encouragement to see that inner strength - life just covers it up from us sometimes. Q: What has been your biggest takeaway from being an intern at LG&A? A: I always felt so safe and supported as an intern with Laura and the entire team. Seeing the ways in which LG&A works to remove barriers for people to access mental health is truly amazing. Q: What have you learned about yourself through your internship? A: By being myself with clients allowed clients to be themselves with me. Q: What advice would you give to a future intern? A: Trust the process, trust yourself, trust your clients. Take care of yourself and ask for help when needed. Q: What is next for you? A: I am graduating from the UNB Masters of Education in Counselling program in early June. I am also currently 33 weeks pregnant, so I will be getting ready for my little one’s arrival at the end of May the start of a new journey in many different ways! We are sad to see Stephanie C. go, but we are so grateful for everything she has done here at LG&A. She will be missed by myself, our team, and clients. We wish you all the best! #lauragatien #lauragatienandassociates #counselling #therapy #counsellinginternship

An #importantupdate regarding our FREE Friday Drop-In around the holidays: With Friday landing on #christimas we are hosting our Friday Drop-In clinic on , -! We know the holidays are tough and people need support now just as they did before the holidays. Our commitment to our community remains strong that is why we want to ensure anyone who needs support during this time is able to get it. The same protocols are in place for the Wednesday drop...-in. **VIRTUAL only** call ahead to secure your spot at (506) 651-1239 and a therapist will call you back between 2-4pm to start your session. . . . . #LauraGatienandAssociates #LGandA #saintjohn #newbrunswick #free #freecounselling #freecounsellingsessions #walkinmentalhealthcounselling #removingbarriers #mentalhealthmatters #struggling #anxiey #ptsd #depression #combatmentalillness #noisenb #community #comittment #mission #accessforall #gethelp #speakyourtruth #endthesilence #endthestigma #dropin #holidays #holidaysaretough See more

playing darts listening to music making art writing dance/movement ... learning skills puzzles and games talking about the future What do all of these things have in common?! These are all activities I do with children and youth in therapy! Therapy doesn’t look the same for everyone - sitting and focussing on talking just isn’t helpful for some people. If you think you or your child may be one of those people, give us a call - together we can get creative to figure out what therapy can look like to suit your needs

On the 10th Day of Christmas My Therapist Gave to Me: A 5-minute Body Scan! A body scan is the practice of being mindful and examining how your body is feeling in moments of stress, or relaxation. There are many benefits of doing body scans, most notably; Body scans can help enhance your ability to bring your full attention to real-time experiences happening in the present momenthelpful when emotions or thoughts feel wild.... And it trains you to explore and be present with pleasant and unpleasant sensations, learning to notice what happens when we simply hang in there and feel what’s going on in our body without passing judgements or trying to fix, cover up or change how we are feeling simply being in the moment with these feelings your body is telling you (Smookler, 2019). Give this a try! 5-Minute Body Scan Before you begin, get into a comfortable position (sitting in a chair with your back straight, but comfortable or laying down) and you can either close your eyes, or leave them open. Take your time moving from step to step this is at your own pace. Bring awareness to your breathing (deep breaths in and out). Start to bring your awareness to touch points your body has with the surface - chair, or the bed (how your shoulders feel on the mattress, or how your feet are touching the floor). Start to bring attention to specific body parts your feet, you hips, your neck, your head, etc. ( I recommend starting at your feet and working your way up, section by section) Simply notice the feelings in each area is there pain, is there an itch, tingling? Be curious, but remain non-judgemental, simply notice these feelings. Your attention will wander, and that’s okay simply bring your attention back to whatever body part you were examining. It’s important to be gentle and kind to yourself, our minds are meant to wander. By being gentle and bringing our focus back to the present is actually creating new neuropathways neat huh? Once you work through each body part and stopping at your head or feet, notice the feeling of your body as a whole. What are the feelings you are feeling? Now, open your eyes if they were closed and bring yourself back to the present moment. Begin to notice when your body might need a check in. Repeat when needed.

Did you know that anxiety is the #1 most common concern reported by our clients? We help people manage their anxiety on a daily basis. If you're not quite ready to come see us, but you want to take a few steps towards managing your anxiety (instead of it managing you), click the link and try our workbook out. Just take a minute out of your day to download this totally free resource from a team who helps real people with anxiety every day. https://www.lauragatien.com/managing-anxiety-workbook

This is too good not to share. Wise words from Jake! Absolutely not your job to ensure everyone else around you is comfortable.

Patricia is talking to us today! The holidays can be challenging for many of us and this holiday season may be even more challenging due to the additional stressors because of the COVID pandemic. Perhaps we will not be able to spend quality time with our loved ones in the same way as in the past. Perhaps we don't have the disposable income for gifts like we have had in the past. When we experience stressful situations we often experience pain and disappointment. ... Radical Acceptance is a skill taken from DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy). Radical acceptance is NOT approval, but rather completely and totally accepting with our mind, body and spirit that we cannot change the present facts, even if we do not like them. Acceptance allows us to make peace with the situation and then we are able to see the situation more accurately. Pain and disappointment cannot be completely avoided but with radical acceptance and allowing yourself to feel the unpleasant emotions you can let go of the negative emotions, avoid making things worse and then more readily adapt, and problem solve. Here are some questions you can ask yourself : What do you have control of in this situation? What don't you have control of in this situation? What was your response to this situation? How did your response affect your own thoughts and feelings? How did your response affect the thoughts and feelings of other people? How could you have changed your response to this situation so that it led to less suffering for yourself and others? How could the situation have occurred differently if you had decided to radically accept the situation? It is important to remember that radical acceptance also applies to accepting yourself without judging or criticizing. Many people, when struggling with overwhelming emotions, judge themselves as "broken" or "unlovable" and overlook their good qualities. It is extremely important to radically accept yourself. The holidays this year will be different and we can't change that, but we can choose to radically accept the situation, feel our negative emotions and let them go and radically accept ourselves strengths and weaknesses. Reach out if you need help with this: 651-1239 [email protected]

Our mental health influences the way we think, feel and act day to day. It’s an important part of your health and there are lots of ways you can learn to take care of it. I personally write a weekly email with tips and tools to improve your mood, cope better with stress and build strong relationships in your life. A weekly email just for you, even if you feel you don’t have mental health issues. Sign up here https://mailchi.mp/afb15250b147/lauragatien

Every, single one of us struggles at various points in our lives. Every single one of us needs support. Today marks the five year anniversary of one of the hardest days of my life. My daughter and I lay in separate operating rooms, at separate hospitals across the street from one another and underwent a successful liver transplant and donor surgery. For the last five years, I have watched the miracle of organ donation play out and I am so incredibly proud. But it has not been... without challenges. As this anniversary approached this year I have been reflecting a lot on that very hard season of my life. The pain, the fear, the growth, the resilience. It was truly the support of others; family, friends and a therapist that carried me through many difficult days. There is no issue too small or too big for therapy. It is critical we dispel this myth that therapy means there is something "wrong" with you. As therapists, we are real people, who have real struggles too. There is no shame in seeking support when you are struggling. We are here to offer you support and a non-judgemental place to process. Whatever it is you are going through, you don't have to go through it alone.

It doesn’t matter what I teach them. It’s what I show them. Kids imitate their parents. No one is expecting me to be perfect though. I want my kids to show themselves grace when they mess up so I often remind myself it is important I do that for myself as well. Your kids are watching you, the good and the bad. Through the bad they watch you fall down, express emotion, they see how you treat yourself and others. Talk to your kids about a mistake you have made and how you hand...led a difficult stage, a loss, a separation, the list of hardships during our lives goes on and on. Through the good they watch you rise, have empathy & compassion and pride for yourself and others and live into the joy of the good moments. It’s a cycle our whole lives of ups and downs. Show them how it’s done socially and emotionally. If you need help with this, we can help. Reach out 651-1239 [email protected]

Christmas can feel like a huge work project. Many of our clients tell us they feel there are so many people to please. It does not feel relaxing at all...it feels more like a lot of stress and worry about others' opinions. Many people try hard to please their family as their loved one’s happiness is often at the top of their values list, but you can still set boundaries with them to protect your mental health. Our weekly email gives you content on how to begin doing just tha...t Here’s how to begin: Sign up here:https://www.lauragatien.com/post/set-boundaries-with-family Stay more peaceful this holiday season - Do the Holidays YOUR way.

When experiencing depression we can lose touch with what’s important to us. Identifying our values can be a great way for us to reconnect to ourselves. Everyday I ask myself did I do anything today that aligns with my top values?. I’ve noticed that the more unaligned I am the unhappier I feel. Connecting with nature is one of my top values, this week I purposefully carved out time to go for a hike each day and mindfully connect to my surroundings. Reconnecting with values ...is just one small way we can work through depression. Book today to learn more about managing depression and the steps that we can take to live more authentically!

Children experience anxiety and low mood, just like adults do, especially so right now when everyone around them seems anxious and not themselves. The difference is, our jobs as adults and caregivers is to help alleviate their worries and fears while helping them understand them. The first part is knowing how to recognize what worry and fear look like for children and the second part is learning how to talk with them about it. Children deserve our respect and understanding ...and it is so important to be honest and open about feelings and what they mean and how we experience them. Here are a few ways to talk with an anxious child and if you'd like to learn more strategies or learn how to recognize the signs of anxiety and worry in children, call us. We can help! Book and appointment online or in person call 651-1239 email [email protected]

Hi folks, Steven here! If you are unaware, I am the current intern at Laura Gatien and Associates - sadly, Friday marked my last official day of my internship. With that being said, I am incredibly excited to announce that I will be joining these passionate and knowledgeable therapists starting in the new year as a full-time Associate and Clinical Therapist! My time as the intern proved to be one of the most transformational learning curves I have ever had. The low-cost couns...elling program offered folks with no insurance to get the help they need and deserve, and it was a true honour to be able to hold that space for anyone who wanted to access counselling. Listening and getting to know clients and their stories has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so excited to begin this next chapter of my career and professional growth. Having finished all requirements for the Master of Education in Counselling from UNB I am now a Licensed Counselling Therapist-Candidate with the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick. During my time as the intern, I was able to fine-tune my skills and see where my passion lies. Working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community around gender and sexual identity, queer relationships and providing letters of support for gender affirming surgeries and hormone affirming therapists for trans* and non-binary folks has been where my passion lies most. I hope to continue working directly with the wider queer community in their counselling needs. I also can offer services with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, body image, teens and adults, and panic. Our new intern begins January 5th, and she is currently building her caseload. If you have been looking for a way to afford counselling because you do not have insurance, please reach out to our office to be put on her list! We are here to support you and help you through your mental health journey. Call our office and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have, (506) 651-1239.

As we face this second wave of COVID 19 here are some reminders to help you cope: Find something to be grateful for every single day-the smallest things count Get outside every day for fresh air ... As we head into the holiday season it is especially important to counter the effects of social isolation. Having a sense of connection with others is key so ensure you reach out to friends, family and other supports to check in, vent and support one another virtually. This is a challenging time for everyone, and we need each other more than ever. Most people are facing some level of COVID fatigue and their mindsets are suffering. Remember to focus on what’s within your control and remind yourself that this is temporary and you will get through it one day at a time. Our team is here to help, reach out 651-1239 Virtual sessions encouraged but in person still available with masks & additional precautions.

On the 9th Day of Christmas My Therapist Gave to Me: An Automatic Drawing Exercise Gather Materials: ... an artist’s journal, unlined notebook, or piece of paper pencil of your choice Music of choice. Steps : - Sit comfortably with your pencil and paper in hand - Close your eyes and breathe deeply, you can also put music of choice (bonus points for instrumental music) - Draw one continuous line moving the pencil without conscious thought for about 30 seconds. - Notice if you see any shapes or part of the drawing you would like to complete to make a drawing. - Depending on your skill or time, you can try to finish your drawing in 5 minutes, 10 minutes, an hour, etc. If you want to turn this into a family moment, create stories with your characters In my case, why would the rattlesnake be holding a balloon? This can easily become the beginningg of a story for you or with children. Enjoy!

As we progress through the orange phase of recovery, our therapists are offering virtual appointments to ensure health and safety is top of mind. If you want to stay home for your safety, or are feeling unwell, we are happy to move your session virtually. We offer Zoom, FaceTime and other video conferencing along with the old-fashioned telephone! We understand that not everyone is comfortable using zoom - while this is only one of the forms of virtual platforms available to y...ou - we wanted to ensure you are completely comfortable using zoom prior to our appointment. Our lovely admin, Christina, made this quick video showing you how easy it is to have a zoom session. I also want to share an easy-to-use guide for zoom for extra reading! Find the guide here: https://www.theverge.com//zoom-guide-how-to-free-account-r *You do have to download the zoom application to your computer or phone prior to the session!* If you have any questions, please contact your therapist directly and they are happy to walk you through the process. We're here for you now more than ever. Please reach out if you are struggling and need to talk to someone. . . . . #LauraGatienandAssociates #LGandA #zoom #facetime #videocall #telephone #virtualsessions #virtual #counselling #therapy #werehereforyou #COVID19 #reachout #howto #guide #zoomguide

Concerned about how to help your children adapt during this time? Reassure yourself first. Focus on the constants still remaining in your kid’s life that bring them comfort such as their home, their bed, their siblings, their toys. Realize that your kids are very resilient- they will remember how they felt during this time, what the atmosphere was in their home. How their caregivers responded to the pandemic and how they made the best of the season.... Focus on being present where your feet are, if you are doing work focus on that and then when it’s time to switch gears try to be present with the kids. It you are feeling overwhelmed its ok to take a break and sit down and read or watch a movie. Take the pressure off yourself to always be productive. These are exceptional times that warrant a different approach at times. Give yourself permission to take short cuts, some nights its ok to cook less than stellar meals. Your mental heath is most important always. This is a very important message you are sending to your kids.

The uncertainty and anxiety during this time is having an impact on everyone's mental health. Take care of yourselves and reach out if you need support. One day at a time we will get through this. We have virtual & in person appointments available and our free Friday clinic is here as well. 651-1239

The uncertainty of COVID 19 continues. There is a collective sense of stress and worry among everyone and especially so during this orange phase We are not all experiencing the pandemic the same, but we are all impacted in some way. If you need help making it a little easier to cope with, our therapists are here for you. Reach out and make an appointment. We can see you virtually or with a mask at our office. Continue to prioritize you so you show up strong for your loved ...ones. 651-1239 [email protected] Virtual free Friday call in clinic 2-4pm