Stefanie Iverson, Registered Clinical Counsellor

The majority of us (or most likely all of us) have felt the overwhelm of 2020. Yet, for some reason still find ourselves trying to perform at our pre-pandemic levels. This post resonated so much for me! Sometimes self-care means making up your own rules until you are able to follow the old rules again ... or not! You choose.

COVID 19 CLINIC SAFETY PLAN Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to me. During the COVID 19 pandemic I have implemented the following Safety Plan, clinic protocols, and policies for your safety and for my own, in accordance with WorkSafe BC protocols for in-person counselling and public health requirements and guidelines. COVID Pre-Screening Guidelines:...Continue reading

In my practice, many couples that come through my doors are seeking support due to #infidelity An #affair is one of the most damaging betrayals in relationships, the impact is long lasting, and the journey to recovery is a long one. However, healing is possible and relationships can be rebuilt despite infidelity ~ but it takes time and work. And when saving the relationship is not possible, it is my role to help support couples in parting ways as amicably as possible. I have... always enjoyed using the #gottmanmethod in my work with couples, and I am excited to finally be taking their course on #treatingaffairsandtrauma to help hone my skills when supporting couples through this challenging process. #southokanagancounselling #infidelityhurts #infidelityrecovery #infidelityhealing #infidelitytrauma #affairrecovery #survivingaffairs #survivinginfidelity #rebuildingrelationships #rebuildingtrust #gottmaninstitute #gottmantraining #lifelonglearner #continuingeducation

I have been thinking about creating some blog posts on my website and would like to write about content that is meaningful & helpful to my followers! What types of topics would be most interesting for you? Post your suggestions in the comments below!

Can you distinguish a complaint from criticism? Distinguishing between the two is important. Identifying and addressing issues with your partner is a great ide...a, but the following distinction is important to keep in mind. According to Dr. Gottman, a complaint focuses on a specific problem, addressing the other person’s behavior, not their perceived character flaws. Criticism, on the other hand, is more judgmental: it frequently includes such phrases as you always or you never often with negative labels or name-calling, frequently assigning blame. In a thriving relationship, partners are able to talk effectively about problems by identifying their feelings, recognizing what they need and want, and then approaching each other in a respectful and loving way. Each partner must check in with themselves, making sure that they are getting their needs met, rather than waiting for the dam to break. Learning to manage conflict through healthy communication is essential. Read more about how to soften your start-up: https://bit.ly/3fagUHy

Our brains are truly fascinating! Who sees the circles? It took me a while

After four decades of research on thousands of couples, Dr. John Gottman came up with a weekly meeting to help partners successfully navigate issues within thei...r relationship. The first step is to have a pre-conflict warm-up. By focusing on the positive aspects of your partner and of your relationship at the beginning of the discussion, you remind yourselves that you are fighting for each other, not against each other. Now that you know how to warm up by creating a foundation of fondness and admiration, read how each partner will be given a time to speak and a time to listen as you work through the different stages of a disagreement during the Weekly Check-In: https://bit.ly/3gPhY4f

As restrictions have begun to lift in BC, I have resumed my in-person sessions and it has felt so amazing to see my clients face-to-face again! Due to increasing demand, beginning in July I will be adding on a 3rd day to my schedule. I will also be resuming sessions in my Penticton office on Thursdays. Virtual & telephonic sessions will remain available for those who do not feel comfortable with in-person sessions yet. To schedule an appointment, please contact me directly ...by phone, text, or email as I have temporarily disabled my online booking feature. I appreciate your patience and understanding during these challenging times. TEMPORARY OFFICE HOURS Tuesdays: 10am-4pm Wednesdays: 10am-4pm Thursdays: 10am-330pm (Penticton office only)

Wishing everyone a very happy Canada Day! I truly feel #blessed to live in this amazing country. #canadaday #canadaday2020 #happycanadaday #proudtobecanadian #truenorthstrongandfree

As a parent, it is my job to teach my children about diversity and inclusion. If we want to end systemic racism it starts with us! Little eyes are watching, little ears are listening, what message are you sending them?

"White therapists, you are invited to ask your clients about how racism affects their daily lives and your therapeutic relationship."

For the past few months I have had to move my counselling practice to an online platform, and while this has worked well I have missed seeing my clients face-to-face! Nothing compares to in-person sessions and I am excited to announce that ... Effective June 15th I will be resuming in-person counselling sessions. For those who are uncomfortable with face-to-face sessions at this time I will continue to offer virtual (phone or video) sessions. For the time being, I will be con...ducting my in-person sessions exclusively at my Summerland office because it offers the largest amount of space (more than the required 6ft distance). My aim is to make sessions feel as normal as possible while keeping clients and myself safe. My Covid19 safety protocols have been pinned to the top of this page. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly via PM or email: southokanagancounselling [at] gmail [dot] com (written like this to minimize spam emails.

One of the best things we can do for our mental health is to stay focused on the positive. However, we are currently being inundated with negativity from almost every direction, so staying positive has become increasingly more challenging. Today I want to encourage everyone to take a moment and think of something that makes you feel happy! If you have a funny, encouraging, positive, uplifting personal story/moment/experience, meme, gif, video clip, picture, article ... anyt...hing really! ... PLEASE SHARE it in the comments below! #spreadhappiness #spreadcheer #staypositive #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #weareinthistogether #thiswillend #positivechange #southokanagancounselling

Some great mental health tips for us all!

These are challenging, anxiety provoking times. I wanted to share a FREE co-regulation webinar that is scheduled to run tomorrow (Mar 25):