Three Tips for Countering Pandemic Anxiety through Social Connection
When we become anxious about a situation that is beyond our control, such as the pandemic, we can want to pull into ourselves, and this...
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Ocean Tides
Counselling & Therapy
Donna McLean, MSW
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donnamcleanocean
Feb 2, 20211 min
Pandemic Anxiety: Accepting Our Thoughts and Emotions Can Help!
We are in the middle of a pandemic and don’t know when it will end, and we’re uncertain about how life will look in the future. This can...
donnamcleanocean
Jan 22, 20211 min
Eight Things You Can Do to Reduce Anxiety in a Pandemic
In the middle of pandemic, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear, and we can become overly anxious. Here are a few tips to help prevent...
donnamcleanocean
Oct 30, 20202 min
What’s the Difference between a Social Worker and a Psychologist?
In my practice as a social worker doing therapy with individuals and couples, I often get asked about the difference between a social...
donnamcleanocean
Oct 20, 20202 min
Five Ways to Manage Anxiety in Uncertain Times
These are uncertain times. We are in the middle of rapid changes with a pandemic and don’t know when it will end, and we’re uncertain...
donnamcleanocean
Oct 6, 20203 min
Five Things You Can Do to Support Your Resilience in Difficult Times
When I was a student, I heard a very loud and desperate cry in my boyfriend's farm yard. While investigating, I almost stepped on a...
donnamcleanocean
Sep 24, 20202 min
With COVID 19, a Sense of Belonging is More Important Than Ever!
We all have the need to have a sense of belonging and to be socially connected to others. In early childhood, we have the drive to attach to
donnamcleanocean
Sep 10, 20201 min
World Suicide Prevention Day: What Can You Do?
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention day. According to statistics from the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, every day in...
donnamcleanocean
Sep 4, 20202 min
Covid-19 and Collective Trauma: Can This Tragedy be an Opportunity for Healing and Growth?
Collective trauma is the reactions shared by a group of people who experience a cataclysmic event. In order to fully embrace the opportuniti
donnamcleanocean
Aug 28, 20202 min
Being Vulnerable: Is it a Sign of Weakness or of Courage?
In our relationships with our intimate partner, vulnerability can help us build trust with each other. When we are willing to be vulnerable
donnamcleanocean
Aug 13, 20202 min
How Showing a Little Appreciation Can Go a Long Way in Your Relationship
This week, I met with my colleague to sign a lease on a new, bigger office for us in our same location. She thanked me for finding and...
donnamcleanocean
Aug 7, 20202 min
Let's Talk- Assertive Communication
Assertive communication is about expressing our point of view clearly and directly, and in a way that is respectful of the other person.
donnamcleanocean
Jul 30, 20202 min
Active Listening-Could it be the Secret Ingredient for Great Communication?
Do you ever get frustrated when you are trying to talk to someone, and they have that "look” that tells you they aren’t really listening?
donnamcleanocean
Jul 22, 20202 min
What’s the Secret Behind the Healing Power of Nature?
I recently spent four days in Cape Breton at a friend’s wilderness retreat. I soaked in the beauty of the natural world around me-the...
donnamcleanocean
Jul 15, 20202 min
How Does a Sense of Meaning Make a Difference in Our Lives?
It seems to be human nature to want meaning and purpose in life. The idea of meaning in life can be broken down into three areas:...
donnamcleanocean
Jul 8, 20202 min
Being Grateful: Great for Our Mental Health
A few years ago, I was hit by the door of a truck while bicycling, and thrown from my bike onto the street, resulting in broken bones and...
donnamcleanocean
Jul 2, 20201 min
Our Values as a Compass
When was the last time you stopped to think about what was important to you? To think about the kind of person you want to be?
donnamcleanocean
Jun 25, 20202 min
Accepting Our Thoughts and Emotions
Can we accept difficult thoughts and emotions, like a grandmother lovingly holding her grandchild? Practicing acceptance means learning how
donnamcleanocean
Jun 18, 20202 min
What’s Up with Stressed Out?
We’re stressed out! Never before has there been more sources of stress for us, given all the unknowns, losses, fears, changes and...
donnamcleanocean
Jun 11, 20203 min
Self-Compassion: A Gift for Us and the World
Last week in my blog I talked about the benefits to ourselves and others when we do kind acts. I challenged you to do a kind act every...
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