Blog | Now in Colour Psychological Services

August 14, 2019 by Katherine Schurer Leave a Comment

What’s it like to become an older adult?

Are you a caregiver for an older adult?

Are you a person who will become an older adult?

For a thoughtful description of becoming an older adult, especially what it’s like to become an older woman, listen to author Sharon Butala’s discussion with Kathryn Marlow on CBC’s Daybreak. The broadcast originally aired on July 6, 2019.

If this is a transition you, or a loved one, is facing and you’d like some insights or support navigating this life stage, contact us today at 403-483-0651 or katherine@nowincolour.ca.

August 8, 2019 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

Does It Really Work? – The Science Behind Hypnosis

You’re getting sleepy… very sleepy…

…and when you wake up you will cluck like a chicken.

This is what many people think of when they think of hypnosis. But hypnosis is much more than a funny party trick.

Hypnotherapy has been used for centuries. In fact, in ancient times priests and shamans used altered stated of consciousness as a way to bring about healing. Today, therapists use guided hypnosis, or a trance-like state, to help their clients make changes or regain control in certain areas of their life.

How Hypnosis Works

Hypnotherapy is used to treat everything from substance abuse, phobias, anxiety disorders and sexual dysfunction. It is also used for pain management.

The therapist first guides their client into a calm and relaxed state. The client is awake the entire time, simply very relaxed. This relaxed state allows the client to access and “speak” directly with their subconscious mind, the part of the mind that controls most of our habits and behavior.

When a relaxed state is reached, the therapist will assist the client in thinking about experiences and situations in positive ways. This is essentially feeding the subconscious new information that will help the client begin to experience new patterns of thought and behavior.

Finding the Right Therapist

Not all therapists are qualified to use hypnosis as an adjunct therapy. If you believe hypnosis could help you with a particular problem or issue you are having, look for a hypnotherapist who’s a member of the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis.

Beyond qualifications, it’s also very important to find a hypnotherapist with whom you feel comfortable with. It’s a good idea to speak with each therapist on the phone before committing to a session. This will help you get a sense of their personality and whether they might be a good fit.

Final Thoughts

Hypnosis can work for just about anyone, as long as they are open to the idea and have chosen a therapist they trust. Roughly 70% of the population is open to suggestion and can benefit from hypnosis. Young children are particularly good candidates.

If you or someone you know has tried other forms of therapy without success and are interested in hypnosis, please contact Corrick (Dr. Woodfin). Corrick says, “I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help you.”

July 25, 2019 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

Pobody’s Nerfect: How to Get Back to Healthy Eating Habits

At times it doesn’t take much to lure us off our path of healthy eating. Maybe a stressful or busy week at work, a vacation, or a big holiday… But those things are over now and all of the excuses are out the window. It’s time to get back on track. But after all of that indulgence, a healthy meal could be the last thing you want, and what’s one more day of indulgence?

Start Immediately

You can get back to healthy eating immediately on the night of, but even if days or weeks have gone by, you can get back on track any time of the day. As soon as you’ve decided that you’re ready to get back on track, go for a walk. It could be a walk around the park, taking the long route to get your mail, or a long jog; all that matters is that you get up and move. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and get 8 hours of sleep that night.

Have Compassion for Yourself

It’s import to have compassion for yourself and forgive yourself for making not-the-best choices. “Pobody’s Nerfect,” as the saying goes, and it’s natural to occasionally indulge for a special occasion.

Ignore the Scale

One of the worst things you can do is check out the damage on the scale, then proceed to berate yourself for your poor choices. If you have self-esteem issues tied to the number on the scale, it’s even more important that you stay away for the time being. Instead, focus on how you feel day after day, from sleep quality to your digestive health… I bet you’ll be amazed at how eating healthier can improve your life in just a few days.

Don’t Try to Offset the Splurge

It can be tempting to try and make up for your over-indulgences by starving yourself the following day, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to make healthy choices, which includes eating regularly. Ensure that you get plenty of water, lean protein, healthy fats, and of course fruits & vegetables in your meals and snacks.

Plan Something Fun

It’s too easy to wallow in self-pity or lament your overeating, so make fun plans to look forward to. Call a friend and make plans to do something fun that doesn’t involve food. You can even get in some light exercise by going with your friend to a yoga class, or for a walk on the beach or at the zoo. If you pack your own healthy snacks (and actually stick to them), even a movie can be a fun treat!

Are you struggling with poor eating habits and need the help of a professional to get healthy? Call my office today and let’s schedule an appointment.

July 11, 2019 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

Balance Your Mood With Food: How Good Nutrition Supports Mental Health

Our brains are magnificent machines: while the brain controls rudimentary yet complex functions like your heartbeat, breathing and motor functions, it also controls a multitude of other complicated tasks such as creating your thoughts and feelings. A machine this advanced, that runs 24/7, clearly requires fuel to run. The fuel you supply to your hard-working brain is none other than the food and drink you consume.

Like any other machine, the quality of your brain function is relative to the quality of the fuel you put in it. Foods rich in nourishment such as complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants help stabilize blood sugar levels while increasing your brain’s energy. When it comes to feeding the brain, you get back what you put in.

Selenium

Selenium is an important mineral that your body relies on to perform many of its basic functions. Studies have shown that people with a low amount of selenium in their diet have an elevated rate of depression, irritability, and anxiety. While too little selenium causes health problems, too much can be toxic. According to the National Institute of Health, 55 mcg of selenium a day is the sweet spot for adults 19 years of age and older.

Brazil nuts are by far the most selenium-rich food available. An ounce (about 7 or 8) of brazil nuts contains 544 mcg of selenium per serving, so two or three brazil nuts a day is more than sufficient to get your RDA of selenium. You can also get your 55 mcg a day with 3 to 4 ounces of halibut, roasted ham, or shrimp. Cottage cheese, roast chicken, oatmeal, and eggs also contain moderate amounts of selenium, around 10 to 20 mcg per serving.

Folate (Folic Acid)

Studies have shown that an increased intake of folate or folic acid is associated with a lower risk of depression. Folate is found in a wide variety of food, with spinach, liver, yeast, asparagus, and brussels sprouts containing the highest levels. You can also get your recommended 400 mcg of folate with avocado, peanuts, orange juice, leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, and whole grains, among many other foods.

Omega-3

Dopamine and serotonin are chemicals in the brain that are produced by nerve cells. Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer, and dopamine controls your feelings of pleasure and reward. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties in them, and they effect the transmission of dopamine and serotonin. Omega-3 also has a role in brain development and function, with the ability to stabilize moods. Omega 3 foods include salmon, walnuts, soybeans, and chia seeds.

There are many other nutritious foods that will serve as prime fuel for your brain, helping you perform, feel and be at your very best. Using this list to help change your eating habits for the better is a great step in the right direction.

If you’re struggling with a mood disorder and would like some support and guidance to live a more balanced life, contact my office today so we can set up a time to talk.

What’s it like to become an older adult?

Does It Really Work? – The Science Behind Hypnosis

Pobody’s Nerfect: How to Get Back to Healthy Eating Habits

Balance Your Mood With Food: How Good Nutrition Supports Mental Health

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