"Sometimes in life you are lucky enough to meet people who blow your mind with their intelligence, kindness, inner beauty and general amazingness - and Annina is one of these people. You won't be disappointed!"

Danielle Woodcock (MSW, RSW)

 
#Repost @jessicavalenti (@get_repost) ・・・ Obviously, #MeToo. (Wrote a whole book about it!) But a thought: We shouldn’t have to lay our traumas bare over and over, hoping THIS will be the time people actually care. Telling our stories can help - but nothing will change until the social consequences for men are too great for them to risk hurting us. (Pic via @all_womankind)
Have you ever considered the role of your older sibling(s) in your use of alcohol and other drugs? Research suggests that especially older brothers can play a significant part in what substances we use and how we use them. 🍂 This is not to cast blame on anyone, though, the difficulties are often deep rooted and no one's fault: Typically, every member of the family is affected by the drinking and drug use of other family members, including substance using parents (who often had very oppressive and drinking or using parents themselves) and members of the extended family. 🍂 If you need help working through any of this, whether as a child of substance using parents, sibling, drinker or substance user, please feel free to get in touch via substanceusecounselling.com. Support is available and I would be honored to help - worldwide through online appointments or in person in Toronto! 🍂
What words are floating around in your head all day, how do you talk to yourself and about others? They way we think about situations and people can make all the difference! If you find yourself stuck in negative thought patterns and are up for an experiment, try to tell yourself the opposite right after and see what thoughts arise. 🎆 Pic via @jennifersilvershein.therapy
Many say long-term recovery is impossible without some kind of spiritual awakening. (Not a specific church or denomination.) Would you agree?
Often when we first get sober, we feel incredibly alone. The people we used to hang out with are still getting high and not available for daytime activities... And the people we need to help us stay sober will only show up if we stay dry long enough. It can be hard. Patience is key, though: practice, practice, practice new connections. And if you feel like you messed up in the process, trust that people will be glad to hear from you even after you had to withdraw. You are a good enough friend. Perseverance is of the essence. You've got this! 💗
400 followers on Instagram means it is puppy time, my friends! 🐶 Seeing the numbers grow here makes me so happy, because it shows that there is a place for strengths-based feminist counselling! 👩🏼 Struggles with substance use, drinking, and disordered eating are way more common among professional, "put together", successful women than some might think, and recovery is possible for each and every single one! 💪 It doesn't need to be a forever-long process, either. Small positive change can happen quickly and make all the difference. If you're interested in exploring how I might be useful to you in a free 15 minute conversation, PM me and we can set up a time to chat. No commitment necessary, and online appointments are available, too. 💗 I speak English, German, and Swiss-German. 🧀 And there's also a free mini email course for those who'd rather get to know me in writing first (link in bio!)
Finding ways to use your hands productively is so important in recovery. The joy and deep sense of satisfaction we feel after completing a craft project, short story, painting, repotting, etc. is one of a kind. What are your favorite ways to get active and keep busy?
I made a video with my shirt on inside out, you guys! 🙈 It's too late now, though, and rolling with it feels much more authentic than re-recording it. Also, I wanted to include it in my most recent newsletter (just sent that one out). You can access the newsletter archive via bit.ly/2xbX6g6 if you're interested! Let me know what you think of the video, if you like. 💗