TRUE N🧭RTH

As a counseling psychologist, I firmly believe that true love involves giving generously, without holding back. Holding on too tightly can hinder your ability to connect with others on a deeper level. At True North Consultant, we help you explore your emotional barriers and find ways to open up and connect with those you love. If you're looking for a supportive environment to grow and improve your relationships, contact us today. #Truenorthconsultant #counselingpsychology #improverelationships #openup #intellectuals

Religion can be powerful in people's lives, providing hope, comfort, and a sense of community. Whether it's the rituals and traditions of mainstream religion or the intense personal beliefs of those who follow more unconventional paths, religion can bring a great deal of meaning and purpose. However, there is a dark side to religion as well, particularly when it comes to cults. The recent news out of Kenya is a tragic reminder of the dangers of allowing ourselves to become caught up in a system of beliefs that leads to death. Reports of at least 103 people, including children, starving to death after following the instructions of their religious leader to embark on a fast to "meet Jesus" are disturbing. Cults are a manifestation of what happens when groupthink becomes too strong, and critical thinking takes a back seat. It starts with the charismatic leader and the promise of transformative and magical experiences, which leads to a group of followers who b...

Religion can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in people's lives, but it can also have a dark side when it comes to cults. The news out of Kenya about mass deaths due to cults is tragic and a reminder of the dangers of blindly following a charismatic leader. As a clinical psychologist, we believe in the importance of critical thinking and maintaining one's individuality while embracing or seeking help on religious beliefs which brings balance and prioritizes human rights. If you or someone you know has been affected by religious or cultic trauma, reach out to True North Consulting for support and guidance. Remember, religious beliefs should never lead to death or the violation of essential freedoms, so let's stay alert and focused on individuality while approaching religious practices. 

Winston Churchill's quote, "When you’re 20 you care what everyone thinks, when you’re 40 you stop caring what everyone thinks, when you’re 60 you realize no one was ever thinking about you in the first place," highlights the importance of focusing on our own personal growth rather than the opinions of others. This can be likened to a tree growing towards the sun, reaching for its own potential and not worrying about what other trees are doing. Carl Jung's theory of individuation is a powerful concept that compares our personal growth to that of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. It's a beautiful process of shedding old patterns and behaviors to reveal a new and improved version of ourselves. Just like the caterpillar must go through a metamorphosis to become a butterfly, we too must go through a transformation process to become our best selves. Jordan Peterson's teachings on taking responsibility for our lives are like a mountaineer scaling a peak....

As we conclude our week-long journey into the world of positive psychology, let's explore some evidence-based interventions that can promote positive emotions, resilience, and well-being. Gratitude journaling is one such intervention that has been shown to increase happiness and well-being. Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for, and reflect on the positive aspects of your life. This simple practice can have a profound impact on your mood and outlook. Christian meditation is another intervention that can promote positive emotions and well-being, in accordance with Philippians 4:8. Take time each day to focus your thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This practice can help to reduce anxiety and negative thinking, and cultivate a sense of peace and contentment. Acts of kindness are another way to promote positive emotions and well-being. Doing something nice for someone else, whether...

Just like a car needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, our mind and body need regular care to function at their best. Research shows that integrating physical exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help us build resilience and regenerate our mind and body. Think of physical exercise like a well-tuned engine. Regular exercise keeps our body running smoothly, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring we have the strength and stamina to handle life's challenges. Proper nutrition is like the fuel we put in our car's gas tank. A balanced diet provides the nutrients our body needs to function properly and helps us maintain our energy levels throughout the day. Meditation and relaxation techniques are like the pit stops we make during a long road trip. These practices help us take a break from the stress and pressure of daily life, giving our mind and body time to rest and regenerate. By incorporating mindfulness practices into our routin...

I believe in the power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Just as a farmer waters his crops to help them grow, we can nurture and develop our strengths to help us flourish in life. Research has shown that adopting a strength-based approach can lead to increased self-esteem, improved relationships, and greater overall well-being (Linley, 2008). One example of strength-based thinking is the concept of "grit," which refers to an individual's ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and researcher, found that grit was a better predictor of success than IQ or talent (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007). By focusing on our grit and determination, we can push through obstacles and achieve our goals. I encourage you to identify your own strengths and use them to work towards your goals. For instance, if you are an excellent communicator, you can use this strength to build stronger relationships with those a...

Positive relationships are the cornerstone of psychological well-being and happiness. In the same way that a well-tended garden produces beautiful flowers, a well-nurtured relationship can bring joy, contentment, and fulfillment to both partners. According to research by Seligman (2018), individuals who are in positive relationships are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and more likely to report higher levels of life satisfaction and overall happiness. To cultivate a healthy relationship, effective communication is key. Communication is like the soil in which a plant grows. Without it, a relationship can wither and die. Positive communication promotes understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. According to Johnson (2019), successful couples use positive communication techniques, such as active listening and non-judgmental validation, to strengthen their relationship. Tips for building healthy relationships include spending quality time together, expressing gratitude, a...

As humans, we are resilient creatures, capable of bouncing back from the toughest of situations. Resilience can be compared to a rubber band that can stretch and return to its original form, no matter how much it is pulled. But what happens when the rubber band is pulled too far? Stressors in life can be compared to the force that stretches the rubber band, and if we don't identify and cope with them in a healthy manner, we risk snapping. To build resilience, it is crucial to identify our stressors, which can be likened to the weeds in a garden. Just as weeds can hinder the growth of a garden, stressors can hinder our personal growth. By identifying these stressors, we can work towards removing them and creating a healthier environment for growth. But simply removing stressors is not enough. Just as a garden needs to be tended to regularly, we need to develop healthy coping mechanisms to nurture our resilience. Coping mechanisms can be compared to the fertilizer that helps plants g...