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Not Every Relationship Is Meant to Last — And That’s Okay Have you ever had a friendship, dating relationship, or connection with someone that just didn’t feel right? Maybe you felt exhausted after spending time with them. Maybe you felt pressured to be someone you’re not. Maybe you found yourself wondering, “Why do I always feel bad about myself after we talk?” If so, you’re not alone. One of the most important life skills you can learn as a teen is recognizing healthy and unhealthy...

By Susan Spellman Cann R. Psych.| Counsellor Talk When a student walks into your office carrying the weight of a hard week, a hard family situation, or just a hard day, it can be tough to know where to start. They may not have the words yet. They may not even know what they're feeling. That's where the HOPE Climb Activity comes in, a simple, visual tool that helps students name where they are and notice what's already helping them keep going. Why a Ladder? A ladder is something almost every...

There are moments in school counselling that stop you in your tracks. A teen sits across from you and says: “I want to leave… but he says he’ll hurt himself if I do.” And then comes another layer: “Parents or others say I shouldn’t leave because he needs me right now.” At first glance, this sounds like compassion. But underneath it… there is risk. Let’s talk about it—clearly, honestly, and in a way that helps both teens and the adults who care about them. When Caring Turns Into Pressure Teens...