tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35392470015223592982024-02-18T19:56:40.294-07:00Josh Lockhart Counselling...Locking Hearts Together through therapy and technology.Josh Lockharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10522338020455283403noreply@blogger.comBlogger814125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-64333323398073788552023-11-30T22:29:00.002-07:002023-11-30T22:29:16.020-07:00Our Counselling Web is Full<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ8Sk8i88T7Lx57nnJAoNMje7eggEyxEftRpfN2lvXzWmjuorVUZBiWz4qeD3H8YPw_9ENuhLViBDgga81fHFaKstLAjas7PjCymJ3DFBMhIhUN2HQNYiEWtB9jUl_CoEOpq7QwbbAzLYqnx-l1eEB9izYlMBEkvhuRTkFQZpSFWv0vcN5KVMindjzKs/s940/Cosmos%20Counselling%20Full%20Announcements.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ8Sk8i88T7Lx57nnJAoNMje7eggEyxEftRpfN2lvXzWmjuorVUZBiWz4qeD3H8YPw_9ENuhLViBDgga81fHFaKstLAjas7PjCymJ3DFBMhIhUN2HQNYiEWtB9jUl_CoEOpq7QwbbAzLYqnx-l1eEB9izYlMBEkvhuRTkFQZpSFWv0vcN5KVMindjzKs/w640-h536/Cosmos%20Counselling%20Full%20Announcements.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-22655877598076488272023-05-18T21:44:00.006-06:002023-05-18T21:44:43.661-06:00Self-Care vs Self-Soothing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWlPGPsUw2P_KcqhoMCdTYa8fVZkajiO3n-QHQNxHUiGP_XWmmcS9KMa-WiD5U_WoFRMmKCtNQtimqevF5cNWMZsxNh17zHbzKR64RZJ4yVyjXBtviFRQ_I-wIpSvwEcBqZz4bz-6Uu34peGaZqrS-JQ2fSS1aWPeLc_BnNwwm69lDeRqmVxIg3gt/s1280/Self-care%20vs%20Self-Soothing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWlPGPsUw2P_KcqhoMCdTYa8fVZkajiO3n-QHQNxHUiGP_XWmmcS9KMa-WiD5U_WoFRMmKCtNQtimqevF5cNWMZsxNh17zHbzKR64RZJ4yVyjXBtviFRQ_I-wIpSvwEcBqZz4bz-6Uu34peGaZqrS-JQ2fSS1aWPeLc_BnNwwm69lDeRqmVxIg3gt/w640-h360/Self-care%20vs%20Self-Soothing.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Surely someone has suggested that you do more “self-care.” Such as, taking time to have a bubble bath, get a massage, or watch your favourite show. While they are trying to be kind, it feels like the recommendation misses the mark. This is because we have grouped together activities that soothe us and activities that care for us.</p><p>Self-soothing is activities that help distract us and provide comfort during a difficult time. These are things such as smelling the flowers, getting a massage, comfort foods, playing your favourite video game, having a bubble bath, bingeing your favourite show, singing loudly, or taking a break from responsibilities. In the simplest way, these provide an escape during distressing times.</p><p>Whereas self-care is activities that give us meaning and support our growth. Going to therapy, getting appropriate medical care, getting enough sleep, exercising, having boundaries, eating healthily, and connecting with people that provide reciprocal care, are all examples of self-care activities. It is a way of prioritizing your own well-being.</p><p>It is important that self-care is a daily habit or ritual. Starting off the day with care and self compassion makes you better able to navigate any of the difficulties that life may throw at you during the day.</p><p>Christine Miserandino in 2003 came up with the Spoon Theory. It was this idea that each day we have a certain amount of spoons to get through the days activities. For example, let’s say you have 12. Activities such as getting ready for work, getting the kids to school, commuting to work may each take two spoons; then you are left with six spoons for the remainder of the day. Then by the end of the work day you have no spoons left. You are on empty and drained. </p><p>Self-soothing may be useful to then comfort ourselves to get through the rest of the day. Whereas Self-care may help extend the spoons, reducing the cost of each activity.</p><p>One isn’t better than the other, it’s a matter of timing. Sometimes self-soothing will be the most beneficial activity, and other times it may be self-care.</p><p>Just remember that it is important to prioritize yourself. Schedule time in your calendar so that you can practice self-soothing or self-care. If you don’t, you just might forget to.</p><div><br /></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-61516593206073787602023-04-26T21:26:00.007-06:002023-04-26T21:28:39.538-06:0012 Ways To Reduce Anxiety<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq68yAQOAPFUle6AkxPpXYpTeTI35oMoSj3PK7Fkca6N4RDZLsop7VdP_wyv9JFvm5rAYpu5gqv5yqo2PTlHjK_6Sl-MuEsUxkQL7vvL4rtC64prRXEpJYbFB4FTxR3KR0zlWypan4vVNlaZfuD1qJfSiZX5Ae-w2ROIn7qR9luuIfJH-4ucTFHt7B/s1280/12%20Ways%20To%20Reduce%20Anxiety.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq68yAQOAPFUle6AkxPpXYpTeTI35oMoSj3PK7Fkca6N4RDZLsop7VdP_wyv9JFvm5rAYpu5gqv5yqo2PTlHjK_6Sl-MuEsUxkQL7vvL4rtC64prRXEpJYbFB4FTxR3KR0zlWypan4vVNlaZfuD1qJfSiZX5Ae-w2ROIn7qR9luuIfJH-4ucTFHt7B/w640-h360/12%20Ways%20To%20Reduce%20Anxiety.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns, affecting up to 20% of Canadians over their lifetime. It can happen at any point during the lifespan, and impacts your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and body.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Anxiety can be helpful, such as when we see a bear on a path. Anxieties job is to alert us of the danger and to keep us safe and alive. Anxiety becomes problematic happens when our body is preparing for a threat that isn’t actually there, or the reaction is disproportionate to the stressor, such as a math class.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Problematic anxiety gets in the way of being able to do regular work or school activities, gets in the way of relationships, and makes the individuals world smaller. If this is happening to you, or someone you care about, consider talking to your family doctor, counsellor, or a mental health professional.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes we need to calm the mind in order to calm the body; and other times we need to soothe the body to calm the mind. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Here are some tips on how to manage and reduce anxiety:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>1. Meditation:</b> Allows us to slow down and calm our body and mind, keeping anxiety at bay. It doesn’t have to be a meditation marathon, even just five to ten minutes is beneficial.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>2. Exercise:</b> Regular exercise can lower our stress levels making us better able to manage our anxiety.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>3. Breathing:</b> Practicing breathing deeply, all the way to our belly, helps alleviate stress and can lower our heart rate.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>4. Reality Check:</b> Using thought challengers of “do I have good reasons that something will go wrong?” or “is there a chance I am over worried?” or “what would I do for a friend having these thoughts?” can all help challenge anxious thoughts.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Time Limit:</b> Having a set aside worry time for 5-15 minutes gives a space, albeit limited, for anxiety to have a voice – but it only gets a voice during that time. You may need to remind anxious thoughts that they are only allowed during a certain time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>6. Eat Healthy:</b> Reducing sugar foods and eating a balanced diet can help our body be healthier to fight off anxiety.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. Limit Caffeine:</b> Caffeine elevates the body and can magnify anxiety struggles.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>8. Pet:</b> Cuddling and petting your dog or cat can help regulate and soothe the body. Pets can be very nurturing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>9. Spend Time With People You Care About:</b> Sharing space with people who make you feel safe, seen and understood can help soothe the body and manage anxiety. Not to mention, it feels good to be around people we care about and who care about our wellbeing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>10. Sleep:</b> If we don’t get enough sleep, we have less gas in the tank to be able to manage the days stressors, including anxiety. Making sure you get adequate sleep can help reduce anxiety.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>11. Music:</b> Listening to soothing music – whatever that may be – can help calm our body and mind.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>12. Journal:</b> Journaling can be very cathartic. There is something wonderfully freeing that happens when we allow our anxious thoughts to go from our mind to a piece of paper.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Give some of these a try to see what works, or what doesn’t work for you. It’s trail and error; but also takes practice.</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you want to learn more about anxiety, Anxiety Canada is an excellent resource.</p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-64618922086354517292023-04-21T09:11:00.002-06:002023-04-21T09:11:24.121-06:00Upcoming Nobody's Perfect Parenting Group: May 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dtY3gMdK8VK6nb5P0VdiUcXqzWlrVz8l8etVQGrDcX8xAHxYbZ0OCC-I-M3C-5m387_wZ3mT3OszJgPdDY9klG3H02_NXepijeb0_Yy3BQ4AujHD6z2SEoH9RC1zeYsUnbp4uZCFbvWnl4rb3LzXbaFfE3IpAybO2JVRWkyCwzUFr6lNJff54UKn/s1080/NPP%20In%20Person%20May-June%202023%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dtY3gMdK8VK6nb5P0VdiUcXqzWlrVz8l8etVQGrDcX8xAHxYbZ0OCC-I-M3C-5m387_wZ3mT3OszJgPdDY9klG3H02_NXepijeb0_Yy3BQ4AujHD6z2SEoH9RC1zeYsUnbp4uZCFbvWnl4rb3LzXbaFfE3IpAybO2JVRWkyCwzUFr6lNJff54UKn/w640-h640/NPP%20In%20Person%20May-June%202023%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-18947698855695474952023-01-18T11:00:00.001-07:002023-01-19T12:35:07.469-07:00 Wellness Wednesday: Navigating BC's Mental Health Services for children and youth.<p>Kelty Mental Health created an excellent video on how to navigate BC's mental health services for children and youth.</p><p>Trying to figure out what to do can be difficult and overwhelming as a parent/caregiver.</p><p>This video talks about the four ways to start getting support for your child having a mental health struggle.</p><p>1. Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner</p><p>2. Your child's teacher and/or school counsellor</p><p>3. A private mental health worker (counsellor or psychologist)</p><p>4. Child and Youth Mental Health, or Indigenous Child & Youth Mental Health.</p><p>If you have any questions about connecting yourself or your child with mental health services, please feel free to contact me.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iO5QynPcuPk" width="507" youtube-src-id="iO5QynPcuPk"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-53997971364989482142022-12-28T21:25:00.001-07:002022-12-28T22:26:49.015-07:00Top Video Games of 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFX-ili0HuMLj1OfszxR-mQSOSbjbxviUmKQ2qzKz1w8Vt8RAxBl9coJCD2FNVGt5Z7QKA6YKCW66Yf-0IvWtCkfQhEXhCveiWyc_-BrpaFg21FHCHX3ZznIssNEkw5TjLvWoCQr1jThxy7AljbH4nfdvifi3jc77NissdDXZ3qlrrhDf_G5mf55O/s1080/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFX-ili0HuMLj1OfszxR-mQSOSbjbxviUmKQ2qzKz1w8Vt8RAxBl9coJCD2FNVGt5Z7QKA6YKCW66Yf-0IvWtCkfQhEXhCveiWyc_-BrpaFg21FHCHX3ZznIssNEkw5TjLvWoCQr1jThxy7AljbH4nfdvifi3jc77NissdDXZ3qlrrhDf_G5mf55O/w487-h487/1.png" width="487" /></a></div><br /><p>The Top Video Games of 2022*</p><p>*according to my family.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxgF8iGny87E7KRwGAO6h8Kucv0Dk9UsyP5igvaOpYY8jVqQlYaQ6RFkRX0gqoRU5QiLSTS7tLeNljyaKS1dhQtN8fj3A6fMFoenwF_oG6GGpzRKcJxhBIr6DaQ7nIr5-tz5m6PXacQuR2Uxqz8R3ffJQko_NrG_U_3HYdaoG4yOETrtvI2kMJxO1/s1080/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxgF8iGny87E7KRwGAO6h8Kucv0Dk9UsyP5igvaOpYY8jVqQlYaQ6RFkRX0gqoRU5QiLSTS7tLeNljyaKS1dhQtN8fj3A6fMFoenwF_oG6GGpzRKcJxhBIr6DaQ7nIr5-tz5m6PXacQuR2Uxqz8R3ffJQko_NrG_U_3HYdaoG4yOETrtvI2kMJxO1/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFQdyQbvbd_0kR0hk6XZdTg12I-qQbgHRwBy2R0QPR99-a8Ggz2HFq3S7aNxccPgeSW_QBCJCbfkoMw-ywnHuW8CvfOqT57cN8Frc-nZ6qAWKJu0aJPlaSqKRh1OzfAe7j4ilJg2po6yPEninS0ELdRo3v9I7WjYNcU7RcD0tkhyxoOQpEe7BbaNq/s320/7.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosR85Nc945vouN8l-tJihp2OauCsJIyLGIoyFerHLJrTxoYHBU6GGwa0RBh7cGvu7kGlc74qY01ydihUKAnyOTGtPhLai_Rl_s_VTd1bLGfARGWk-Z9DOMUf3zM8rG8VNgBDxRtFwLYrZidNLG_qX82oBr2cGHmMErsH2MFNoLOQXKE3cG2zKiRvs/s1080/8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosR85Nc945vouN8l-tJihp2OauCsJIyLGIoyFerHLJrTxoYHBU6GGwa0RBh7cGvu7kGlc74qY01ydihUKAnyOTGtPhLai_Rl_s_VTd1bLGfARGWk-Z9DOMUf3zM8rG8VNgBDxRtFwLYrZidNLG_qX82oBr2cGHmMErsH2MFNoLOQXKE3cG2zKiRvs/s320/8.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_X_NPnJ4fDjhZt5WoCPs-otzfmIvNhKIc0qd07bWyHj6027VrIcWBJUQgj438RqNNfsaOd_gYons8aBrv2BlScf7asebYmNDQ5qynMF33WQp2WDdS3rDQCannspZ_Azpun1rw9jlW-Z7gwvQwXWDBlCB--uYbZyMUPfvHIOK-gsDvXtZntct_NLS_/s1080/9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_X_NPnJ4fDjhZt5WoCPs-otzfmIvNhKIc0qd07bWyHj6027VrIcWBJUQgj438RqNNfsaOd_gYons8aBrv2BlScf7asebYmNDQ5qynMF33WQp2WDdS3rDQCannspZ_Azpun1rw9jlW-Z7gwvQwXWDBlCB--uYbZyMUPfvHIOK-gsDvXtZntct_NLS_/s320/9.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sZ7RDkfgd2GlCAh12ZO0PSBj8MLUTYMWdajmM2b5FAikg3PREZscV_aAkM4lm2tQvyobP6JkLiKT5y_QbfpcmPLW1dqObiSpDRJymqE29BGxWuGOMYkzPrfl2RRc4RertqZHRKTazzTQRD4Y-P5wiT-Avwle-sSvp5Q5zgWrgc_XZUq4zhqRqXy5/s1080/10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sZ7RDkfgd2GlCAh12ZO0PSBj8MLUTYMWdajmM2b5FAikg3PREZscV_aAkM4lm2tQvyobP6JkLiKT5y_QbfpcmPLW1dqObiSpDRJymqE29BGxWuGOMYkzPrfl2RRc4RertqZHRKTazzTQRD4Y-P5wiT-Avwle-sSvp5Q5zgWrgc_XZUq4zhqRqXy5/s320/10.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlnUbL-vWIEfJgHixWx9mpRrhz0OCLIiW-JA4iPiZcuNG_hiiodLEuQ-MiEP4x8vPyoFBHYn1nu4LKjQliPwjaPRjr8UaFLofOZPZvSu1U82BOPDPdGCR1xx-GryECuTMCtF6iAmn-Xz9cV7oG6nGzeF8IuJX-kPgttr2VEOZlrdh8XbrVzzEA_BZ/s1080/11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlnUbL-vWIEfJgHixWx9mpRrhz0OCLIiW-JA4iPiZcuNG_hiiodLEuQ-MiEP4x8vPyoFBHYn1nu4LKjQliPwjaPRjr8UaFLofOZPZvSu1U82BOPDPdGCR1xx-GryECuTMCtF6iAmn-Xz9cV7oG6nGzeF8IuJX-kPgttr2VEOZlrdh8XbrVzzEA_BZ/s320/11.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-71829751291269400472022-12-07T21:43:00.004-07:002022-12-07T21:43:29.014-07:00 Wellness Wednesday: December Self-Care Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdhp_jkeaOWtgSDt5zTM8rNE18j2uridCG7SJX8TBLOx8FooWjA5J017FTnQOXNMEv6Gfeaayb9wAJ5NEDr90YWZtfKFhlrrv2g1mcAndbmKQoK_0eiVsNLrmC-gPDy-xvfBUfagf3OpfX5w0H94Z4zBlFZH2d4cKBps7_3HWOx1gbl7Qh1RR4hMt/s1170/December%20Self%20Care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1170" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdhp_jkeaOWtgSDt5zTM8rNE18j2uridCG7SJX8TBLOx8FooWjA5J017FTnQOXNMEv6Gfeaayb9wAJ5NEDr90YWZtfKFhlrrv2g1mcAndbmKQoK_0eiVsNLrmC-gPDy-xvfBUfagf3OpfX5w0H94Z4zBlFZH2d4cKBps7_3HWOx1gbl7Qh1RR4hMt/w519-h503/December%20Self%20Care.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The days are getting shorter and shorter which can make it difficult to think of ideas of self-care. </p><p>Here's a list of 20 ideas. Pick three and give them a try!</p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-49469159697488652482022-11-16T09:28:00.001-07:002022-11-21T09:29:07.174-07:00 Wellness Wednesday: MEDSS (Self-Care)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2T8X_bUzx3BhXa2rQzno-k6JokUA7UkqUkyTWr1PrLofY3whLgT_BQ8pjaOTABxODu4ZFoahg9QfHSPF7bRW5sEioACXHEpHNx_CW21DJDfO15GcIom9M83rZpzDHw5KiT7sEbrui8FPH5LUA0FQv9uA7qlgCeRxsek8WxzUDpKPjRrr5lsb7OzLD/s1080/315614987_462709399310085_9011937746466016494_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2T8X_bUzx3BhXa2rQzno-k6JokUA7UkqUkyTWr1PrLofY3whLgT_BQ8pjaOTABxODu4ZFoahg9QfHSPF7bRW5sEioACXHEpHNx_CW21DJDfO15GcIom9M83rZpzDHw5KiT7sEbrui8FPH5LUA0FQv9uA7qlgCeRxsek8WxzUDpKPjRrr5lsb7OzLD/s320/315614987_462709399310085_9011937746466016494_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">If we are to break down self-care to it's core points, it is to: move, eat healthy, drink water, sleep, and socialize.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">It creates a catchy acronym of MEDSS.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">By doing MEDSS it helps alleviate our pain, hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness (PHALT). Therefore giving us a little more fuel in our tank to take on whatever the day may throw at us.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">If you are struggling with self-care, pick one, and start there. Have a glass of water, go to bed 15 minutes earlier, take the stairs, munch on veggies, or connect with a friend, just to name a couple of ideas.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Self-care is a way of being.</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-26188699980862649752022-11-09T09:25:00.000-07:002022-11-21T09:28:10.936-07:00Wellness Wednesday: PHALT<div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR40FWFUqKrFLs_0yOmmOrWtGfWfpqlLyYfyhiRZDO9TnJalP_W08SeoOdos4rtON66bsDuGwSY2a0aCR_32dyFi2CcIed2nwpRYG-wQ2Dbo2ouejBQfvULjwV38D6_n_p7rRQZAvuPK8_DCqNfjUTcf5ZOborGU3LrL98J1ZVU9f2rkFXdFFetud/s1080/315166594_457925843121774_990358719949406743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR40FWFUqKrFLs_0yOmmOrWtGfWfpqlLyYfyhiRZDO9TnJalP_W08SeoOdos4rtON66bsDuGwSY2a0aCR_32dyFi2CcIed2nwpRYG-wQ2Dbo2ouejBQfvULjwV38D6_n_p7rRQZAvuPK8_DCqNfjUTcf5ZOborGU3LrL98J1ZVU9f2rkFXdFFetud/s320/315166594_457925843121774_990358719949406743_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Pain, Hunger, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These are the basic and foundational components that self-care needs to look after. In the past, we have used the acronym HALT, but Pain, whether emotional or physical, is also a risk factor for relapse.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">That being said, we all increase our chances of having a successful day if we have minimal exposure to pain; make sure our stomachs are full; we have healthy ways of expressing our anger; we feel connected to our friends, family, community, and creator; and that we have enough sleep. We all know what it’s like to be HANGRY, and the impacts that has on our decisions.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">As we discussed last week about change, relapse is a normal learning process. Frequently relapse, or becoming overwhelmed, happens when we are in pain, hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">When we are trying to make change or are trying to manage stress, we need to look after these five needs, they help keep our emotional tank full.</span> </p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-40100757966173658122022-11-02T16:40:00.000-06:002022-11-02T16:40:43.124-06:00 Wellness Wednesday: Stages of Change.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6LmPLn5pL85S0ZzRyHkMNVWQqCDxs2oNZQh0WDjxWdLBG96urfYSQMVMrLytNG83YGqfMadvW3_EfJTOEPR-TWBXW-3d_qUIR0gUg9fVt6fyru5aASFRX1C8zalKnjdvsj8ohvd0CvOPSo_sS2YgfNsoI5UohQ1zypeEESRdDlvXaSjUrhCKTABh/s598/Slide71%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="598" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6LmPLn5pL85S0ZzRyHkMNVWQqCDxs2oNZQh0WDjxWdLBG96urfYSQMVMrLytNG83YGqfMadvW3_EfJTOEPR-TWBXW-3d_qUIR0gUg9fVt6fyru5aASFRX1C8zalKnjdvsj8ohvd0CvOPSo_sS2YgfNsoI5UohQ1zypeEESRdDlvXaSjUrhCKTABh/s320/Slide71%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>With Addictions Awareness Week at the end of this month, it feel appropriate to discuss topics related to managing, dealing with, and healing from addictions.</p><p>To start, let's talk about change.</p><p>Often when we discuss change we think there should be immediate action. When, in reality, there are three steps prior to any action being taken. </p><p>First there is the pre-contemplative, the “ignorance is bliss” stage. </p><p>Next is contemplative, which are ambivalent thoughts about changing - in a month or two or more. </p><p>Next is preparation, which is testing the waters to see what plans need to be made to make the change. </p><p>Then it’s action, followed by the ongoing stage of maintaining the change. </p><p>Note that relapse from the change can happen at any point (and we’ll discuss that more next week).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCMB4-LXbx0_cqq6E7for9-2yV9BZSWKjGzPWmdc1dAQErbzIPstS7m8jvtM8wgaW-fanVtIISv1g_DSM6KjfcUy5OHv22f4x-gGf9xtAaDLBznVxlymvxPXJJTs-lur0RJuIYnOFgBN1U9D44ev7VMQypEZqcKNhr2KTzmLz_F4SJYEoH_B5ozV9/s640/IMG_6124.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="640" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCMB4-LXbx0_cqq6E7for9-2yV9BZSWKjGzPWmdc1dAQErbzIPstS7m8jvtM8wgaW-fanVtIISv1g_DSM6KjfcUy5OHv22f4x-gGf9xtAaDLBznVxlymvxPXJJTs-lur0RJuIYnOFgBN1U9D44ev7VMQypEZqcKNhr2KTzmLz_F4SJYEoH_B5ozV9/s320/IMG_6124.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>While I appreciate the Stages of Change model, I also want to include Virginia Satirs model of change, which is all about changing the status quo. There is our current status quo, which will remain constant until we take action. </p><p>After taking action, the foreign element, uncomfortable chaos ensues as we begin to navigate the change we are trying to make. It’s difficult. Things often get worse before they get better when we incorporate change. But when we have our epiphany and the change transforms us, we reach a new, better, status quo. There is always hope.</p><p>Making changes are difficult. You don’t have to do them alone. There are several self help groups in the community: <a href="https://ekass.com/storage/literature/Self%20Help%20Group%20Schedule-March%202021_TsFlUN8.pdf">https://ekass.com/storage/literature/Self%20Help%20Group%20Schedule-March%202021_TsFlUN8.pdf</a></p><p>Taxa</p>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-49827365978156911822021-08-27T16:01:00.005-06:002022-12-28T22:27:21.877-07:0010 (+2) Board Games that Counsellors Should Have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jmHUTFFb0rDzXGCT2w4j34bQuG8i7ld6-mbctmCPeMoHVSplX7Mn2ZUDqwKL2oHQo6yr_3QNUJn7vZjF_hbNZ-mVHpnu09EWoHZ5G_HDPk4Aqk5Y9-wsmDVtKTkT3scUd9HaTk6oQyM/s1280/Games+for+counsellors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jmHUTFFb0rDzXGCT2w4j34bQuG8i7ld6-mbctmCPeMoHVSplX7Mn2ZUDqwKL2oHQo6yr_3QNUJn7vZjF_hbNZ-mVHpnu09EWoHZ5G_HDPk4Aqk5Y9-wsmDVtKTkT3scUd9HaTk6oQyM/w581-h327/Games+for+counsellors.jpg" width="581" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>It amazes me as I meet with different counsellors that our board game, or card game selection in our offices are rather standard: Connect four, Trouble, Jenga, a deck of cards, and similar 15-minute games.<br />
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I won't bash these games, they have value in helping create safety and familiarity in a strangers counselling office. Plus most of those games children and youth already know how to play, so it is easy to bring the game off the shelf and play.</div>
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As an example of how useful those games can be in a therapeutic setting, Jenga. While not clinical, Jenga is a great game to experience how a child or youth experience and handle anxiety, fear, and stress.</div>
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However, I think it's worthwhile looking at games (some pinterest finds), that can further create opportunities to build relationships, explore feelings, understand body language, be insightful, and create safety in a counselling setting.</div>
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So, let's get down to business.</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div>
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Emojito</h3>
Emojito is a great game for reflecting and interpreting facial expressions. The cards have fantastic art work of different animals and objects expressing ranges of emotions. A player needs to recreate the facial expression on the card, and then the other player (or players) need to guess from a selection of seven cards which was the original card.<br />
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This game has value to me as I begin to learn what individuals emphasize more when communicating emotion, say eye brows, and what they pay attention to more when interpreting emotions, example the mouth. Such observations can be insightful for me as a counsellor, and for the client. It can be insight into blind spots, or validating for the client.<br />
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You can check out a full review of the game at <a href="https://www.nerdyparenting.ca/2018/09/play-this-with-your-kids-emojito.html">Nerdy Parenting</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Cubeez</h3>
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Cubeez is a fun game where players need to match their cubes to the facial card, it uses dexterity and builds facial recognition. Albeit, the faces that players need to make using two cube, and one rectangle piece is pretty random. That being said, it can be a great game for creating stories behind the faces.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oU6JelwLXLQ" width="469" youtube-src-id="oU6JelwLXLQ"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>
The Mind</b></h3><div>It's a unique game because there is no verbal communication. Working together, players need to play cards in order from lowest to highest, without talking! I find that this is a great game to help build body cue, or body language, skills. While at the same time paying attention to your own internal clock for the appropriate time to play cards.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HGCYwaZUFvQ" width="466" youtube-src-id="HGCYwaZUFvQ"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Inside Out & Emoji's</h3>
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While not an official board game, it is an excellent make at home game that I found on Pinterest. After compiling the different cutout pieces, players match the various emojis to the Inside Out characters. I have found while playing this game, that there are certain emojis that can be more than one character which has led to a discussion on the complexity of emotions, and that they are not one dimensional.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.momendeavors.com/printable-emotions-sorting-game-disney-pixar-inside-out/" target="_blank">Find the printable templates here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Candy Land</h3>
<div>Candy Land itself is a great game to build game playing skills, such as taking turns and navigating luck. What makes it a recommendation as a game for counsellors is making the colours (that you spin to, or pick the card of) an emotion that you need to tell the story of that particular emotion. The key is that you as a counsellor participate a use vulnerability tactfully as you share emotions you have experienced genuinely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc42D9git72cj90bnnK9puvWI2mBCIGTPaAlxwbfFpThDdNzeC8Tb2y_zKUw6N7xGq8SZdZpQnLb2_Nh5JbQ0SWyHhC90QpcQDJX-hVMPLmZR0kkUl7VgIjolBbFZ1usvXmoutPWWxSk/s2048/IMG_0526.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc42D9git72cj90bnnK9puvWI2mBCIGTPaAlxwbfFpThDdNzeC8Tb2y_zKUw6N7xGq8SZdZpQnLb2_Nh5JbQ0SWyHhC90QpcQDJX-hVMPLmZR0kkUl7VgIjolBbFZ1usvXmoutPWWxSk/s320/IMG_0526.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Brain Architecture Game</h3>
<div>This is a great group game or activity. Together participants need to build a brain out of pipe cleaners, straws, and weights. During this game players learn the randomness that young brains experience in their lives and can observe how that impacts brain growth and structure. I often use this game in parenting groups.</div><div><br /></div><div>This game is pretty pricy. I would recommend paying for the basics (the game log and cards) and find your own straws, pipe cleaners, and weights.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2-DMvcrTlk" width="488" youtube-src-id="y2-DMvcrTlk"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3>The Game of Life</h3><div>It's a classic. It's a great game to discuss issues that come up across the human life span. And also to highlight how particular choices impact the game, while also honouring the random events that can happen and impact someone's life.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a way to play this game in real life, making the game human sized and going through and having discussions along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xw6nuka39Qc" width="448" youtube-src-id="Xw6nuka39Qc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*This video doesn't represent the game, but is just fun to watch at the midway point*</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Living with a Dragon</h3><div>Full disclosure, I do not use this game at all as intended. The art work is playful, especially on the coping cards. I use just the coping cards and have clients pick three cards, and then choose one of those three for us to practice a coping skill. How the game is supposed to be played is to combat the emotion fire cards with the coping cards. This provides a safe and playful way to show how the regular practice of coping skills can manage the dragon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy6vNc92haKijzwhppLsIfYwSZVAQZ3B7njCq49xybulbtxlb9eaF_5OaUYUMLSwmCdcJ0v5bLucEHaTMDJrhP0u8ZpX65m3UOYkGt_cqj_qyEiFpS36I_FTbSf5Lpi4F4RmykESmp_U/s1024/62315826-0ac569805cc908c770be6e4a6eaf0f42_original.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy6vNc92haKijzwhppLsIfYwSZVAQZ3B7njCq49xybulbtxlb9eaF_5OaUYUMLSwmCdcJ0v5bLucEHaTMDJrhP0u8ZpX65m3UOYkGt_cqj_qyEiFpS36I_FTbSf5Lpi4F4RmykESmp_U/s320/62315826-0ac569805cc908c770be6e4a6eaf0f42_original.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Beasts of Balance</h3><div>Think of jenga, but in reverse. Players "scan" animals that they place on a balance plinth and then that animal appears on the accompanying ipad app. The goal is to be able to stack as many items as possible while maintaining the balance. It's such a good ice breaker game, while also interesting to see how players navigate their anxiety as their world starts to wobble. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xg4cbVGz-4Q" width="476" youtube-src-id="xg4cbVGz-4Q"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Stuff Happens</h3><div>I don't recommend comparing negative life events as they are so personal and complex. This game serves as a friendly reminder of how impactful some negative events can be. With some serious, and many goofy and unrealistic negative experiences, players guess how impactful the negative experience would be on daily functioning compared to the events they have been handed. Some cards provide opportunities for discussion, especially when there are micro expression reactions to the cards being played. There is an adult version of this game, Sh!t Happens.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6YdVm3ErOg" width="486" youtube-src-id="w6YdVm3ErOg"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Bonus Games</h3><div>Of course there are more games that could be beneficial in session as well. Here are few games I haven't played but I am interested in adding to my practice.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Critical Core</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="267" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKG4Z9C5N-Q" width="448" youtube-src-id="dKG4Z9C5N-Q"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My Feelings</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDHuDZJaLyM" width="485" youtube-src-id="SDHuDZJaLyM"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-44674349518146620562020-09-02T09:49:00.004-06:002020-09-02T09:49:50.209-06:00Helpful Video: How do you help a grieving friend?<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l2zLCCRT-nE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-8388402628390883992020-05-14T14:46:00.001-06:002020-05-14T14:46:40.530-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: The Thankful Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwlOygf-842I2kcT2goiLGLfFdbBY5XIqX6VC_05xbyqMh8GlCsIfuzWhWDlKKxePX7U_MSKWMiIqrqnDbsMvbOrLKNtdL0KYDzbmfAWENoHu1d56t0D4WBBj4QEXjEZB_61cUc1J8I/s1600/The+Thankful+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="412" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwlOygf-842I2kcT2goiLGLfFdbBY5XIqX6VC_05xbyqMh8GlCsIfuzWhWDlKKxePX7U_MSKWMiIqrqnDbsMvbOrLKNtdL0KYDzbmfAWENoHu1d56t0D4WBBj4QEXjEZB_61cUc1J8I/s320/The+Thankful+Book+Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lRiB59ofbOI" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-66964759419318153492020-05-04T08:37:00.002-06:002020-05-04T08:37:57.588-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OqjwHJY1Fg19newYm8EDLmbfZpztFw7DRweAm3LI31Fcf_NKr6PLZqDhYCYGct7pnfyvZaAwmq9K3Z57nQvwwxbpPH3dvF4SmQukz6xO_dc_R-OZ9DgJtfi6pYy6WcJmyqR55J2Cx6E/s1600/Dino+that+pooped+a+Planet+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OqjwHJY1Fg19newYm8EDLmbfZpztFw7DRweAm3LI31Fcf_NKr6PLZqDhYCYGct7pnfyvZaAwmq9K3Z57nQvwwxbpPH3dvF4SmQukz6xO_dc_R-OZ9DgJtfi6pYy6WcJmyqR55J2Cx6E/s320/Dino+that+pooped+a+Planet+cover.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/quSRmPne7O8" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-58499068830636083312020-04-27T15:21:00.001-06:002020-04-27T15:21:22.385-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: Parts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q2vh6NcwbqnTWa70XHMMCM1dT3DHe7E8mn9a4hD6cYhooaQP9IqHRMmI-pDeML-Fk-PhV0qKniB72WqvAfmCev-rWQsXc4JTEWItGWDJrzLvzkj-i2ahMn_AiWP5rhnlE5PCeGYhgCw/s1600/Parts+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q2vh6NcwbqnTWa70XHMMCM1dT3DHe7E8mn9a4hD6cYhooaQP9IqHRMmI-pDeML-Fk-PhV0qKniB72WqvAfmCev-rWQsXc4JTEWItGWDJrzLvzkj-i2ahMn_AiWP5rhnlE5PCeGYhgCw/s320/Parts+Cover.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/68tlO4KCAW4" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-57146306731099394962020-04-20T08:46:00.000-06:002020-04-23T08:46:55.753-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: It's OK To Make Mistakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQca47fmHJ87ysATUZeDV0fiJ1r60fYi9zibSlVB2uTPT7bmMmveuLlV4ugnMg5lKChXGZuTEXCUqn9K-0Unk97IpPKRsFBB3yXEc-XJZy6fMyz2B8OtYo2dlqdYtPYEfpQls5M3j_ZvY/s1600/Its+OK+to+make+mistakes+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1000" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQca47fmHJ87ysATUZeDV0fiJ1r60fYi9zibSlVB2uTPT7bmMmveuLlV4ugnMg5lKChXGZuTEXCUqn9K-0Unk97IpPKRsFBB3yXEc-XJZy6fMyz2B8OtYo2dlqdYtPYEfpQls5M3j_ZvY/s400/Its+OK+to+make+mistakes+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJwTeO80NSY" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-63840204306553087832020-04-13T08:36:00.000-06:002020-04-23T08:37:13.165-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: The Feel Good Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z-oWoBE-FUPvP-YlQC_xxyREtKDihvnRRby7r4-s9uT9rnisiaJBfubQ3hq8efjh2MuEVGwlZLx5o0lbGlRRv64sG7KIN2VX5VNDShnxTmZhryegMKoGLdk132UY414y2BuX-sjGMTk/s1600/Feel+Good+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z-oWoBE-FUPvP-YlQC_xxyREtKDihvnRRby7r4-s9uT9rnisiaJBfubQ3hq8efjh2MuEVGwlZLx5o0lbGlRRv64sG7KIN2VX5VNDShnxTmZhryegMKoGLdk132UY414y2BuX-sjGMTk/s320/Feel+Good+Book+Cover.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w9Qv_GmIwZw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-71720384000794976722020-04-06T08:29:00.000-06:002020-04-23T08:33:23.862-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: The I'm Not Scared Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81T_GRrLUjKfmxK1LxIEthaBg18ONVlniBcjEv0NBJ_7WWh7KEwC-RrhCUW1GytxTG7T_O8SC3BNb1pBcVMBlVQIx6tzvtgY7UZKCP1QCNMG3gf5ydpze8hyphenhyphen_SDfMYQKZNUz88DwTl5s/s1600/I%2527m+Not+Scared+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81T_GRrLUjKfmxK1LxIEthaBg18ONVlniBcjEv0NBJ_7WWh7KEwC-RrhCUW1GytxTG7T_O8SC3BNb1pBcVMBlVQIx6tzvtgY7UZKCP1QCNMG3gf5ydpze8hyphenhyphen_SDfMYQKZNUz88DwTl5s/s400/I%2527m+Not+Scared+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dydo8NmJ560" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-72979086984299348142020-03-30T08:27:00.000-06:002020-04-23T08:29:44.325-06:00Reading with Mr. Josh: Walter the Farting Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXxSB2onoK0pLjWaR5Pm2iguTqr39OV5sJ-SkX4drNd3TJALBv61h0lJYTWLzynoopTL7oId0yUBW6pC2lZAesbBNXykr7NJL4U8ioWuthsLDB9bbSc0FgExPhEFn5zv1Ph4KEKm7VqI/s1600/Walter+the+Farting+Dog+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXxSB2onoK0pLjWaR5Pm2iguTqr39OV5sJ-SkX4drNd3TJALBv61h0lJYTWLzynoopTL7oId0yUBW6pC2lZAesbBNXykr7NJL4U8ioWuthsLDB9bbSc0FgExPhEFn5zv1Ph4KEKm7VqI/s400/Walter+the+Farting+Dog+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SBOPGNyfuR8" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-71260409060558465552019-06-07T12:02:00.001-06:002019-06-07T12:02:32.271-06:00Top Tabletop Games as voted by Grades 5 & 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh5EM-3iy4e-5ZXx3J_zdiCDtj8tYNdNuAL8ug-lNE4QFuupzqFSN_9Y6z6IUhNwNLHSnVJXWf8aYQXsjvklArLHO56SdXV50n8jcfwPSmH66PttB1ihYpp_Gc1nQNZ371WvJ4SKUF-W7dYZffoX8xdGVNCAyG_JJaWrQJ3VuuM7uSE9smrQQ=s0-d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="720" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh5EM-3iy4e-5ZXx3J_zdiCDtj8tYNdNuAL8ug-lNE4QFuupzqFSN_9Y6z6IUhNwNLHSnVJXWf8aYQXsjvklArLHO56SdXV50n8jcfwPSmH66PttB1ihYpp_Gc1nQNZ371WvJ4SKUF-W7dYZffoX8xdGVNCAyG_JJaWrQJ3VuuM7uSE9smrQQ=s0-d" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's my second year doing a board game club for grades 5's and 6's at a school.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lockhartjosh.ca/2018/05/top-5-board-games-for-grades-5-6-voted.html">Last year I had them vote on their favourite games</a>, it only seemed fitting to do it again this year.<br />
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So here are this years Top 5 table top games as voted by Grade 5&6 students!<br />
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#5. Happy Salmon</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/QSN-FSJjfKOkcYBNNoZEt3EaWus=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic2913980.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/QSN-FSJjfKOkcYBNNoZEt3EaWus=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic2913980.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Such a simple, yet fun and boisterous game!</div>
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<h2>
#4. Pit</h2>
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Pit was #3 last year, fell a spot. But it's amazing how this commodity training game continues to be popular.<br />
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#3. SOS Dino</h2>
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This cooperative game to save the dinosaur eggs, and the dinosaurs themselves, is great for building team skills and problem solving.<br />
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#2. Fabled Fruit</h2>
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Rising from #5. Collect fruits, steal them, or create chaos through redistribution, so that you can juice fruits faster than your opponents.<br />
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#1. Uno (Spaz)</h2>
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Yes, Uno itself is fun. But have you ever played SPAZ Uno? Divide the cards up amongst the players, then going around the table one at a time each player places a card face up (like war), if there are two consecutive matching colours, there is an accompanying action. Green grass, slap your hand on the table or floor; Red heart, slap your hand on your heart; Yellow fever, slap your hand on your forehead; Blue sky, raise your hand in the air. If you are the fastest to do the action, you collect the cards on the table and add them to your deck. What happens when you get a wild card? You have to do all four actions as fast as possible. For safety, remove jewelry on your hands, wrist, and take glasses off. Enjoy!<br />
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Here are 6-10 to round out the top ten:<br />
6. Exploding Kittens<br />
7. Who Farted<br />
8. Prey Care<br />
9. Beasts of Balance<br />
10. Poo!Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-85394078598286146502019-05-15T10:53:00.001-06:002019-05-15T12:50:32.218-06:00Lessons learned from Dr. Thira's "The Community is the Medicine" Wellness Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently attended a two-day training with Dr. Darien Thira, a clinical psychologist based out of BC, but also an expert in using community based interventions for wellness, particularly in Indigenous communities.<br />
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I wanted to share some of the main insights that I gained from the training. Some of the insights are lengthy, some are short one sentences.<br />
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<b>Post Colonial Thinking</b><br />
One of the first pieces he addressed was the importance of thinking in a non-colonial fashion. It sounds easy, but it is really difficult to do. Colonialism has impacted everyone is some shape or form.<br />
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<b>Good Enough Parenting</b><br />
It's not everyone's favourite term, good enough parenting. But if you are a "good enough" parent, your child will have the foundation to reach 90% of their potential. If you are a perfect parent, if that even exists, that will make up the remaining 10%. This is an important message that you can still be good enough to raise a successful child, you don't need to be perfect.<br />
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<b>Successful Helping Relationships</b><br />
There are three things Dr. Thira identified that helpers can bring to the table to make an effective helping relationship: who you are, being useful, and being safe.<br />
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He later presented a different interpretation of what makes a helping relationship work. In the past it was identified as 40% extra therapeutic factors, 30% the helping relationship, 15% hope, and 15% technique. Dr. Thira said 40% is the clients readiness to change, 30% is the therapeutic relationship, 15% is the counsellors readiness, and the remaining 15% is technique.<br />
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<b>Re-framing Depression</b><br />
Dr. Thira presented a different definition for depression, that it is a realistic view that lacks imagination for hope.<br />
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<b>Trauma Braid</b><br />
Our Survival Instinct to Traumatic Event Coping to Colonization Terms<br />
Flight to Anxiety to Addiction<br />
Freeze to Depression to Suicide<br />
Flight to Rage to Violence<br />
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This is an interesting flow of how our natural instinct may correlate with a response to trauma, which then has a colonization impact.<br />
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<b>Successful Circles Created for First Responders</b><br />
Dr. Thira emphasized that circles should be small to contain the safety.<br />
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Circles should go through four phases or steps: past, present, future (individual), future (community).<br />
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Many circles, in my experiences and Dr. Thira's stop at the second step. We talk about the terrible thing that has happened and how it impacts us presently, but we never talk about what we are going to do about it on an individual and community level.<br />
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<b>Counselling is Spritiual</b><br />
Dr. Thira said that counselling is spiritual. It is a placebo, a non-medical effective intervention.<br />
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<b>Don't Say "Stop It"</b><br />
When it comes to addiction or problematic behaviours, there is a tendency to say "just stop it." However, as any addiction counsellor knows, the behaviour needs to be replaced with a healthier habit.<br />
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<b>Replacement Technique</b><br />
Building upon the replacing a habit with something healthier, Dr. Thira outlined the following steps:<br />
-Identify the Problem Behaviour<br />
-Purpose of the Behavior. The answer to this question "What would I lose if it stopped?" is the purpose of the behaviour.<br />
-Problem Behaviour Advantages.<br />
-Problem Behaviour Disadvantages<br />
-Replacement Behaviour<br />
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As you begin to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a behaviour it becomes easier to identify a customized replacement behaviour. The new behaviour may not have the same advantages, but the costs of the disadvantages should be greatly reduced.<br />
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<b>Balance Respect & Care</b><br />
It is a delicate process for helpers, who want to help, to show appropriate respect and care for clients. If we do things for them, we are caring but not respecting. Balance needs to be found when supporting individuals.<br />
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<b>No Respect Responses create Low Self-Esteem</b><br />
Dr. Thira encouraged us to be careful with our words, and what we may be unintentionally telling someone when we try to give them advice.<br />
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As some examples if we try to give advice to protect them, we are in way telling them that they are vulnerable. If we give advice to solve, they have a problem. If we want to use advice to be fast, they are slow. To help, they are helpless. Because we have they answer, they are stupid. Because we are strong, they are weak. To fix, they are broken.<br />
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Low self-esteem is then expressed in two ways according to Dr. Thira. Despair or Arrogance. Despair then tends to create a victim state of being, and arrogance a bully state of being.<br />
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Dr. Thira said that the antidote for advice is a question.<br />
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<b>Post-Traumatic Growth</b><br />
Wounds have the ability to become gifts.<br />
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<b>Importance of Creating Safety 48 hours after a traumatic event</b><br />
Dr. Thira gave a timeline that if safety is created within 48 hours of a traumatic event, it lowers the chance that the emotional fallout of the event will create the symptoms of post traumatic stress.<br />
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This for me personally emphasized the importance of walk-in counselling clinics to be available to create an emotionally safe environment for individuals. However, keep in mind that 40% of counselling success is client readiness, and a client may not be ready to deal with a traumatic event 48 hours after ward.<br />
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<b>Validation-Invitation 2-Step</b><br />
First, validate the person or the situation. To validate the individual consider validating the person themselves, their social connections, culture, or principles. To validate the situation, validate emotions, thoughts, observations or needs. Personally, I tend to do more validating of the situation.<br />
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Second, invite. Seek information, and then create steps to change.<br />
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<b>Scaffolding</b><br />
I Do, We Do, You Do. Can also be considered as modelling.<br />
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<b>Four Branches of the Wellness Wheel</b><br />
The primary model driving Dr. Thira's interventions is the Four Branches of Wellness:<br />
-Caring Connection<br />
-Respectful Empowerment<br />
-Contributing Purpose<br />
-Cultural/Spiritual Wisdom<br />
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When the four branches are in unison, it creates self-worth and a worthwhile life.<br />
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For more information about Dr. Darien Thira visit <a href="http://thira.ca/">Thira.ca</a><br />
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<i>Picture at top: Myself with Dr. Darien Thira</i>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-56990283828531872082019-05-12T08:33:00.000-06:002019-05-12T08:33:08.118-06:00Anticipated Board & Card Games of 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a bit late to the party, but I thought I would share board and card games that I am looking forward to in 2019.<br />
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First, I want to fully acknowledge that KickStarter is my addiction.<br />
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Now that I have gotten that out of the way. Here are games that I am looking forward to, or those games with an asterisk that I was looking forward to this year and have received.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#10 Kill The Unicorns</span></b></div>
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If there is a game and it includes unicorns, my family (cough daughter cough) wants to have it.</div>
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This is a blind bidding game where you try to catch as many unicorns as possible.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#9 Volleyball High</span></b></div>
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This is a crisp newly anticipated game. There are not many volleyball themed games out there, so that's where this game piqued my interest.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#8 Kaboom Universe</span></b></div>
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Rescue the dinosaurs!!!! That's about as simply as I can put this game. Oh, and there is aliens.<br />
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It's a random cut-throat card game. Right up my families alley.<br />
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Turn on English subtitles for this video...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#7 Talisman: Kingdom Hearts</span></b></div>
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They had me at "Kingdom Hearts" and that was all that was needed.</div>
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I have never played Talisman, so this will be my gateway when it arrives.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#6 Critical Core</span></b></div>
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Colleagues over at the Geek Therapy Network brought this game to life. It's marketed towards building social skills and confidence for youth on the spectrum, but I am hopeful it can be beneficial for all youth in building confidence and social skills.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 Unstable Unicorns: Chaos and Control*</span></b></div>
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I mentioned unicorns earlier. We are already big fans of Unstable Unicorns, so when two exclusive decks came up, we were in.</div>
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If you have played Unstable Unicorns, it's the same basic game, just these decks either create control, or chaos.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Trick Shot</span></b></div>
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My son and I enjoy playing Blue Line Hockey. It's fun skating miniatures around and scoring goals. However, Blue Line Hockey is from 1968 - it's dated.</div>
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Trick Shot looks like a fresh take on the game, with a push your luck mechanic. It definitely looks healthier than a 1968 game.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Sonic the Hedgehog: Battle Racers</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/pPV6qccvE2NNXPKASea22G7kZS8=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3962661.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="274" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/pPV6qccvE2NNXPKASea22G7kZS8=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3962661.png" /></a></div>
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Sonic is all over the media, it's like it's 1992 all over again.</div>
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Besides unicorns, miniatures is another aspect of games that my family likes. The idea of racing our favourite characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe seemed too good to turn down.</div>
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Plus, Sonic looks like Sonic.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Throw Throw Burrito</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/024/568/843/319e99653f0cde80ad4248444fddd7c2_original.png?ixlib=rb-2.0.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1553751469&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=44935079b413349143a7478f3a5ea4c1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="180" src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/024/568/843/319e99653f0cde80ad4248444fddd7c2_original.png?ixlib=rb-2.0.0&w=680&fit=max&v=1553751469&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=44935079b413349143a7478f3a5ea4c1" width="320" /></a></div>
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From <i>Exploding Kittens</i> to <i>Bears vs Babies</i>, my family loves their games.</div>
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A fast paced card game that includes dodgeball where the ball is a burrito? Sounds like crazy fun for family game night!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Conspiracy: The Solomon Gambit</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepage/img/OG36zYFErQf20iy-YXT_PyBjPpc=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale()/pic4734981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepage/img/OG36zYFErQf20iy-YXT_PyBjPpc=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale()/pic4734981.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My family had the cool opportunity to play test this game. It was a neat experience for us to try a game and provide our feedback.</div>
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We loved the idea of out bidding hitmen contracts to retrieve the secret suitcase.</div>
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We are thrilled to see a game that we were involved in come to life. Which makes this game, the most anticipated, for me and my family, of 2019.</div>
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Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-62104487434758788202019-02-22T08:00:00.002-07:002019-02-22T08:00:08.208-07:00Video: The Repair of Early Trauma; A Bottom Up Approach<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FOCTxcaNHeg" width="560"></iframe>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-53136915116201727922019-01-02T09:56:00.000-07:002019-01-02T09:56:17.770-07:00My Family's Most Played Board Games in 2018Thanks to my love for stats, I track mine and my families board game plays. Here are the top 10 games that we played most in 2018.<br />
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10. Exploding Kittens</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/XW9wAqKOy8kvH6TqxtuwAdFuAoo=/0x0/pic2691976.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="680" height="220" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/XW9wAqKOy8kvH6TqxtuwAdFuAoo=/0x0/pic2691976.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was a time, a year ago, where it seemed like we played this game every day during the summer. Alas, our desire to defuse kittens that are accidentally blowing stuff up has slowed this year.</div>
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9. Doctor Who: Time of Daleks</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/dwKZ2q-yRhEi25wx7348E6hO9Uc=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3690762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/dwKZ2q-yRhEi25wx7348E6hO9Uc=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3690762.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are not many Doctor Who games on the market, and this one is worth while. It's a semi-cooperative game, and the more players the easier. There is nothing quite like choosing your favourite Doctor and companions, and then saving the universe from the Daleks.</div>
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8. Dixit</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/8WnWnWR-u58DCbhxEwcmtsk5UJQ=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3483909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="800" height="316" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/8WnWnWR-u58DCbhxEwcmtsk5UJQ=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3483909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apples-to-Apples but with pictures. The game is great, and it is simple to play.</div>
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7. Unstable Unicorns</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/o2cwQmshubQ5WMiZKP_gR_YPW2w=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3912914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="750" height="233" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/o2cwQmshubQ5WMiZKP_gR_YPW2w=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3912914.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My daughter LOVES this game. So much so that we hunted down the booth at the Comic Expo and got some extra swag. The art is fun, but this is a cut throat game. Feelings will get hurt.</div>
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6. Zombicide</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/FwnbGGrU7av4j8kB11VZZRB58U4=/0x0/pic1196191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="557" height="319" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/FwnbGGrU7av4j8kB11VZZRB58U4=/0x0/pic1196191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My son LOVES this game. There is something anxiety inducing as your squad gets cornered by wave after wave of zombies. We love that this is cooperative and that we have to work together to survive.</div>
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5. Monza</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/JRkge4mxEENZxwX3XY195lKJFPo=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic393664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/JRkge4mxEENZxwX3XY195lKJFPo=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic393664.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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I was surprised how much we played this game. I think it's the colour matching of the dice to the tiles as you race around the oval track that makes my kids like it so much. It's simple problem solving.</div>
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4. Fabled Fruit</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/8qlyyBEPlKTAN_XawD8_pqXOpak=/0x0/pic3086825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/original/img/8qlyyBEPlKTAN_XawD8_pqXOpak=/0x0/pic3086825.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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The game that never ends - or at least feels that way. Each time after you use enough fruits to make a juice, another juice option replaces the completed one with a different set of rules.</div>
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3. Emojito!</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/5Wcq8XSW2mBX7kUG-JGSfEPtQu0=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3196017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="800" height="319" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/5Wcq8XSW2mBX7kUG-JGSfEPtQu0=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3196017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The game that all kids of counsellors are/will be playing. It's a fun way to try to express and read emotions. You can play as a team against the game, or individually. I like it for it's ability to create emotional language. <a href="https://www.nerdyparenting.ca/2018/09/play-this-with-your-kids-emojito.html">Check out my post on Nerdy Parenting for more</a>.</div>
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2. Happy Salmon</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/QSN-FSJjfKOkcYBNNoZEt3EaWus=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic2913980.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/QSN-FSJjfKOkcYBNNoZEt3EaWus=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic2913980.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This game will get really loud! Especially as your hand gets smaller as you find a matching partner to high five, switcheroo, fist pump, or happy salmon with.</div>
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1. Beasts of Balance</h2>
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<a href="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/aj-loUR6PCtxQ0u-WvqMsY-DWFc=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3286675.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="320" src="https://cf.geekdo-images.com/imagepagezoom/img/aj-loUR6PCtxQ0u-WvqMsY-DWFc=/fit-in/1200x900/filters:no_upscale()/pic3286675.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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You need a tablet for this game to work. But it is magical to watch as you balance beasts on the plynth to watch them come alive on the tablet. Migrate, cross-breed, or power them up to unlock different beasts.</div>
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<br />Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3539247001522359298.post-10206477105543786882019-01-01T15:08:00.000-07:002019-01-01T15:08:02.247-07:00My Family's Top 10 Video Games of 2018Welcome to 2019!<br />
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I did a quick poll with my kids (8 & 10) about what their favourite games to play this year were, despite release date. We had a little debate, and then concluded with our Top 10 list.<br />
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10. Roblox</h2>
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<a href="https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/roblox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/roblox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Free to use. Can be played on many different platforms, which makes it popular in my house for modern day couch gaming.</div>
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9. Kirbey Star Allies</h2>
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<a href="https://kirby.nintendo.com/star-allies/assets/icons/share_icon_fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://kirby.nintendo.com/star-allies/assets/icons/share_icon_fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Up to four players for this game, as long as Kirby has that many allies.</div>
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8. Halo: Master Chief Collection</h2>
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<a href="https://images-eds-ssl.xboxlive.com/image?url=8Oaj9Ryq1G1_p3lLnXlsaZgGzAie6Mnu24_PawYuDYIoH77pJ.X5Z.MqQPibUVTcClMQNEvUDCoKA98Pprp_CmKjJxQux.81vU48k_mg42QU39S8dKDt_d6V28N383SJ_a0E1m35eJeciYS0MCkV9JZa2W8y38oZrm0azLh_rVE4Qwm9AkcZ358J93nbOJP6yDOT385OyOactPKFQFzSLRNoXvZQZ0QTG5yWI5CikYo-&h=1080&w=1920&format=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://images-eds-ssl.xboxlive.com/image?url=8Oaj9Ryq1G1_p3lLnXlsaZgGzAie6Mnu24_PawYuDYIoH77pJ.X5Z.MqQPibUVTcClMQNEvUDCoKA98Pprp_CmKjJxQux.81vU48k_mg42QU39S8dKDt_d6V28N383SJ_a0E1m35eJeciYS0MCkV9JZa2W8y38oZrm0azLh_rVE4Qwm9AkcZ358J93nbOJP6yDOT385OyOactPKFQFzSLRNoXvZQZ0QTG5yWI5CikYo-&h=1080&w=1920&format=jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nothing more fun than switching between previous and present graphics and then trying to get the kids guess which is modern day. Appreciate how far modern consoles have come in 18 years.</div>
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7. Mario Tennis Aces</h2>
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<a href="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?quality=85&image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.aolcdn.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fmidas%2F3167606ff2b4945981a5b02779bf8853%2F206196542%2FDXzJwdsU0AE_2zY.jpg&client=amp-blogside-v2&signature=7eddc8e3c7103b745f4d8e62196512debef8b3a9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?quality=85&image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.aolcdn.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fmidas%2F3167606ff2b4945981a5b02779bf8853%2F206196542%2FDXzJwdsU0AE_2zY.jpg&client=amp-blogside-v2&signature=7eddc8e3c7103b745f4d8e62196512debef8b3a9" width="400" /></a></div>
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No one plays tennis in my family. We don't watch tennis. But when you combine Mario and Tennis, it's a lot of fun.</div>
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6. Trials Fusion</h2>
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<a href="https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steam/apps/245490/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1511961896" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="616" height="228" src="https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steam/apps/245490/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1511961896" width="400" /></a></div>
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The ATV is the least eventful, and the unicorn with a cat is everyone's favourite. Add bailing to make it even more entertaining.</div>
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5. Kingdom Hearts</h2>
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<a href="https://www.justpushstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kingdom-Hearts-The-Story-so-Far-800x606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="800" height="302" src="https://www.justpushstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kingdom-Hearts-The-Story-so-Far-800x606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's amazing that this originally came out in 2002 and I only heard about it in 2017. The story and the Disney combination make this a favourite.</div>
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4. Mario Odyssey</h2>
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<a href="https://supermario.nintendo.com/assets/icons/share_icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://supermario.nintendo.com/assets/icons/share_icon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Countless hours. Many challenges even after the "main story" is done.</div>
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3. Minecraft</h2>
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<a href="https://compass-ssl.xbox.com/assets/0f/e2/0fe20042-0bb8-4781-82f4-7130f928b021.jpg?n=Minecraft-2017_Superhero-0_Keyart_767x431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="767" height="223" src="https://compass-ssl.xbox.com/assets/0f/e2/0fe20042-0bb8-4781-82f4-7130f928b021.jpg?n=Minecraft-2017_Superhero-0_Keyart_767x431.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The game that never ends, unless you are in survival mode. So much to see, so much to create.</div>
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2. Fortnite</h2>
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<a href="https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/images/10_share_images/games_15/nintendo_switch_download_software_1/H2x1_NSwitchDS_Fortnite_image1600w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/images/10_share_images/games_15/nintendo_switch_download_software_1/H2x1_NSwitchDS_Fortnite_image1600w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You know you have a boy in the house when.... you have to play Fortnite. The cross-console play has helped this become popular in the house multiplayer play.</div>
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1. Spider-Man</h2>
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<a href="https://img.game.co.uk/ml2/5/6/2/9/562944_scr9_a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://img.game.co.uk/ml2/5/6/2/9/562944_scr9_a.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Never before have I bought a console just for a game, until this year. New York Island is your area to explore and save. Plus there are many suits to choose from to make your Spider-Man game feel personable.</div>
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Thanks for reading! And here's to more gaming in 2019!</div>
Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04920357842340769457noreply@blogger.com