If ever I can help, email me at [email protected]

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It had been years since I fainted during a blood test, until last week.

As a little girl in a one-room school, a nurse lined us up for vaccinations. When it was my turn, she struggled while frustratingly poking me several times... and I woke up at home. My nervous system filed that experience away under "Danger!" And there were many times when a vein was disapointingly not visible.

Years later, a lab technician named Edwardo became my hero. He could find a vein on the first try every time. I'd happily wait longer just to have him draw my blood. Recently, he was promoted to blood analyst.

So, last week, a new technician struggled to find a vein. Apparently, my nervous system didn't notice I was a grown woman in a modern lab. It thought I was back in that little one-room school. Out I went!

The experience reminded me that our nervous systems don't always distinguish between then and now. They respond to what feels familiar, not necessarily to what's actually happening.

Next time, I'll simply say, "I need to lie down for this." Sometimes resilience means knowing what helps your body feel safe.❤️🐞

It is my pleasure to serve the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association as the Alberta–Northwest Territories Regional Director. One of the greatest joys of this role is connecting with therapists at every stage of their professional journey, from students just beginning their careers to seasoned practitioners with years of experience.

Our gatherings are filled with meaningful conversations, and I am always delighted to see members connecting, encouraging one another, and sharing tips. One recent gathering was hosted by a member at her beautiful acreage outside of Calgary, providing the perfect setting.

I hope you, too, are part of a community that offers a sense of connection, support, and purpose. We all thrive when we have people with whom we can learn, grow, and belong.

In the meantime, I wish you continued resilience,
Patricia ❤️🐞

Men and Anger

A nationally representative survey found that approximately 1 in 13 U.S. adults reported problematic anger severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning. The researchers found that:

Rather than assuming men need to "get less angry," research suggests they need help:

I sheepishly snuck into the freezer to grab a piece of leftover Halloween candy. Was I unable, or unwilling, to tell myself, “No”? Or was I really telling myself, “Yes, you deserve a sweet little treat”?

Those two tiny words, yes and no influence our lives more than we realize. Add the wise middle ground, it depends, and you have three powerful resilience-building tools that help you make thoughtful, responsible choices.

Learning to say no isn’t about becoming selfish. It’s about becoming

. . . CLICK HERE.

A book summary of Why Can’t I Let You Go? Break Free from Trauma Bonds, End Toxic Relationships, and Develop Healthy Attachments by Michelle Skeen (PsyD) & Kelly Skeen

As a therapist I meet people who know their relationships are unhealthy. Yet they hang onto the belief they can fix themselves or the other person or the best solution is to do nothing and hang on. Often in romantic situations they repeatedly breakup and then return. Rinse and repeat.

Why Can’t I Let You Go? proposes that these patterns are often the result of a relationship trauma bond (RTB) rather than love alone. The authors combine. . . CLICK HERE.

10.30am MT, Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Calgary

Life offers enough challenges without carrying around unnecessary burdens. Finding Your Sunnyside Up! is a lighthearted presentation that explores how gratitude, meaningful connection, playfulness, and a positive outlook can help us experience greater joy and resilience. You'll leave with simple, practical strategies to lift your spirits, strengthen your relationships, and cultivate a more joyful way of living.

As Dr. Ernest Holmes wrote, "It should be considered right to live and enjoy living. To be well, happy, and to express freedom, is to be in accord with Divine Law and Wisdom." The Science of Mind.

Five Practices for Everyday Joy

When: 10.30am MT, Sunday, August 16, 2026
Where: Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living, 4411 Manitoba Rd SE, Calgary or Online at Or watch online at https://calgarycsl.org/livestream

No Registration — JUST COME * See you there! ❤️🐞

Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces in a Stressful World

Join award-winning Canadian author, counsellor, and speaker Patricia Morgan, M.A. for an engaging and practical evening focused on building resilience and connection in today’s fast-paced world. Based on her 2024 Canadian Counselling Book Award-winning book Return to Center, this presentation offers simple, easy-to-use strategies to help calm the nervous system, strengthen relationships, and navigate everyday stress.

Through approachable insights into Polyvagal Theory, Patricia shares tools to recognize stress responses, return to a place of calm, and create emotionally safe spaces at home, at work, and in the community. This session is ideal for caregivers, educators, helping professionals, and anyone looking to better manage life’s pressures.

Participants will leave with practical skills they can start using right away, and a certificate for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) is available upon request.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Unison Veiner Centre
Admission: $25 Early Bird (until September 4) | $30 Regular
Refreshments included

Learn more at https://veinercentre.wildapricot.org/event-6781623

Register by e-transfer to [email protected] or pay cash at the door. Please include "Event Registration" and your name in the e-Transfer message or memo.

Note: Debit & Credit Card Payments are not available for this event

Presentations — In-Person or Online
Keynotes/Workshops: CLICK HERE.

Presentation Skills: For those who want guidance to develop a speaking business or simply craft and deliver an engaging message CLICK HERE.

Counselling Therapy: Can be delivered online or in-person. CLICK HERE.

Publications: To view resiliency books and ebooks CLICK HERE.

Please let me know how I might be of service at [email protected]

Your Spunky Patricia ❤️🐞