If you’re a foodie, Cape Breton has some amazing surprises in store for you. Book a table at any of the following restaurants and be prepared for a gastronomic adventure. Just bring your appetite!
Grá, is a small, but absolutely wonderful farm to table restaurant in the small community of Ross Ferry. Susan and I (Helen) have had meals there that were amazing. The Chef, Cherie Swift, has a knack for flavours and her presentation is second to none! Reservations are a good idea!
Woodroad is another spectacular, small restaurant in Margaree that showcases local cuisine. It’s built on the waterfront and has spectacular views. Cocktails at 6:30 with dinner beginning at 7:00 pm.
These two restaurants all have set fixed menus. Check with each one to find out their policies regarding alcohol.
Taking its cues from Maritime and French influences , the Bothy in Louisbourg will not disappoint. Call 902-733-2080 (the only way you will get a reservation). If you are going with a group the charcuterie board is a great start.
The Bite House is another small farm-to-table place outside Baddeck You used to be able to dine in, but can now get takeout.
Cable Room in the Telegraph House in Baddeck is a restaurant that has great ratings and can also supply wonderful meals for vegan and vegetarian diners.
The restaurant at the Chanterelle Inn, in North River, has vegetarian, non-vegetarian and seafood main courses, along with their signature home-made soups and artisan breads. Wonderful vistas overlooking the North River hills and valley. Book well ahead of your schedule.
Glenora Inn and Distillery’s gourmet restaurant is also a place not to miss! It’s located on the Inverness side of the island. Not only can you have a fabulous meal, but don’t forget the tour and tastings of the famous single-malt distillery.
If you are travelling to Ingonish, be sure to have a meal at the Purple Thistle Dining Room in the Keltic Lodge. Wonderful seafood dishes are included on the menu, which also has a wide range of items to choose from. And you get to dine while looking at the ocean and the Highlands!
If you are in a VRBO don’t hesitate to get a fine meal of crab. We both prefer it over lobster,
These are some of the gastronomic delights to be found on the Island. In addition, there are so many bistros and cafés to be enjoyed in almost every village and town. No matter your food tastes and interests, you will find a place to accommodate you! Watch for an update as we begin to compile a new list of those ‘must try’ places!
Nova Scotia, it tugs at your heartstrings and for some it never lets go. For the past 40 some years, we have both been returning to our roots in Nova Scotia. If you want to find tranquillity, and also have a good time, we’re betting it will pull on yours as well. It’s not just the place, it’s the people and the way of life that make it a place we long to be as the summer draws near. For one of us, it is a still a pull from far away; for the other it is a new retirement home.
If you are thinking of travelling to Nova Scotia, there are a few places we would recommend. Of course, number one, for us both, would be Cape Breton, often named the #1 island to visit in Canada and North America. It’s a beautiful little Island with so much character, some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, and lots of great, fun things to do.
Here are some of our top places to visit in Cape Breton; some are probably very familiar and some are off the beaten track; some are tourist destinations and some are noted because we’ve lived here, off and on, for quite some time; some will provide simple pleasures, like walking on a beach, and others will provide you with fabulous experiences, like strolling through an historic village. We think each one of them has so much to offer, creating stunning memories of your visit!
Louisbourg is a great little town to check out. Head towards the lighthouse in Louisbourg. It’s a gem of a place, we may be biased but we like it better than Peggy’s Cove. You can stroll along the fabulous 2 km Lighthouse Trail, where you will enjoy the sounds and sights of the ocean. It is always one of our favourite things to do. There are places all along the trail which will give you opportunities to take many fabulous photos – you won’t know which ones you like best! A few places you might like to stay are the Louisbourg Harbour Inn, a lovely B and B , where you will be treated to a fabulous place to stay, a welcoming host and great food. For a tasty adventure you can try staying at the North Star, owned and operated by down to earth celebrities Justin and Colin who will, no doubt, make this a memorable experience you won’t soon forget. Take in a meal at the Bothy; you’ll need to call 902-733-2080 (old school). It’s the only way to get a reservation. You can also enjoy a great meal at the Foggy Hermit or the newly opened Spoondrift Cafe. Both are excellent places where you can expect a tasty meal made by some of the best local chefs. And, of course, you won’t want to miss visiting the Fortress of Louisbourg, where you will take a step back in time to the 1700’s. For the past few summers I (Susan) have visited the fortress and each time I find something new to enjoy, something to inspire me, and something to amaze me!
The Miners Museum in Glace Bay is always a favourite on a rainy day. You get to go down in the mines with a retired miner, who will sweep you away with real stories of heroic men and women.
Out on the Mira. Well it’s really (Susan’s) number 1 as she has a bungalow (cottage) there. Nothing better than a good swim in the Mira River or a kayak ride on the 55 km (34 mile) meandering river. It’s Susan’s home away from home , it feeds her soul and she loves it there. Be sure to stop at Mullins Rite Stop on the Louisbourg Highway and pick up a fresh loaf of bread and some treats on your way to wherever you are staying. You can also check out the Mira Boat Club for entertainment or a bite to eat. You don’t have to be a member to partake.
What else can you do around Mira? You can check out Mira Gut Beach and look for beach glass; walk along the boardwalk in Main A Dieu; go for a scenic drive on either side of the Mira River; visit the Mira River Provincial Park or the Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Huntington. If you like to hike you can check out some of these options and don’t forget to go for a beautiful walk on Riversides Knowledge Path.
Cabot Links in Inverness, (2 hours away from Sydney) is an amazing place for golfers, and it’s also the location of one of our favourite beaches in Nova Scotia. You can spend hours walking up and down this wonderful sandy beach.
There is nothing like the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and warm sand beneath your feet while spending time walking and chatting with one of your best friends.
The Skyline Trail is a 6.5 km hike that is definitely worth the effort; the top provides the most spectacular views. We guarantee, this hike will not disappoint!
The charming and lovely village of Baddeck is a sweet place to go for a day visit – you can have an experience out on the water in one of the excursion boats, take the ferry over to Kidston Island to wander the trails or picnic on the beach, meander down the main street and stop in the shops and boutiques, or enjoy a very fresh lobster dinner at one of several restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum – there is so much history to read about and absorb, along with physical copies of his experimental kites and many other projects!
The village of Ingonish, on the Cabot Trail, offers a great place to relax – there’s a federal Park; hiking trails; and sandy beaches where you can swim in the ocean. Ski Cape Smokey offers the only gondola ride in Cape Breton, and while there isn’t a café or place to eat at the top, the scenery is unparalleled! Or stay a day or two at the renowned Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa, either in the main Lodge, or rent one of their darling cottages. The views, both on the drive to Ingonish and in the area, are second to none!
Are you driving around Cape Breton? If so, be sure to take Highway 19, just as you come across the Causeway. It’s a delightful drive along the coast, again providing many areas for spectacular photos. There are some lovely, small villages to explore along the way, such as Port Hood, which has 5 sandy beaches that are said to be the warmest water north of the Carolina’s. Leaving Port Hood, take the drive along the Colindale Road and you will come to a great fishing spot along the river and at the bridge. Another wonderful village is Mabou, home of the singing Rankin family; have lunch at the Red Shoe Pub, or stay at the Mabou River Inn or the Duncreigan Country Inn. Each Sunday during June to October, the Mabou Farmer’s Market is open from 11 to 2 pm. Here you will find some fabulous fresh produce from surrounding farms and gardens, as well as some scrumptious prepared meals to take out!
Another relaxing and calming place to visit is Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist monastery at Pleasant Bay on the Cabot Trail. Here you can relax, walk the grounds of the Abbey, hike the trails and visit the Stupa of Enlightenment. You can stop and chat with any of the monastics you encounter on your rambles. However, due to the Abbey’s monastic schedule, tours of the inside of the Abbey are not offered at this time.
If you love to go birding, and see them in their natural environment, a stop at the Bird Island Tours is a must. The boat takes you out to the Bird Islands, for approximately three hours, and you will be up, close and personal with the many inhabitants of the two islands – gannets, puffins, eagles, cormorants, kittiwakes, swallows, gulls and other bird species – as well as many seals in the water, who love to follow along with the boat! Photographers will have so many opportunities to get amazing pictures for their collections!
The Village of Iona has one of the most historical places in Cape Breton, the Highland Village. It’s dubbed as a ‘living history museum and folklore centre’ which celebrates the stories, language and culture of Cape Breton’s gaelic heritage. As you walk around the property, you will experience the period historic buildings, filled with appropriate artefacts, along with a museum. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon – once again, the views from the hill are stunning!
Sydneyis the historic capital of Cape Breton. If you didn’t stop there on the way through to Louisbourg, then turn around and go back; and make sure you have a bite at Flavour on the Water ,Governor’s Pub or the many great eateries. You could do a little shopping along Charlotte Street or stroll along the harbour boardwalk. If the cruise ships are in, there is usually a big market by the Big Fiddle for you to enjoy. And if you are in Sydney on Saturday mornings, you can check out the Farmers Market. There are several museums to wander through, and lots of places that have wonderful local entertainment (check out this guide).
Cheticamp a place rich in Acadian culture, and famous for their hooked rugs and décorative pieces. Be sure to stop by the Doryman for some live music, creating memories with your friends!
The Cabot Trail is a must, but in the fall it is glorious. The 300 km loop of the trail, weaves around the incredible coast of Cape Breton with magnificent views. There are so many stops along the way, too numerous to cover them all; be sure to check with a tourist information stop before you go around. There are hiking trails in the highlands; waterfalls; historic sites; craft shops; and quaint restaurants. An experience not to be missed and I (Helen) once went around on a motorcycle, and my younger sister accomplished this on a bicycle!
We guarantee Cape Breton, and all of Nova Scotia with more than 7,400 kilometres of coastline, will hold a place in your heart forever; your heartstrings will pull you back, again and again to see all the wonderful things this incredible place has to offer – lively music, rousing ceilidhs, warm-hearted people, stunning vistas, and so much more.
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Don’t leave home without the Doers and Dreamers guide; it will give you all the information you need to find out what is happening wherever you travel throughout the Province. So be careful as Cape Breton, Canada’s best kept secret will be calling your name, and you’ll most definitely want it to be your starting point!
During stressful times it is not uncommon for us to be impacted by psychosocial factors such as excessive worry or sadness. For those who have a diagnosed mental illness, additional stresses further exacerbate the condition. As a result of excessive worry we may develop habitual, exaggerated, or irrational thought patterns called cognitive distortions.
We all have these distortions. They are normal. However, they can cause us to perceive reality inaccurately. In other words, our brain is tricking us. Instead of seeing ourselves as calm and capable, we see ourselves as just the opposite. Our beliefs become negatively distorted and we process all thoughts through a negative filter. However, if we learn to challenge and ultimately change these negative thoughts, we cannot only change how we think , but also how we feel. How do we change these cognitive distortions? First, we need to understand what these distortions are and if any of these distortions apply specifically to you. Are you tending to view things more negatively than they really are? View the following 10 most common distortions and decide which ones you may be using most frequently.
All or Nothing Thinking (Black and white thinking) You might say to yourself : “This day is awful. I can’t do anything fun anymore. I feel like life is so difficult. What’s the point of getting out of bed? Nothing ever works out the way I want it to.”
Overgeneralization: (Attributing a negative outcome based on one single event or incident) “I tried to practice music on my own, but I just could not focus. Everyone else seems to be able to do it. It must just be me who can’t. I failed when I tried to do my Biology . What’s the use of trying? I will fail every time I try.
Discounting The Positive (Believing the positive attributes you possess have no value) “ My teacher told me I did really well in the last practice, but I know he’s just saying this to make me feel better because I have been feeling sad lately.”
Mind Reading : (Assuming that you know what other people are thinking without having any evidence) “My dad seemed really quiet today. He didn’t even say good morning. I think he’s angry with me.”
Fortune Telling; (Jumping to conclusions and predicting future events based on a past events) “I messed up on the last practice. I’m never going to get this music piece correct.”
Magnification (Catastrophizing) or Minimizing: (Binocular Trick: When viewing through binoculars, it allows us only to focus on what we are looking for. We either magnify or zero in on a specific feature, not allowing for a true perspective or view. ) “I only got a 60% on my last quiz. I’m probably going to fail this course. I got 90% on all my tests but I am really unsure whether I will have the marks needed to get into my university program of choice.”
Emotional Reasoning; (Allowing our feelings to interpret our reality. I feel it, therefore it must be true.) “I feel my life is totally out of control because of x .” “I feel worried, therefore I must have anxiety. I feel sad, therefore I must be depressed.”
Should Statements; (Stop Shoulding on Yourself!) “I should be helping out more at home during this difficult time.” Or: “ My parents tell me every day I should feel lucky because others have it a lot worse than I do. ”I should be doing better in school even though life is very difficult right now. “I should get 90”s and if I don’t I am a failure.”
Labeling and Mislabeling; (Attributing one error or decision as a specific trait) “I messed up on the last question on the test. It was so easy. I am such an idiot.”
Personalization. (Blaming yourself for everything that may go wrong. It’s not all about you. Others may own a part or all of the situation) “My parents seem to be arguing a lot more. Maybe I’m irritating them. I need to be better so they don’t argue so much.” Or “My relationship ended because I was not exciting enough and could not spend more time with _____ . “
You may have recognized yourself in some of these distortions. By now you will probably have identified the ones that ring true for you. So in order to remain calm and capable, you must remind yourself of how counter productive these distortions can be. Instead, take time to reframe your thoughts so they more clearly reflect the true picture. Take each cognitive distortion find an example that you presently do and find ways to reframe each one.
Enlist friends, family members, coaches, teachers or anyone you trust to help you better challenge these distortions. This provides for a wider view, as opposed to a narrow lens approach. You can now see yourself from a whole new perspective, as a calm, capable, young person, better able to manage the ever-changing world around you.
If you are a School Counsellor you will want to read this report. The jobs of tomorrow matter. Supporting youth in their journey to understanding their needed skills will be most helpful.
Whether you are an educator or not please take the time to reflect on this film. Courage, compassion, honour, love, and empathy are but a few words I have to describe the feelings I had watching this film. We see these kids every day in our schools, but do we really see them.
I am an optimist and for the most part it seems I have always been that way. It is possible that 25-35% of optimistic traits may be inherited. William Chopik PhD. associate professor of psychology and director of the Close Relationships Lab at Michigan State University found in his twin studies that 25% of optimism is inherited. That said environmental factors do indeed matter.
So what have I done in my life to remain optimistic?
I work hard at starting my day in a positive way with a positive mindset. It’s not always easy, but living life finding the many ways to be more positive matters to me.
Friendships are essential to my well being. I mostly surround myself with people who look on the brighter side of life.
I recognize that what I say and do is up to me.
I accept and feel my emotions as much as possible. Reframing and refocusing when necessary. I use self-talk to shift my attitude when needed.
I support others paying it forward as often as possible. I reach out for support to assist me in life.
I recognize and focus on all the things I am grateful for on a regular basis.
I focus on living each day to the fullest as best I can. Truly living life one day at a time makes life so much easier allowing me to let go of so many things.
I don’t dwell on the negative possibilities, I find ways to see the positive in most situations.
I appreciate the people around me and let them know. I take the time to write a post card or letter, send a note or tell someones boss what a difference they make as often as possible.
I hang on to hope at every given moment.
Has life always been easy? No, like most people I have experienced many challenges of life, but I choose to find ways to look for what I can learn from every experience.
I remember when I was first diagnosed with keratoconus and my ophthalmologist at the time said I could go blind (a more pessimistic view as there are so many developments to assist people with pellucid marginal degeneration as I was later diagnosed with and could be more in the future) and I thought to myself well if I need a seeing eye dog and that’s the worst that happens I can live with that. That was over ten years ago and I am not blind. I have had many eye challenges. I had a year where I could not drive, I have had many moments where seeing was a real challenge, but for today I can see well with sclerals. I know I will need a corneal transplant, but life is full of twists and turns and I choose to find ways to make the most of life.
My wish for all of you in this ever changing world is that you cultivate a little more optimism in your life so that you have an opportunity to live longer and more positively right up to the end no matter what life challenges you have to face.
Just for today I plan on heading for the beach no matter how sunny it is.
This week someone asked me why at my age I am so interested in AI. There are so many reasons, but it is mainly because I care about humanity. I want to learn so that I have a better understanding for my children, your children and my future grandchildren. Besides we are never too old to learn and now is the opportune time to do so.
As a Psychologist and former School Counsellor, I hope that you will explore resources and information that will guide you on a journey to understanding the complex world of AI. More importantly, I hope that you will bring humanity into all your conversations when it comes to AI. I believe that the therapeutic alliance will be more essential than ever before. AI won’t be able to connect the way a counsellor or therapist can. AI won’t be able to help in crisis situations. AI is not human although some may begin to treat it so. The counselling relationship is key and will always matter when it comes to being a helping professional. AI will most likely be used to augment and enhance counselling processes, so understanding how to utilize it will be of the utmost importance.
AI has the potential to impact an individual’s well-being, privacy, and autonomy. As counsellors, it is crucial to address the ethical implications of AI and ensure that its development, implementation, and use align with ethical standards. As counsellors and therapists our ethical standards will need to be revised.
Discussing AI from a counselling perspective will allow for a critical examination of its potential benefits and risks, fostering informed decision-making and responsible use now and in the future. Throughout these months in ETMOOC2 for which I am extremely grateful, I have been doing a lot of reading, discussing and thinking about AI. I hope that you too will begin exploring and learning. We are just at the beginning stages of paying attention and learning how AI will impact all of us.
AI technology will most likely have psychological effects on individuals. For example, chatbots or virtual assistants designed to provide emotional support may impact the therapeutic relationship between clients and human counsellors. There is no way to predict how and what impact this will have. Time will tell, but we will need to assist clients who develop a trusting relationship with an AI instead of a human and the impacts that could potentially have on their therapeutic outcomes.
Addressing AI from a counselling perspective will allow for the exploration of the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating AI into therapeutic settings and school settings . We will need to consider the psychological impact on clients and students in the near future. How will you address these issues?
How will AI gather personal data, analyze emotional expressions, or even provide mental health assessments accurately? It is important to discuss the potential impact of AI on emotional well-being and mental health, ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in ways that promote individuals’ psychological well-being. There is much to consider when it comes to AI.
How will AI enhance your counselling process?
Will AI help, harm or heal?
What part will you play in making a difference when it comes to AI?
How will you keep up and pay attention to the ethical considerations?
Will AI ever be able to show empathy, compassion, intuition, or cultural nuances?
I really like what Sherry Turkle asks, “Are we really ready to become a machine’s companion even if they are willing to become ours?”
As AI technology becomes more prevalent, individuals will continue to increasingly interact with AI systems in various domains of life. As Counsellors we can play a significant role in helping individuals navigate these interactions, offering support in establishing healthy boundaries, managing expectations, and coping with potential challenges that may arise in human-AI interactions. Knowing what resources are helpful will make a difference in you assisting your clients.
Ensuring that all voices are included in the training of AI systems so that biases will appear less frequently is essential. AI algorithms already perpetuate and amplify these biases. Let’s work together for positive change that is more inclusive for all.
Understanding AI from a counselling perspective will allow for discussions of the potential preferences in AI systems and their implications. We need to ensure that our, and our client’s privacy rights are respected and protected now and in the future.
By addressing AI from a counselling perspective, you as a helping professional can help raise awareness,promote responsible and ethical AI practices, and support individuals in navigating the impact of AI on their well-being and mental health. My suggestion for learning how AI will impact what you do is to start slow and learn as much as you can whenever you can.
AI does matter when it comes from a counselling perspective. My hope is that you take a look at some of the resources below and share your resources, thoughts and ideas. Some articles could be used as a starting dialogue for professional development sessions, others may pique your personal interest in this topic.My suggestion is to put down or better yet put away your phones whenever you are face-to-face with another person. Have a real conversation making them the most important person in the room whether discussing AI or not. I look forward to staying connected with others who will commit to keeping AI and humanity at the forefront of their growth knowing that human connection will always matter.
Chat GPT can make mistakes and give incorrect info.
It is important to start a new chat when changing topics.
Always fact check Chat GPT
I want you to act as a School Counsellor. I will provide some details about the current situation and goals for the student, and it will be your job to come up with strategies that can help me help the student make better decisions and reach those objectives. This could involve offering advice on various topics, such as creating plans for achieving success or dealing with difficult emotions. My first request is dealing with a grade 8 student dealing with (topic) ex: stress. Next prompt – can you suggest videos? – next prompt- suggest age-appropriate articles. Next prompt- Create tip sheets. next prompt – can you suggest age-appropriate books – next prompt – suggest activities for each.
Provide 20 resources on [topic].
Help me find an interactive game or activity to help reinforce [concept].
Suggest a book or article my students can read to learn more about [topic].
Come up with 10 creative ways to teach [topic] to my students.
Provide 10 examples of real-world applications of [concept] to help my students understand it better.
Suggest 10 ways to differentiate instruction for students with different learning styles or needs. On the (topic).
Provide 10 tips or strategies for helping my students improve their coping skills.
Suggest 10 ways to incorporate technology into my lessons to make them more engaging and interactive.
Can you provide some examples of how [historical event, scientific concept, etc.] has impacted society or the world?
Suggest 10 ways to help my students develop their [ skills], such as communication, emotional regulation teamwork, or leadership. Be specific as to age/grade level.
Create a newsletter on (topic) for students/parents/ teachers.
Tell me 10 great resources for teaching about (topic).
Recommend 10 videos on ( topic) (grade level).
1O creative ways to make ( subject /topic more interesting) for students.
Recommend 10 good podcasts related to (a topic that my students can listen to.
Recommend 10 good articles on (topic).
10 effective strategies for teaching empathy to ( age/grade level).
10 ways students can develop their self-awareness and self-reflection skills.
10 engaging mindfulness activities for (age/grade level).
10 ways to develop positive peer relationships with peers ( age/ grade level).
10 ways to deal with difficult emotions ( age/ grade level).
10 tips for being resilient for (age/ grade level).
10 ways I can be a better student (age/ grade level).
10 activities for building (self-esteem, confidence etc. for (age/grade level).
10 specific activities for coping with (topic … anxiety).
10 self-talk statements to deal with (topic) age level/grade level.
Simulate a job interview for an (age of student).
List 10 possible careers for a student who is interested in …
Act as a School Counsellor and help a student with the following concerns.
I want you to act as a School Counsellor. I will provide you with an individual looking for guidance on managing their emotions, stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns. Use your knowledge of DBT, CBT, solution-focused therapy, brief therapy, meditation techniques, mindfulness practices and other counselling techniques to create strategies that a student can implement in order to improve their overall well-being. My first request is” I need someone to help me with a grade ___ student who needs help managing their (depressive symptoms).
I want you to act as a career counsellor for an (age/ grade I will provide you with an individual looking for guidance in their life, and your task is to help them determine what careers they are most suited for based on their skills, interests and experience. You should also conduct research into the various options available, explain the job market trends in different industries and advice on which qualifications would be beneficial for pursuing particular fields. My first request is “I want to advise someone who wants to pursue a potential career in …
Act as a School Counsellor I will provide you with some information about a student’s goals and challenges, and it will be your job to come up with strategies that can help this person achieve their goals. This could involve providing positive affirmations, giving helpful advice or suggesting activities they can do to reach their end goal. My first request is …
Respond to this angry parent in a positive tone.
Write an email to a parent in a positive tone letting them know …
Create a tutorial on … topic/grade level.
Create some hands-on activities on (topic/grade level).
Act as a School Counsellor: develop a visual graphic for a student in Grade —- on the topic of —-
Teach me how to use google sheets as a School Counsellor to …
Create 10 reflection questions to discuss (topic) in a group.
Create an inspirational blog post for students in grade on the topic of —-
Develop a 30-minute lesson plan on the topic of ____ from a School Counsellor’s perspective.
Put _____ in alphabetical order.
List categories for each of these topics.
Create monthly topics on social-emotional learning for grade ____ students from a School Counsellor’s perspective. – NEXT PROMPT – Create activities for each.
Create 10 great tips that Elie Wiesel may give to grade —- students.
Create 10 great tips that Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, Oprah Winfrey, Terry Fox, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandella, Leo Buscaglia or anyone who inspires you may give to grade — students.
You could create a tips sheet for the students out of the responses.
Create 10 great tips that Carl Rogers, Bruce Perry, Ed Jacobs, Donald Michenbaum Dr. Erin Mason, may give to grade —- students.
49. Generate an analogy for …
50. Imagine … how would you cope with …
51. Generate open-ended questions on (topic)
52. Suggest 10 interactive activities to explain (topic) from a School Counselling Perspective
53. Explain the process of ( nurturing healthy relationships) in ten steps.
54. Explain the concept of cognitive behaviour therapy ( in simple steps that will help me with (topic)
55. Provide me with 10 engaging energizers from a school Counselling Perspective that I can use with a group on (topic)
56. From a School Counselling perspective recommend 5 books on the topic of ____ that will. help with (topic)
60. Make a list of …
Ask Chat GPT to create 100 more prompts for School Counsellors especially when you have been inputting information as a School Counsellor.
You can also use your counselling skills when talking to chat GPT say … tell me more.
Resources:
Now it’s your turn. Share any resources/ ideas/tips you have … You can add to this cheat sheet I created that I will be updating to assist you in the amazing work you do.
Truly fulfilling relationships are not about wanting to change someone or about finding someone who is perfect and without flaws, we all have them. It’s about having the courage to be yourself allowing yourself to be seen and having your partner or your friend accept you for who you truly are. If we want to build deep connections with another person we need to be vulnerable and let them see the real us. Discovering our true selves can be a lifelong journey that requires continuous effort and introspection.
In all relationships, we will make mistakes and can even end up possibly hurting the other person. Our partner or friend is not supposed to meet all of our needs, that’s up to us to do so. Having the courage to recognize the times when we need support from someone else whether that be a friend or professional is important. It takes courage to reach out especially for those in an abusive relationship, but doing so could help to make better connections and healthier decisions.
Conflict is normal in any relationship, but if we communicate honestly and find ways to work through the challenges, building trust in one another, a healthy relationship can be the end result. One way we can do this is by letting our partner or friend know when we need a break and by not giving them the silent treatment or in other words as Gottman calls it stonewalling, which can be emotionally abusive. If you are looking to improve any relationship Gottman has great tips.
Emotional connections are important, however, if we are always looking at the needs of someone else and not paying attention to our own, or if we fall into unhealthy relationship patterns we need to look deeper into the why and make some changes.
In healthy relationships each partner is looking out for the other, recognizing that they need to make compromises and that life can sometimes get messy. It isn’t about a long life together that is miserable, it’s about a life together that has way more ups than downs. A life where you can say I love and care deeply about that other human being be it a friend or lover.
There may come a time when you ask yourself do I need to end this relationship? While not easy, it may be necessary. I love this thread by Dr. Nicola Pera on when to end a relationship. It is thoughtful and wise.
Deciding to end a relationship can be a difficult and complex process. Here are some questions to consider:
How do you feel when you’re around this person? Do you feel energized and happy or drained and unhappy?
Do you trust this person? Do you believe what they say or do you feel like they’re hiding something from you?
Is this a one-sided relationship?
Is your partner/friend unable or unwilling to change and meet your needs?
Does your partner/friend consistently break promises or fail to live up to their commitments?
Are you staying in the relationship because you’re afraid of being alone or because you genuinely want to be with this person?
Are my interactions with this person way more positive than negative?
Are you compromising your values or sacrificing your happiness for the sake of the relationship?
Are you constantly questioning whether this is a healthy relationship?
Do you like who you are in this relationship?
Ultimately, the decision to end a relationship is a personal one. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Considering these questions could possibly help you gain clarity and insight into whether ending the relationship is the right choice for you.
Letting go is never easy, and at times we all have to make the choice that is right for us. There have also been times when I have been open to new friendships along this journey of life. Friends who make me a better human being. Friends who make my world a better place by being in it. You know who you are. I am so grateful I remained open.
Healthy relationships are about mutual respect, trust, setting boundaries, love, acceptance and support. When we create foundations of trust and love that weather all the storms, relationships can be amazing.
I am grateful for all the incredible long-lasting relationships that have graced my life making me a better person along the way. I look forward to continuing to nurture and cultivate these connections for years to come. Mastering the connection, and having relationships that last a lifetime is not always easy, but it is worth all the time and effort that make it possible.
When it comes to AI Counsellors need to be knowledgeable and keep up to date. Your voice and expertise matter. How are you learning more about AI? When thinking about the impact of AI it can be both intriguing and alarming. What are your thoughts?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and YOU
How can AI be used to enhance your counselling process?
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating AI in counselling?
How might the increasing use of virtual assistants and virtual counsellors, chatterbots, impact the counselling profession? How will you adapt to these changes and continue to provide effective services?
How can AI be used to complement human intelligence in the counselling process?
What ethical considerations should be taken into account when using therapeutic AI in counselling?
How will you address the potential impact of AI on the therapeutic relationship?
How will you navigate the emotional connection that some clients/ students may have with computer programs?
What do you think about therapeutic robots like Paro ?
How will you continue to prioritize the therapeutic relationship in a world increasingly influenced by technology?
How might technology enhance or detract from the therapeutic alliance?
What steps will you take to advocate for your profession and address ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in counselling?
How can you collaborate with others who are interested in AI?
There is so much to consider. How will you stay informed and educated about emerging AI technologies? You can start by joining AI and You: Etmooc 2. It’s never too late to learn something new.
Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections 