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Learn more about Psychotherapy with our Blog!
New to Psychotherapy? Tips for Your First Therapy Session!
Starting therapy is a big step. You might be feeling nervous, excited, or uncertain - it’s all completely normal. As a therapist in...
Matthew Kelley
Feb 112 min read
How to Prepare for Seasonal Depression Before It Hits
As the days get shorter in Hamilton and the air turns crisp, many people start to feel a shift; not just in the weather, but in their mood and energy. Maybe it’s harder to get out of bed in the morning, or you find yourself wanting to withdraw a little more than usual. For some, this time of year brings on seasonal depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, or the winter blues): a recurring pattern of low mood, fatigue, and loss of motivation that coincides
Matthew Kelley
5 hours ago5 min read
The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing from Childhood Criticism
Many adults find themselves caught in a cycle of harsh self-criticism, even when they appear confident on the outside. If you grew up in...
Matthew Kelley
Sep 84 min read
What to Do for Depression and Anxiety?
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health struggles people face today. If you’ve ever found yourself asking “What...
Matthew Kelley
Sep 33 min read
How Childhood Trauma Affects Adults and How Therapy Can Help
Childhood is meant to be a time of safety, learning, and connection. But for many adults, the early years were marked by experiences that...
Matthew Kelley
Aug 294 min read
Gentle Stretching & Mindful Movement for Stress Relief
At Blue Hen Psychotherapy in Hamilton, ON, I often recommend gentle stretching and mindful movement as accessible coping skills for...
Matthew Kelley
Aug 204 min read
Which Treatment Is Best for Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Canada and it’s also one of the most treatable. If you’ve been feeling stuck...
Matthew Kelley
Aug 123 min read
Who Is the Best Psychotherapist in Hamilton, ON?
It’s a question many people ask when they begin their mental health journey: “Who is the best psychotherapist in Hamilton, ON? ” You...
Matthew Kelley
Aug 14 min read
Navigating the Challenges of Dating as a Gay Man: How Therapy Can Help
Dating today can feel overwhelming. It’s like navigating a maze blindfolded, swiping left and right through a sea of potential partners....
Matthew Kelley
Jul 264 min read
Cutting Back on Screen Time: Coping Skills Series
Have you ever reached for your phone, just to check something quickly and looked up 30 minutes later, not sure what happened? If so,...
Matthew Kelley
Jul 214 min read
Finding the Right Therapist in Hamilton, ON: What to Look For
If you're considering therapy, you’re not alone and you’re also not without options. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression,...
Matthew Kelley
Jul 144 min read
Gay Men & Self Esteem: How to Know Your Worth
Every June, Pride Month fills us with celebration - rainbows, resilience, joy, and parades. But then comes July... and for many gay men,...
Matthew Kelley
Jul 94 min read
Mindful Coffee: Coping Skill Series
Welcome back to the coping skills series! Many times, it can feel like coping skills are extra things that we have to do for our mental...
Matthew Kelley
Jul 22 min read
Why Pride Matters: More Than Just a Parade
Pride Month is loud, colorful, and unapologetic. However, underneath the celebration lies something deeper. It embodies the right to...
Matthew Kelley
Jun 273 min read
The Coping Skills Series: Name It to Tame It
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by a wave of emotion, only to realize later that you weren’t even sure what you were feeling at...
Matthew Kelley
Jun 195 min read
Deep Breathing: A Powerful Tool for Managing Anxiety
I know, I know... Deep breathing as a coping skill for anxiety often gets called cliché. However, some things become overused for a...
Matthew Kelley
May 193 min read
Embracing Reality: Cultivating an Acceptance Mindset
Life is full of challenges - some we can change, and others we can’t. When faced with difficulties, many of us resist reality, wishing...
Matthew Kelley
Apr 274 min read
The Coping Skills Series: The Power of a Simple Walk 🚶♂️
Let’s talk about a coping skill that is simple and free: going on a walk! When life gets overwhelming, stepping outside and putting one...
Matthew Kelley
Apr 173 min read
Welcome to The Coping Skills Series!
Life can be a rollercoaster 🎢 full of ups, downs, and unexpected loops that leave us feeling overwhelmed. But the good news? You don’t...
Matthew Kelley
Apr 71 min read
Why Virtual Therapy is Just as Powerful as In-Person Sessions
If you've been on the fence about virtual therapy, I totally get it! The idea of opening up to a therapist through a screen might feel a...
Matthew Kelley
Mar 273 min read
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