top of page

All Posts


Understanding and Overcoming Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy fog, making daily life hard to manage. At Authentic Living London, we understand that depression looks different for everyone—sadness, emptiness, or loss of motivation. Our psychotherapy in London Ontario offers support and tools to help you cope, heal, and move toward living fully again.
-
7 days ago4 min read


Caregiver Stress: The Emotional Burden of Caring for a Terminally Ill Loved One
Caring for someone who is terminally ill can be one of the most profound and difficult experiences of a person’s life. It is often called a labour of love, yet it comes with exhaustion, grief, and sacrifice that few outside the role can truly see. Caregivers give their time, energy, health, and even parts of their identity in order to support someone they love. Along the way, they carry anticipatory grief, physical strain, social isolation, and financial pressure.
-
Sep 55 min read


Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse: Recognize, Protect, Heal
Narcissistic abuse often starts subtly, with charm or attention that feels flattering at first. Over time, however, patterns of criticism, manipulation, and control can leave you feeling diminished and isolated. Recognizing these behaviors, setting boundaries, and seeking support are essential steps toward reclaiming your sense of self. Planning carefully if you decide to leave and prioritizing your healing with tools like therapy can help you rebuild confidence and autonomy.
-
Sep 23 min read


What It Feels Like to Live With Borderline Personality Disorder
With Borderline Personality Disorder, emotions surge like tidal waves, raw and overwhelming, often leading to impulsivity or emptiness. A tone shift or unanswered text can spark intense fear of abandonment, spiraling into paranoia or all-or-nothing thinking. Therapy can guide those with BPD toward stability and hope.
-
Aug 273 min read


Can Grief Actually Kill You?
Grief is often thought of as an emotional experience, but research shows that its effects reach far beyond feelings of sadness. The stress of losing a loved one can trigger significant physical changes in the body, including higher levels of stress hormones, inflammation, and even heart problems. In rare but very real cases, grief can lead to a condition known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” which mimics a heart attack and can be life-threatening. Whi
-
Aug 245 min read


Why Does Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Happen?
Borderline Personality Disorder develops from a mix of biological sensitivity, early life experiences, and environmental stress. Understanding why BPD happens can reduce shame and guide people toward effective therapy to manage emotions, improve relationships, and build a stronger sense of self.
-
Aug 233 min read


The Dual Process Model of Grief: Moving Between Loss and Life
When we think about grief, we often imagine it as a straight road with stages to move through one by one. But grief is rarely that neat....
-
Aug 203 min read


Relationships and Personality Disorders: Understanding Both Sides
Being in a relationship with someone who has a personality disorder can bring both challenges and moments of deep connection. At the same time, living with a personality disorder and trying to build a healthy relationship can feel overwhelming and misunderstood. Understanding both perspectives helps remove shame and opens the door to growth, compassion, and healthier connections.
-
Aug 194 min read


STUGs: Understanding Sudden Temporary Upsurges of Grief
If you’ve been searching for a grief therapist near me, know that Authentic Living London is here for you. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions, making grief support accessible no matter where you are.
STUGs don’t mean you’re broken. They mean you loved deeply—and love doesn’t end. With the right support, you can learn to meet these waves of grief with care instead of fear.
-
Aug 193 min read


Why Grief Makes You Tired
Grief is more than sadness—it’s an all-encompassing experience that touches the mind, body, and spirit. Many people are surprised to find...
-
Aug 183 min read


Back-to-School Anxiety: Supporting Students, Parents, and Teachers
Back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming. Students may worry about fitting in or keeping up, parents often feel torn between pride and worry, and teachers carry the weight of caring for so many young people. Anxiety during this time is completely normal—it often comes from care and love, not weakness. In this blog, we explore how back-to-school anxiety shows up for students, parents, and educators, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to ease the
-
Aug 185 min read


Understanding Pet Loss: Why Grieving a Pet Hurts So Deeply
Losing a pet can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences in life. Our pets are companions, family members, and sources of unconditional love, so when they die, the grief can feel overwhelming. Many people are surprised by how deeply the loss affects them, and even more surprised when others do not seem to understand. At Authentic Living London, we know that grieving a pet is real grief, and it deserves the same care, compassion, and support as any other loss.
-
Aug 174 min read


Why Personality Disorders Are Hard to Treat: Understanding the Challenges and How Therapy Can Help
Personality disorders are challenging to treat because they involve long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. Each disorder, from borderline to narcissistic to avoidant, presents unique hurdles in therapy. At Authentic Living London, our therapists provide specialized, evidence-based support, helping clients develop healthier coping strategies, improve relationships, and navigate healing from complex issues such as narcissistic abuse.
-
Aug 153 min read


Talking to Children About Death and Loss
Talking to children about death can feel overwhelming, but honest and age-appropriate conversations help them feel safe and supported. This blog from Authentic Living London shares practical tips for answering children’s questions, guidance for different age groups, and ways to keep communication open as they grieve.
-
Aug 155 min read


Understanding Attachment Styles: How They Develop and Impact Your Relationships
Attachment styles are shaped by early experiences with caregivers and influence how we relate to others throughout life. Learn about secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment, their strengths and challenges, and how therapy can help create healthier relationships.
-
Aug 134 min read


Why Grief-Informed Training Is Essential for Therapists
Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it is often one of the least understood in the world of mental health. While...
-
Aug 135 min read


Virtual Grief Counselling: What It Is, How It Works, and Whether It Is Right for You
Virtual grief counselling offers evidence-based help from your home. Learn how online grief therapy works, who benefits most, and what to expect in a session.
-
Aug 134 min read


What is Grief Counselling and How Can It Help Me? Plus, Some Surprising Benefits of Grief Counselling
Grief counselling is a type of therapy that offers a safe and supportive space to navigate the pain of loss. It can help you process emotions, find healthy coping strategies, and adjust to life without your loved one, all while feeling understood and less alone.
-
Aug 136 min read


Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Path to Healing
OCD is more than a need for things to be clean or in order. It involves distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can take over daily life. At Authentic Living London, Sandra Graham offers compassionate therapy to help you break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, so you can regain peace of mind.
-
Aug 123 min read


What Happens in the First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make it easier. At Authentic Living London, we create a safe, welcoming space where you can share your story, set goals, and start your journey toward healing.
-
Aug 113 min read
bottom of page