Meeting Our Needs
Do you know what you need?
Small ways to reconnect with what you need and even meet that need.
Hello everyone,
September has arrived and I don't know about you, but I have been craving a shift.
Don't get me wrong I LOVE summer - the freedom, the break from the mundane repetitive days, the warmer weather, the ice cream 🤤, the longer days.... BUT lately I have been restless in it, experiencing more difficulty staying present in the beauty of it all, and more irritable (Yes, even therapists are irritable).
I've been trying to wrap my head around it - after all if there are so many wonderful things about summer that I know I appreciate, what am I needing? And after sitting with my feelings and banging my head against the wall (jkjk) I stumbled upon some research about our most basic seven psychological needs. It isn't that I don't love summer, it's that my need for STRUCTURE is severely depleted. And recognizing that made so much sense.
I have been going to bed different times every night, sleeping in different places (we have been in AB visiting family), eating different foods, and a lot more on the go with being away from our home then we normally are. My nervous system has no idea what to expect and I have not been great at meeting my body's needs while flying by the seat of my pants. Maybe you can relate...
Having the understanding that my need for structure is craving attention, allows me to be more compassionate to myself. Maybe, just maybe, I am not ungrateful for my many blessings, or bad at regulating my emotions, or unable to handle stress, or whatever other negative thoughts might float through my head (or yours) as I wrestle with knowing I am not my best self. Maybe I just need a gentle return to what I know as routine. Some consistency. Some familiarity.
This month, I’m exploring the seven basic psychological needs all humans have in order to better understand how to meet my needs and so you can hopefully meet yours too. I hope you join me online where I will be sharing content via facebook, instagram, and on my website for the month of September as we learn about the art of Meeting Our Needs.
The first basic need we will be exploring is the need for DISCIPLINE AND LIMITS. Turns out we all have a breaking point and having clear, consistent boundaries and structure helps us feel safe.
Here are some small things you can do to feed your need for discipline in case you resonated with my mini monologue:
Pick a bedtime and go to lay down in your bed at the same time every night.
Wake up the same time each day.
Organize one space in your home (this can feel like a deep breath!)
Plan out your week. Sit down one night and look at the things you have planned for the remainder of the week. Write everything down in one place so you can see it at a glance (google calendar, paper calendar, whatever works for you!)
Get ready for your day. Get dressed into clothes that make you feel good. Wah your face. Intentionally choosing how you want to show up creates momentum.
Make your bed.
Return to a morning/evening routine that was working for you.
Habit stack - choose one habit you are already doing without thinking and then directly following that thing add a new habit you want to start. Example: After brushing my teeth, I am going to start drinking a full cup of water.
Get the basics down. Are you getting 8+ hours of sleep? Are you eating enough foods that add nutrients to your body? Are you drinking water? Are you moving your body everyday? Take care of your body like it is the only one you will ever have - because it is.
Pick one thing to focus on and master that. Doing too many changes at once will overwhelm you and you will likely not stick to any of them.
If identifying and meeting your needs is something you know you would like to explore more, but you need help. Reach out. I am now accepting new clients for September.
Accepting New Clients & Offering Complimentary Consults
If you are considering counselling or would like to learn more about the services offered, you are welcome to connect. Book a FREE 15-minute consultation to ask questions, learn more about the process, and explore whether this feels like the right fit for your needs.
Taking the first step toward counselling can feel difficult. A complimentary 15-minute consultation offers a simple, supportive way to begin.
NEW Sliding Scale Options AVAILABLE
We know counselling is not cheap. If you are struggling financially, but want to heal and need support - Don't let cost be a barrier! Now offering a sliding scale for clients in need. Reach out and we can discuss what "affordable" looks like for you.
In addition, we have been able to direct bill a variety of insurance providers so you only have to pay the difference in coverage. This includes Blue Cross, Canada Life, BelAir Direct, Desjardins, Manulife and many more. Contact us to learn what this may mean for you and your insurance plan.
We want to help you no matter your financial situation. Let us show up for you.
Upcoming Events & Classes
Join us for yoga, wellness, and community experiences designed to help you slow down, reset and reconnect.
Chair Yoga: Join us Tuesdays starting September 15th for six weeks at 8:45 am for a relaxing 45 mins chair yoga class at the Fredericton Senior Centre on 112 Jonhston Ave. Registration link is below or you can drop-in each class. $5
Equine-Assisted Therapy
I am honoured to be a part of Waterford Equine-Assisted Healing and excited to offer horse assisted healing sessions. Check out the amazing foundation of this non-for profit organization on their website Waterford Equine- Assisted Healing Inc. | Trauma- informed Therapy in New Brunswick | 686 Waterford Rd, Waterford, NB, Canada
With love,
Melissa Lanteigne
Zenful Counselling & Yoga
P.S. feel free to forward or share with someone who may benefit from learning how to meet their needs too :)
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Islandview, NB (506) 700-6503
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