Social Isolation and Video Games: Escaping Connection (Social Isolation in the Digital Age Series)
In this piece from the Social Isolation in the Digital Age series, Vancouver-based counsellor Alex Henderson explores how video games can offer both refuge and risk. While gaming can create community, purpose, and joy, it can also quietly deepen isolation when virtual worlds begin to replace real-life connection. Through a mental health lens, Alex examines why games feel so rewarding, what happens when they become our primary form of connection, and how we can find balance between play, presence, and genuine human interaction.
Social Isolation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Social Isolation in the Digital Age)
In this piece from the Social Isolation in the Digital Age series, Vancouver-based counsellor Alex Henderson explores how artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping the way we connect — offering conversation, comfort, and convenience, yet often deepening our distance from one another. Through the lens of mental health and human connection, Alex examines what happens when AI becomes a stand-in for real relationships, and how we can remain grounded in our humanity while engaging with these rapidly evolving technologies. The article invites readers to reflect on the limits of digital companionship and rediscover the value of presence, vulnerability, and authentic human connection.
Social Media and the State of Social Isolation (Social Isolation in the Digital Age Series)
In this piece from the Social Isolation in the Digital Age series, Vancouver-based counsellor Alex Henderson explores how social media has transformed the way we connect — and how it can leave us feeling more distant than ever. Through a mental health lens, Alex examines why platforms that promise community often deepen loneliness, and how we can begin to engage with them more consciously. The article invites readers to reflect on their digital habits, recognize the emotional cost of constant connectivity, and rediscover the value of real, human presence in an online world.
Towards a Path of Meaningful Connection in the Digital Age (Social Isolation in the Digital Age Series)
In the final piece of our Social Isolation in the Digital Age series, Vancouver-based counsellor Alex Henderson explores how we can begin to rebuild genuine connection in a world increasingly shaped by screens, algorithms, and artificial interaction. Drawing on insights from psychology and mental health research, Alex offers practical ways to reconnect — with others, with technology, and with ourselves — through mindful presence and intentional social practice. Whether it’s cultivating real-world moments of connection, reframing how we use our devices, or seeking support through counselling, this piece invites readers to rediscover what it means to connect in ways that feel authentic, human, and lasting.
Hospitality and Mental Health: Understanding the Service Industry's Unique Challenges
Hospitality is fast-paced, demanding, and often emotionally draining—but support is possible. In this blog, counsellor (and former hospitality worker) Alex Henderson explores the unique mental health challenges of the service industry. From burnout and emotional exhaustion to addiction and anxiety, we break down the impact of hospitality work and offer tools for resilience, self-care, and emotional regulation. Whether you're working in Vancouver's restaurant scene or in a resort town like Whistler or Squamish, therapy can help you stay grounded. Learn how counselling—online across BC or in person in downtown Vancouver—can support hospitality workers in building sustainable, balanced lives.
Living with ADHD: Finding Understanding, Support, and Self-Compassion
Living with ADHD can be overwhelming, especially when everyday tasks feel harder than they should. This blog explores how ADHD impacts mental health, why traditional strategies often fall short, and how therapy can help you create systems that work with your brain, not against it. Learn practical tips for managing ADHD at home and find out how affordable counselling in Vancouver can support your journey.
Living with Chronic Pain: Finding Strength, Resilience, and Support
Chronic pain is more than a physical sensation; it permeates every facet of life, influencing daily activities, emotional well-being, and personal identity. In our latest blog post, Alex Henderson and Olivia Robilard delve into the multifaceted experience of living with persistent pain, acknowledging the profound challenges it presents. They emphasizes that while chronic pain can lead to feelings of loss and isolation, it also offers an opportunity to cultivate resilience and adaptability. By seeking support, embracing self-compassion, and finding new ways to engage with life, individuals can navigate their pain journey with strength and hope.