Welcome to the OBP Psychology Blog

At Off the Beaten Path Psychology in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane, our therapists know the power of pets in mental health. From daily walks to quiet cuddles, our dogs and cats help us regulate, connect, and recharge. Learn how animals complement therapy, from walk-and-talk sessions to EMDR support, and discover why healing sometimes comes with four legs and a tail.

If your life scorecard was measured by minutes of 'being' rather than 'doing', would you be winning? We live in a culture that rewards the hustle—but what if success wasn't found in our to-do lists or accomplishments, but in our capacity to simply be present? The true measure of a life well-lived might be the invisible tally of moments you fully experienced.

School's out, but instead of relief you're feeling... weird? Restless but tired, excited but melancholy? Welcome to the summer funk. Your nervous system is just recalibrating after months of hyperarousal. Nothing's wrong with you - you're exactly where you need to be.

Trauma has become a cultural buzzword, but real healing is possible. Learn the difference between PTSD and CPTSD, discover how EMDR therapy helps integrate past experiences, and understand how to shift from being stuck to becoming curious about growth. Your past won't change, but you can rewrite your story through evidence-based trauma treatment and compassion.

We all know the perpetual "sweetie pie" who'd rather eat glass than upset their partner. On the surface, having someone so agreeable sounds wonderful. But here's the surprising truth: people pleasing can actually sabotage the very relationships these well-meaning folks are trying to protect.

Couples therapy isn't only successful when people stay together. Sometimes the most profound growth happens when relationships end. Here are 5 lessons that redefine what success really means.

Women often hesitate to lead because they feel they need to be dramatically overqualified first. As Ilona Maher noted, moms won't coach unless they played D1 sports, while dads who played one season confidently step up. This isn't just about women stepping forward—it's equally about communities recognizing women's potential. We need both: women who see their own capabilities AND systems that actively welcome their contributions.

Are you caught in the cycle of anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing? Learn how your perception of stress shapes your reality and discover why finding harmony is more sustainable than seeking perfect balance. Plus, download our "Saying NO" journal prompts inspired by Gabor Maté's questions from the EMDR conference—a practical tool to help you reclaim your energy and set healthier boundaries starting today.

What's fascinated me most is seeing how our relationship with money isn't just about dollars and cents—it's a deeply psychological and often trauma-informed experience. Money disruptions are often secondary problems arising from primary wounds. I've found that simply asking clients 'Whose shame is this?' can be revolutionary in unpacking their financial trauma.

Our new post explores grief's journey alongside our "Walking Through Your Grief" bingo card—a gentle companion for healing.