Welcome to the OBP Psychology Blog

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is more than shyness—it can significantly impact relationships, work, school, and daily life. Learn how EMDR therapy helps address the root causes of social anxiety by reprocessing distressing experiences, reducing triggers, and building healthier self-beliefs. Discover how Off the Beaten Path Psychology supports clients in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane with evidence-based treatment for social anxiety.

Many men face stress, burnout, loneliness, anxiety, and depression while feeling pressure to handle everything on their own. This article explores the barriers that prevent men from seeking help, the hidden signs of mental health struggles, and why reaching out for support can be one of the strongest steps toward lasting well-being.

Discover how sports psychology can improve confidence, focus, resilience, and performance for athletes in hockey, football, basketball, swimming, running, and more. In this blog, Jamie Wilkinson explores how therapy and mental performance strategies can help athletes manage anxiety, burnout, pressure, injury recovery, and self-doubt while building a healthier relationship with sport, competition, and overall well-being.

When work burnout leaves you exhausted, cynical, and disconnected from your life, it is not a personal failure. This article explains what burnout actually is, why it is a systems issue rather than weakness, and how values mismatch and invisible labor contribute. Learn why burnout is not depression and how meaningful work changes and EMDR therapy can help you recover.

January can feel heavy, especially for parents and caregivers navigating anxiety, burnout, and an overwhelming news cycle. This compassionate mental health reflection explores what your nervous system is really telling you, why toxic positivity does not help, and how small acts of kindness, connection, and hope can support emotional regulation during hard seasons.

You want to help your anxious child, but sometimes it feels like the more you try, the worse things get. The SPACE Program teaches parents evidence-based strategies to support childhood anxiety without traditional child therapy. Developed at Yale, SPACE is as effective as CBT and helps you respond with confidence instead of accommodation. Discover how helping doesn't mean rescuing — it means trusting your child can cope.

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.

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.

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.

Ted Lasso delivers more than feel-good moments—it's a masterclass in emotional intelligence. From Ted's hidden struggles to his therapy journey, the show mirrors the trauma-informed, compassionate care we provide at Off the Beaten Path Psychology in Calgary, Cochrane & Airdrie.