WELLNESS LIBRARY
The Expressions of Being Alone workbook
Developed by Concordia counsellors, the Expressions of Being Alone workbook includes over 80 pages of theory, research and exercises about the experiences of solitude and loneliness.
Counsellor conversations
Join Concordia wellness professionals and special guests for workshops, resources and more addressing topics of wellness, connection, self-care and support.
Friendships
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer and Concordia psychologist Dr. Jade-Isis Lefebvre discuss taking the leap when initiating new friendships, breaking the ice and normalizing the uncertainty of forming new connections.
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist and leading friendship expert who has studied the science of friendship and social connection for over a decade. Her work focuses on helping others navigate life transitions, cultivate resilience and self-compassion, and build stronger relationships with the people who matter most.
- Find more friendship resources on Dr. Miriam Kirmayer's website
- Follow Dr. Miriam Kirmayer on Instagram
Relationships & sexuality
We talk with Dr. Laurie Betito about how to bridge the gap when we feel our sex drives changing, or if we find we have different sex drives than a partner. Dr. Laurie gives us strategies to navigate conversations about sex with compassion - for ourselves and our partner(s).
Dr. Laurie Betito is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in sexual health and has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years. During her 30+ year career she has hosted her own television show, a nightly radio show for 22 years, and has authored a book (The Sex Bible for People Over 50). She is a regular contributor to various radio stations, blogs, podcasts, and TV stations.
Dr. Betito's book recommendation
- Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, by Sue Johnson
- Attached, by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
- Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence, by Esther Perel
- Sex education books by Lou Paget
Find more resources about safer sex and sexual health at Concordia.
Mentorship
Wellness Coordinator Jillian Richie and Michael Assiamah discuss how to find mentors that share our values and the importance of thinking critically when looking for advice and guidance.
Michael Assiamah is the founder and CEO of Support & Growth, a leading provider of culturally sensitive mental health and wellness services and integrated employee wellbeing solutions. Support & Growth aims to promote accessibility and address the barriers that prevent black, racialized and minority groups from accessing services and experiencing positive outcomes.
Learn more
Sleep
Join Health Promotion Specialist Gaby Szabo and Psychologist Dr. Jewel Perlin to learn more about achieving a good night's sleep. You will learn about healthy habits and techniques to improve your sleep and enhance your overall well-being and performance.
Learn more
- Resources for sleep from Health Services
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) from Health Services
- Relaxation strategies from Health Services
- What is Insomnia and How to Cure it with Cognitive Behavior Therapy by Dr. Christine Korol on Youtube
- The Centre for Clinical Interventions’ sleep resources: helpful information sheets and a sleep diary
- The Centre for Clinical Interventions’ Postpone Your Worry Information Sheet and Postpone Your Worry Exercise Worksheet
- The Worry Time Technique – while this document focuses on COVID-related worries, it does a great job explaining the technique and can be used for any type of worries.
- Worry Jar Technique – useful for people of every age!
- Being a ‘sleep detective’ can help you get a good night’s rest; and a sleep diary that uses the Sleep Detective approach
Relationships during COVID-19
Concordia Counsellor Dr. Jade-Isis Lefebvre talks about romantic relationships within the context of COVID-19. How do we manage increased distance or closeness during this time? How can we talk about issues of loneliness?
Learn more
- Romantic relationships during COVID-19 presentation
- Brene Brown: The Anatomy of Trust [Video]
- Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability [Video]
- Dr. Alexandra Solomon: Relational self-awareness [Video]
- The Five Love Langauges: Quiz and resources
- Self-compassion
- Non-violent communication
- The Holistic Psychologist on Instagram
- Juliet Allen: The Authentic Sex [Podcast]
- The Impact of Loneliness [Video]
Self-care during COVID-19
Concordia Counsellors Florence and Jade have a conversation about taking care of ourselves during uncertain times. Topics include developing routines that work for you, managing your sleep schedule, techniques for mindfulness, and practicing self-compassion.
Happiness and self-care
Explore the PERMA Model of positive psychology in the Happiness and Self-Care Workshop, narrated by Concordia Counsellor Sonia Papakonstantinou.