Blog | Encouragement Along

NOTE: My blog has moved to Substack. You are welcome to sign up here. Just note that future emails will come from the Substack server.

I love offering encouragement, motivation, and tips for living life well. I started the Encouragement Along the Journey Blog with a mission to give others a taste of my thoughts and experiences, offering a little sampling of what it is like to be in my counselling office with me.

The topics I write about here are close to my heart—the kinds of things I find myself coming back to often in conversation, in my counselling office, in reflection, and in my own journey of growth.

Take some time to explore the blog and find what sparks your interest. Feel free to reach out if you would like to collaborate on a project together. Read on and enjoy!

My Approach to Counselling

Background: As Master's students in a counselling psychology program, we were encouraged to do the work ourselves that we would be asking...

The Weight of Assumptions:

What we miss when we reduce complex stories to simple explanations There is a quiet confidence we carry when we look at someone and assume we understand their story. We take in what is visible and, often without realizing it, begin to fill in the blanks. We tell ourselves we’re being observant, intuitive even. But so much of what we “know” is shaped by our own experiences, beliefs, and biases rather than the reality of the person in front of us. The truth is, change rarely lo

What I Found When Everything Slowed Down

I didn’t go looking for something new during Covid. I just noticed something was missing. This is the story of how music found its way back into my life and how it became more than I expected.

New On Substack: The Trouble With Things I Think I Know (Until I Pause Long Enough to Ask)

How a single misunderstood question taught me why checking our assumptions can change the trajectory of any relationship.

Haide Giesbrecht

Nov 16, 20251 min read

For anyone seeking a little pause, perspective, and presence

Post originally published on Substack I’m glad you’re here. This space grew out of my desire to be more present in my writing. My reflections often emerge from conversations—with friends, clients, and family—as well as from the themes that surface in what I read and the experiences I move through in daily life. As I’ve entered my middle years, I’ve grown to be more at ease with myself. I am learning to live authentically, unapologetically, and with intention. The work of quie

Haide Giesbrecht

Nov 11, 20252 min read

Little Reminders, Big Impact

In a busy world, it is easy to lose touch with our center. These simple daily reminders grew out of counselling conversations. They are simple reminders to help us stay grounded, compassionate, and intentional in our daily life. They’re not rules or to-do’s, but touchpoints to return to when we find ourselves struggling. They can be good reminders towards continued growth and development. They are intended to encourage and strengthen as we seek to live life well. 🌸 Self-Comp

Haide Giesbrecht

Nov 2, 20252 min read

When Stories Create Possibility

Stories connect, heal, and create possibility — when we truly listen, empathy grows and understanding begins.

Haide Giesbrecht

Oct 26, 20251 min read

Is This Therapy-Appropriate? Asking for a Friend..

Wondering what you can talk about in counselling? From crying and laughter to spirituality and everyday stress, discover what’s welcome in therapy and how a session can become a safe, healing space to explore your story.

Haide Giesbrecht

Oct 8, 20254 min read

Reframing: Helpful or Harmful?

Psychology terms often make their way into the mainstream. I believe this reflects our deep human desire to understand how our inner...

Haide Giesbrecht

Sep 20, 20253 min read

The Beauty of Friendships That Last (and Those That Don’t)

We are wired for connection. Relationships are a thread that runs through every stage of our lives, shaping who we are and how we move through the world. We currently have good friends staying with us. They were both some of my best friends before they even knew each other. In fact, we were doing some calculations, and it turns out I have known them for more than 37 years—longer than I’ve known my husband. We have walked through many different stages and challenges together

Haide Giesbrecht

Aug 27, 20254 min read

Creativity and the Road Trip to Success: Why Checkpoints Matter More Than You Think

Recovering from surgery taught me something surprising: success often starts with a simple check-in. Making Space for Creativity This...

Haide Giesbrecht

Aug 14, 20252 min read

At one time, I found security in rules. However, I have come to see strict rules as more shackle than gate.

Neurodivergence and the Gentle Art of Rule-Bending

At one time, I found security in rules. There were some turbulent times early on in my life, and a whole lot of unrecognized inattentive type ADHD. Rules and religious traditions may have saved me from some unhealthy self-medicating risks. Along with books. However, I have come to see strict rules as more shackle than gate. Instead, I have guiding questions, which I have carried mostly internally and unarticulated.