February is Psychology Month in BC: Let’s Talk Wellness!

This February, we celebrate Psychology Month! It is a vital time to shine a light on the importance of mental health, foster awareness, and spark conversations that help break the stigma surrounding psychological well-being.

It is a month dedicated to acknowledging the challenges people face, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, and promoting tools for self-growth and healing.

In 2025, Psychology Month takes on even greater significance as mental health becomes more seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our lives. Advances in technology are revolutionizing how we access mental health care, from AI-powered therapy tools to personalized mental wellness apps that make support more accessible than ever before.

Workplaces are increasingly prioritizing emotional well-being, recognizing that true productivity stems from a balanced mind and body. And we are seeing a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence and regulation in schools than ever before. While we are making incredible strides at dismantling the stigma around mental health, the fight is long from over.

Yet, even with these advancements, one of the most powerful tools for mental well-being remains human connection. Human connection has a profound impact on the brain, influencing its structure and function in ways that support emotional well-being, resilience, and overall mental health. There are a number of ways in which human connection can shape our brains:

1. Strengthening Neural Pathways

Engaging in meaningful social interactions strengthens neural circuits related to emotional regulation, empathy, and cognitive function. Repeated positive interactions reinforce these pathways, making the brain more adept at forming and maintaining relationships.

2. Oxytocin & Social Bonding

Often called the "bonding hormone," oxytocin is released during positive social interactions, such as hugging, eye contact, and deep conversations. Oxytocin promotes trust, reduces stress, and enhances feelings of connection. Increased oxytocin levels can even lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

3. Reducing Stress & Cortisol Levels

Strong social ties help regulate the body's stress response. When we feel connected, our brain releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which counteract the effects of cortisol (the stress hormone). Chronic loneliness, on the other hand, has been linked to heightened cortisol levels, leading to increased anxiety and depression.

4. Enhancing Neuroplasticity

Social interactions help the brain adapt and grow, a process known as neuroplasticity, which has been a hot topic as of late in pop psychology. Engaging in conversations, learning from others, and maintaining relationships all contribute to the formation of new neural connections, keeping the brain flexible and resilient. Who doesn’t love that!

5. The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, social behavior, and emotional regulation, is highly engaged during social interactions. People who have strong social networks tend to have greater prefrontal cortex activity, which helps with emotional intelligence and impulse control.

6. Mitigating Cognitive Decline

Research suggests that social connection is a protective factor against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Engaging in conversations and maintaining relationships stimulates cognitive functions, keeping the brain sharp and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

7. Mirror Neurons & Empathy

Mirror neurons allow us to understand and feel what others are experiencing, playing a key role in empathy and social bonding. When we see someone smile or express emotion, our mirror neurons fire, helping us connect and respond appropriately.

8. The Loneliness Effect on the Brain

Chronic loneliness has been linked to increased activity in the amygdala (the brain's fear center) and reduced connectivity in the prefrontal cortex. This can lead to heightened stress responses, increased anxiety, and even a greater risk of mental health disorders like depression.

How to foster strong connections?

Often in sessions, folks will discuss how hard it is to make friends, or foster the relationships they have in their lives. As adults, making friends can be really challenging. Vancouver is often known to be very cliquey and challenging to find genuine connections. We asked some of our counselling team for their suggestions that have worked for them and this is what they came up with:

1. Be Present

Genuine connection starts with being fully present in conversations. Put away distractions (like your phone) and practice active listening—make eye contact, nod, and respond thoughtfully.

2. Show Vulnerability

Authenticity builds trust. Sharing your own thoughts, feelings, and struggles (when appropriate) can encourage others to open up, fostering a deeper bond.

3. Ask Meaningful Questions

Go beyond small talk by asking open-ended questions that invite deeper conversation. Instead of "How was your day?" try, "What was the best part of your day?" or "What’s something you’re excited about right now?"

4. Practice Empathy

Try to understand and validate others' feelings without immediately offering solutions. Sometimes, people just need to feel heard rather than "fixed."

5. Express Appreciation

A simple "I appreciate you" or acknowledging someone's kindness can strengthen your relationship with them. Gratitude fosters warmth and closeness.

6. Engage in Shared Activities

Spending time together doing something enjoyable—whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or even cooking a meal—creates shared experiences that deepen bonds.

7. Use Touch (When Appropriate)

Physical touch, like a handshake, pat on the back, or a hug, can reinforce connection and support, but always be mindful of personal boundaries.

8. Be Consistent

Relationships thrive on consistency. Checking in regularly, sending a simple text, or making time for in-person meetups helps maintain strong connections over time.

9. Find Common Ground

Discovering mutual interests, values, or experiences can create an instant sense of belonging and understanding between people.

10. Practice Self-Compassion

The relationship you have with yourself affects how you connect with others. Being kind to yourself and acknowledging your own needs allows you to show up fully in relationships.

Building Deeper Connections Through Counselling

counsellingWhile fostering meaningful connections is essential for well-being, it’s not always easy. Past experiences, social anxiety, or communication bacounsellingrriers can make it difficult to connect with others in the way we want. If you find yourself struggling with relationships—whether it’s difficulty expressing emotions, setting boundaries, or feeling disconnected—counselling can be a powerful space to explore and strengthen your interpersonal skills.

A therapist can help you identify patterns in your relationships, practice effective communication strategies, and build confidence in social interactions. Through guided self-reflection and skill-building, counselling offers a supportive environment to develop deeper, more fulfilling connections in all areas of life and develop strategies for resilience.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, or personal growth, having a compassionate professional to listen, validate, and guide you can be profoundly healing. Our clinic offers counselling services with trained professionals to ensure that support is accessible and affordable.

No one should have to navigate their struggles alone.

Beyond traditional talk therapy, we recognize that healing is multi-dimensional. Mental wellness is deeply intertwined with physical and energetic well-being, which is why we offer a range of complementary services.

Chiropractic care and Acupuncture can help relieve tension and regulate the nervous system, supporting emotional balance.

Naturopathy offers holistic solutions to address mental health concerns through nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments.

Reiki and Massage Therapy both help to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and restore a sense of inner peace.

Psychology Month 2025 is an opportunity to prioritize mental wellness in all its forms—through education, advocacy, and personal reflection. Let’s continue to cultivate a world where mental health is valued, supported, and nurtured.

This month and always, we stand together in healing hearts and fostering wellness—because a healthier mind leads to a healthier life.