An Interview with Aimee Reimer
Aimee Reimer has been a Registered Psychologist since 2010. She currently works as a Clinical Supervisor at Momentum Walk-in Counselling. Aimee also has a small private practice where she sees a diverse range of clients, as well as provides supervision to Registered Provisional Psychologists and graduate students. Aimee, her husband and three young children live in neighbouring Hazeldean and enjoy spending time outdoors in the neighbourhood.
We interviewed her about ways we can manage our feelings during this especially stressful winter.
MOMENTUM WALK-IN COUNSELLING
Why is it harder to feel good during winter?
We know that the winter can be especially difficult; it is dark and the weather is cold; some people feel post-holiday blues or have bigger credit card bills which adds stress. This year is even more difficult as we have the added stress of COVID-19. It has been a difficult year with uncertainties, financial stress, health concerns and the impact of physical distancing.
How does COVID-19 affect our mental health/well-being?
COVID-19 has a big impact on our mental health and well-being. There are uncertainties in the world around us, financial or job losses, worries about loved ones or yourself getting sick, as well as the feelings of isolation from physical distancing and restrictions. We are seeing an ongoing increase in people experiencing stress, grief, fear, uncertainty, mental health concerns, addictions and relationship difficulties. The research is telling us that the mental health implications of a pandemic are far reaching, and we can expect that mental health impacts will last at least three years post-pandemic.
When should people get support from a professional?
Because we know the mental health impacts of a pandemic are far reaching, it is important to be proactive in addressing your mental health. If you notice that you are feeling distressed or having difficulty coping, please reach out for professional help. You can also do preventative work in counselling to build tools to help you cope, so be proactive.
Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult when I, or someone I care about, is feeling down?
We are social beings and need connection with others. If you or someone else is feeling down, it can be helpful to share your feelings. A phone or video call or socially distanced walk with someone may be helpful to talk out your feelings, thoughts or experiences, and help you to not feel so alone. There are also many professional supports, such as Momentum Walk-in Counselling, available if you need more support.
What is one piece of advice you have for us?
Be gentle and compassionate with yourself. These times we are in are not normal; they are difficult and they are stressful. Acknowledge the feelings you are having; recognizing that feelings in and of themselves are all normal and healthy. Finding ways to express and acknowledge your feelings--perhaps by talking about them, or writing about them or thinking about them when you go for a walk or run--may be helpful.
What services does Momentum Walk-in Counselling offer and how can someone access them?
Momentum is a “walk-in” counselling clinic. However, due to COVID-19 all of our appointments are offered online (secure video call) or on the phone.
For individual (and couples and family) counselling sessions, we work from a single-session solution-focused approach. Each session is a complete therapy in and of itself and is structured to help people get the most out of it. The research tells us that a single session can be as effective as multiple sessions in a more traditional model and people see improvement in their mental health and report feeling less distressed sooner. This makes it a positive, accessible and cost-effective model. Clients report that they leave with a sense of hopefulness and feel reassured that they are capable of managing their problems.
We also offer a number of free or low-cost (online) groups. See our website for the current groups we are offering. Groups include:
Aimee Reimer has been a Registered Psychologist since 2010. She currently works as a Clinical Supervisor at Momentum Walk-in Counselling. Aimee also has a small private practice where she sees a diverse range of clients, as well as provides supervision to Registered Provisional Psychologists and graduate students. Aimee, her husband and three young children live in neighbouring Hazeldean and enjoy spending time outdoors in the neighbourhood.
We interviewed her about ways we can manage our feelings during this especially stressful winter.
MOMENTUM WALK-IN COUNSELLING
Why is it harder to feel good during winter?
We know that the winter can be especially difficult; it is dark and the weather is cold; some people feel post-holiday blues or have bigger credit card bills which adds stress. This year is even more difficult as we have the added stress of COVID-19. It has been a difficult year with uncertainties, financial stress, health concerns and the impact of physical distancing.
How does COVID-19 affect our mental health/well-being?
COVID-19 has a big impact on our mental health and well-being. There are uncertainties in the world around us, financial or job losses, worries about loved ones or yourself getting sick, as well as the feelings of isolation from physical distancing and restrictions. We are seeing an ongoing increase in people experiencing stress, grief, fear, uncertainty, mental health concerns, addictions and relationship difficulties. The research is telling us that the mental health implications of a pandemic are far reaching, and we can expect that mental health impacts will last at least three years post-pandemic.
When should people get support from a professional?
Because we know the mental health impacts of a pandemic are far reaching, it is important to be proactive in addressing your mental health. If you notice that you are feeling distressed or having difficulty coping, please reach out for professional help. You can also do preventative work in counselling to build tools to help you cope, so be proactive.
Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult when I, or someone I care about, is feeling down?
We are social beings and need connection with others. If you or someone else is feeling down, it can be helpful to share your feelings. A phone or video call or socially distanced walk with someone may be helpful to talk out your feelings, thoughts or experiences, and help you to not feel so alone. There are also many professional supports, such as Momentum Walk-in Counselling, available if you need more support.
What is one piece of advice you have for us?
Be gentle and compassionate with yourself. These times we are in are not normal; they are difficult and they are stressful. Acknowledge the feelings you are having; recognizing that feelings in and of themselves are all normal and healthy. Finding ways to express and acknowledge your feelings--perhaps by talking about them, or writing about them or thinking about them when you go for a walk or run--may be helpful.
What services does Momentum Walk-in Counselling offer and how can someone access them?
Momentum is a “walk-in” counselling clinic. However, due to COVID-19 all of our appointments are offered online (secure video call) or on the phone.
For individual (and couples and family) counselling sessions, we work from a single-session solution-focused approach. Each session is a complete therapy in and of itself and is structured to help people get the most out of it. The research tells us that a single session can be as effective as multiple sessions in a more traditional model and people see improvement in their mental health and report feeling less distressed sooner. This makes it a positive, accessible and cost-effective model. Clients report that they leave with a sense of hopefulness and feel reassured that they are capable of managing their problems.
- There is no waiting list and clients can most often book an appointment to speak with a counsellor that day.
- You can book an appointment directly from our website: www.momentumcounselling.org
- or call the office at 780-757-0900. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale.
We also offer a number of free or low-cost (online) groups. See our website for the current groups we are offering. Groups include:
- Anchor Men’s Group
- Anxiety & Depression
- Emotional Regulation
- Queer Café
- Cantonese Wellness
- Sister Circle for Black Women
- Healthy Living with Bipolar