Comprehensive data base of Vancouver Island community resources - icon to the right
- Local Area Food Resources - Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith, Port Alberni
- Follow this link if you need Immediate Support After Hours
Addictions, Alcohol, Drug & Behavioural Addictions
- Addictions A VIU Wellness resource
- Alcohol Screening - Online assessment as well as information on alcohol
- Alcohol Help Centre - Centre for Addictions & Mental Health; Use survey, create own profile, education, develop own plan, tools to support & forums
- Partners in addictions & Mental Health - Stories & resources about & for people with addictions & Mental Health issues. Discussion forums and screening tests.
- Alcohol Problem & Solutions - Information on alcohol related issues
- Whatswithweed.ca/ - useful information for many different populations including Check where I'm at with Weed concerning personal use
- Drug Abuse - Info on street, other drugs and their effects, etc.,
- Sex Help - Sexual addiction; behaviour patterns, self-assessments, resources, articles, & forum
- Food Addicts Anonymous - Program and support for compulsive overeating behaviours, meetings, literature, stories, information sessions, online magazine
- Connecting with culture - Indigenous wellness framework
- Fight the new drug - Promoting awareness regarding the harmful impacts of pornography
- AlcoholicsAnonymous - Homepage, Resources, meeting finder
- Narcotics Anonymous - Narcotics Anonymous, Resources, meeting finder
- 12 step speakers - Transformational stories from a variety of 12 step group members
- Daily Strength - Comprehensive Network on many health & addictions topics
- Four Universal Addictions - article on destructiveness of intensity, perfectionism, knowledge & focusing on what's not working
- Therapy Tribe Support - online community of support for a variety of issues including addictions
ADD & ADHD
- NewIdeas - Information library on ADD & AD with HD
- ADD - From people with AD/HD, support, hope, resources, articles, fact sheets, newsletter, conferences mindfulness workshops
- CHADD - Children & adults with AD/HD. Community network & support, links, and info
- Helpguide - Add / Adhd - Topics include impacts, strategies, parenting & more
Advocacy / Self-Advocacy
- Nanaimo Citizen Advocacy Association - Variety of services for various populations; opportunities for volunteers
- Poverty law advocate - advocate at CWAV, for all persons Poverty advocate in Cowichan - article in local paper
Anxiety / Stress - see also Mindfulness Meditations & Health
- Anxiety BC - mobile apps, articles for all age groups, links, mindshift and much more
- Breathr - Kelty MH - free apps with refreshing meditations, video introducing mindfulness, guided meditations on many topices, including body scans, mindful eating, coping, etc
- Healthymindsapp.ca/ - free apps on problem solving to help cope with stress
- Thinkfull.ca/ - Free apps to help monitor stress levels & patterns with rich library of tips to help relieve stress
- Calming strategies for students - Anxiety BC - Breathing & relaxation techniques with videos, audios, and free apps
- Guided Imagery & Relaxation: mindbodylab UTexas - Guided Imagery & Relaxation
- Shy no Longer - Training modules / course for social anxiety; centre for clinical interventions
- Social Anxiety - Info sheets, and "Shy no longer" workbook - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Panic - 12 module workbook, info & additional worksheets - Centre for Clinical Intervnentions
- Anxiety - Info sheets on the nature of anxiety, vicious cycles and more - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Health Anxiety - 9 module workbook - Centre for Clincial Interventions
- Automatic Thoughts - Youtube Video on automatic thoughts that negatively impact our thinking and how to deal with them
- What? Me? Worry? - Workbook, info & additional worksheets on Generalised Anxiety - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Living Life to the Fullest - Includes an online course in Cognitive & Behavioural strategies for anxiety, mood difficulties, motivation, many practical suggestions
- The Stress Bucket Explained
- The Calming Technique.pdf - Breathing technique - Centre for Clinical interventions
- Facing your feelings - 4 modules for coping with Distress better using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Therapy Tribe Support - online community of support for a variety of issues including anxiety
- The Healthy Mind Platter Dr. Daniel Siegel - 7 essential daily tasks for healthy neural functioning
- The Wheel of Awareness - Dr. Daniel Siegel, Guided Meditation to enhance neural functioning
- Emotional Pain is Not a Sickness A VIU Wellness resource
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- How to make stress your ally - Kelly McGonigal - Ted Talk on how stress is useful
- Camskids Calm App - Free and for pay apps, guided or unguided; also info on all aspects of health care
- Are you Stressed or Anxious? - TWU - Inventory on how you cope with various behaviours to calm your anxiety
- 52 Proven Stress Reductors - TWU -Tips & Practical Strategies that may be helpful
Affirmation - see Inspirational
Assertiveness
- Assert Yourself - 10 training modules on assertiveness from the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Australia
Assistive Technology
- Low cost assistive technology - comprehensive list from Augsburg College
- Stress management - from website above, low costs apps to help cope with stress & anxiety
- Disability Access Services @ VIU - depending on your disability, assistive technologies may be available to you, guidance to accessing funding and support for establishing accommodations
Blaming
- Brene Brown - short youtube video on what blame really is
Borderline Personality
- Peer led support group for people with borderline - in Victoria & Nanaimo
- Overcoming Distress Intolerance - 4 modules for coping with Distress better using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Centre for Clinical Interventions
BiPolar
- Keeping your Balance - Workbook and info sheets on Bi-Polar, Centre for Clinical Interventions
Cancer
- Young Adult Cancer Canada - Information, support, projects, skills & community
Career Exploration, Life & Education planning
- CareerVIU - For students, employers, & faculty. The CareerVIU centre provides services on all levels of job readiness preparation & finding jobs
- Career & Education Planning VIU's educational advising page with a lot of useful links for various career planning & preparation
- Career planning step 1; know yourself - VIU's educational advising; Building blocks of Career & Life planning - step 2; Create a Plan step 3; Taking it to the Next Level - step 4; these above links have skills and interests assessments in them
- Education Planner - Shows what programs are here in BC and how to explore them
- itabc.ca - Industry Training Authority (BC) - All information about training & apprenticeships, Trades programs A-Z, create your own personal account, resources to answer questions about anything like challenging a trade
- Career and Work Search Resources - VIU, comprehensive list of links & resources for Labour market info & for special focus groups
- Career Exploration guide for Indigenous People - Work BC, steps to choosing a career, videos of inspiring stories
- Supporting Employment Transitions - Nanaimo Resource -Resource room, career assessments, Individual Assistance, local postings
- Global Vocational Services - Duncan, gatekeeps many government back to work programs. Resource room, assessments, local posting, individual assistance
- Work BC - Careers in BC, steps in choosing a career, labour market outlook, information for minority groups, centres throughout BC
- Blueprint Builder - Create your own account with work BC so you can bring together career exploration, education and funding, and job search resources
- Career Cruising - Lists types of vocations and places in North America (primarily BC) that provide these trainings. Username & Password: Malaspina
- Informational Interviews - Quintessential; Informational Interviews - UC Berkeley Career Centre
- What can i do with my Degree? - UBC, excellent list of various degrees and possible professions; What can i do with my degree? - U of Manitoba; My Major Map - Queens University
- Job Hunters Bible - companion site to great book, "what colour is your parachute?" Holistic approach to self exploration and choosing a career that fits. Articles and videos relevant to finding meaningful work. Has an e course as well
- The Globe & Mail Career Advice - many articles on questions related to work, transitions, and business
- Holland Code Career Test - free online test based on Holland's career codes. Places you in 1 of 6 career fields. Useful for questions on career interest
- 16 Personalities - Free online test with information on your personality type, based on Carl Jung's typology popularized through Myer's Briggs. Helpful in understand one self and ways of being in the world
- VIA character strengths - free 15 minute survey. Focuses on positive and with much useful information
- business works youth - free resource for youth 16-29 offering courses, mentoring, coaching to support your business idea
Communication
- Center for Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg - many resources that focus on teaching compassionate communication & understanding
- Streetgiraffe - Marshall Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication; many resources on empathy, getting needs met, how to communicate, trainings, videos
- Effective communication - Help Guide - tips & strategies to improve communication. related articles and helpful readings as well
Couples / Relationships
- Relationships Can Work - VIU resource sheet with relationship tips
- Assertiveness - training modules on increasing assertiveness
- Understanding & Building Relationships - Information & Strategies on a range of relationship issues from friendship to finding intimacy
- The Gottman Institute - Pioneers in Relationship work offer a relationship Blog, books & videos
- Dr Sue Johnson: Creating Connections - Pioneer in Relationship work & Bonding Science: Ted Talk, videos, books, & blogs
- Esther Perel.com - informative and helpful blogs, workshops & other resources for couples / relationships
- optimalsexualexperiences - Dedicated to creating positive sexual experiences. Research, blogs, books.
- Infidelity - Esther Perel, ted talk on unfolding what happens in affairs and possibilities these hold
- Couple_Rescue_Skill-Builder.pdf - Bruce Ecker & Robin Ticic, building 12 essential skills for couples
Cowichan Valley / Duncan
- Cowichan Street Survival Guide - Another list of comprehensive resources including housing and food
Crisis Management
- Dial 911 (Ambulance, Fire, Police) and call VIU Campus Security - Local 6600
- capacitar.org/ - Internationally developed kit of best practices for natural disaster, chronic stress, & violence
- vicrisis.ca/ - helpline, texts & chat; index of all community resources on Vancouver island
- first Nations & Inuit helpline & chat 24-7, 1-855-242-3310, culturally competent counsellors, services in English, French, Ojibway, Cree,& Inuktitut
- youthinbc - for youth 25 > 24 hr suicide 1 800 784-2433; chat, noon - 1 am PST; other mental health #'s
- crisiscentrechat - adults 25 +, 24 hr suicide 1 800 784-2433, other mental health #'s; chat noon - 1 am PST
- Crisisservicescanada.ca/ - Suicide prevention & support 1 833 456-4566 (24/7)
- text (4546) & chat (2 pm - 10 pm PST)
- Brooks Landing Walk-in Counselling Clinic (Mental Health & Addictions) M-F 10 - 6:15 pm
- 203-2000 Island Highway North Brooks Landing Access & Crisis Services 250 739 5710
- Haven Society for women who have been sexually assaulted or in situations of domestic violence
- 24 crisis line 1 888 756-0616
- see website for a variety of services Haven Society
Depression
- Emotional Pain is Not a Sickness A VIU Wellness resource
- Heads up Guys - Many resources & articles for men. Personal stories. How to be a support
- Automatic Thoughts - Youtube Video on automatic thoughts that negatively impact our thinking and positive ways to cope
- Information & worksheets on Depression - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- The Black Dog of Depression - Youtube video by WHO on what depression is like and ways to cope
- Back from the Bluez - 9 training modules using Cognitive Behaviour therapy from the Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Therapy Tribe Support - online community of support for a variety of issues including depression
- Living Life to the Fullest - Includes an online course in cognitive & behavioural strategies for dealing with anxiety, mood difficulties, motivation and lot's of practical suggestions
Disordered Eating: Resources & Support
- The Looking Glass Foundation - BC resource; videos, summer camp, email questions
- Peer supports - all free: hand-in-hand - for 16 up, trained mentor support who are supervised; online support- focused online discussions, all ages, trained facilitators; individualized-support-service - private forum space with trained mentors,14 up;
- Eating Disorders Meal Support - Video on how family can be supportive around meals
- Building Body Acceptance - workbook from Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Overcoming Eating Disorders - 2 workbooks, information sheets & work sheets - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Association for Anorexia & Associated Eating Disorders - Community involvement, treatment locator, excellent video resource library
- Victoria.BC.ED.Peer.Support - Mon evenings 6:30-8:00 RJH rm PCC-701; link goes to facebook page
- Anorexics & Bulimics anonymous - adapted from 12 steps of AA, meeting Saturdays in Victoria
- Eating Disorders anonymous - meetings in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo & Cumberland
- Food Addicts Anonymous - Program and support for compulsive overeating behaviours, meetings, literature, stories, information sessions, online magazine
- Jessies legacy - Info on risk and protective factors, resources, toolkits, programs and articles
- National Eating Disorder Info C - Information, resources, library, Helpline, M-F1-866-633-4220 6am-6pm (PST)
- National Eating Disorders - (US) Free 24h/7d crisis text line. Text NEDA to 741741; List of support groups
- Body Image A VIU Wellness resource
- Disordered Eating A VIU Wellness resource
- Mindful Eating Acceptance Affirmations
- Four Foundations of Eating Mindfully
- Body Positive - Body Positive
- Eating Disorder Recovery - Eating Disorder recover: Information & Links
- Empowered Parents - resources for parents
- Something-Fishy - Information, online support, chat room
- Family Support Feast-ed.org - Resources & online support forums and information for parents
- Esteemedchics.com/workshops - Angela Slade, workshops for everyone, families and those struggling
- Eatingrecoverycenter.com - comprehensive information on different types of disordered eating and resources
Diversity (see also Racial Reconciliation)
- Central Island Multicultural Society - Question & answer forum, information
- Cowichan Intercultural Society - welcom, mentoring, English, Training & workshops
Domestic Violence (also see Sexual Violence Prevention & Sexual Violence Recovery & Resources)
- Ending Violence Associtiaon - Provincial association to developing programs in communities in addressing violence. Many resources and information
- Let's get consensual - Great video from UVIC on what consent is, & what it is not with some statements on sexual violence
Education - resources promoting mindfulness in education
- Healthy Minds Canada - dedicated to empowering people to take charge of their mental health
- Mindfulness Everyday - introduces what mindfulness is, links to various trainings & retreats in mindfulness training & stress reduction
- Passage Works - teaches 5 dimensions of engaged learning, provides resources, promotes social emotional learning, cultural response & whole systems thinking
- Stanford Med Centre for Compassion & Altruism - Research, compassion cultivation training, events, videos & blogs
- Mindful Education - Events, recommended books & CD's
- Brown U Contemplative Studies - Centre dedicated to focused attention in education. Offers a Major
- U of Mass Med Centre for Mindfulness - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programs, education, research, medical practice & common good affiliation
- Garrison Institute - Contemplative based resilience, programs (Cultivating Awareness & Resilience in Education), events, videos, blogs
- Inner Kids programs - mindfulness for kids, resources, training, books, tips, faq's
- Inner Resilience - Programs (residential, for teachers, parents & kids), publications, other resources
- Mindful Schools - Courses, resources, groups
- Mindfulness in Education Network
- Centre for contemplative mind in society - Practices, training, events, webinars
- Mindup - the Hawn Foundation. resources for bringing mindfulness to the classroom
Emotions
- Atlasofemotions - an interactive site to help teach emotional awareness and maintain calm.
- amazonaws.com/emogifs/map.html - study on constellation of emotions mapped out
Financial Aid
- Financial Aid - VIU, scholarships, bursaries, awards , loans information
- Student Aid BC - this is where you apply for loans, one stop application for canada student loans, bc loans, disability grants
Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgendered, 2 Spirit, Questioning & Non-conforming people
- Positive Space - VIU alliance for creating community; workshops, FAQ's, mythbusters, resources & much more.
- VIU Positive Space Alliance - Facebook page, events, community
- queer straight alliance - Residence discussion group
- Nanaimo Pride - Local community resource in Nanaimo
- Qmunity - Vancouver - Resources, events, Prideline
- 2 spirits - National Organization; information, resources, articles
- Trans Vancouver Island - Resource and Info site for Trans people and their allies
- Health Info for transgendered People - Also provides phone or email consultation, vancouver health
- Trans Lifeline - Resources, support, & information
- www.xqq.ca - Cross queer quarterly, also has info on local events and links to Han Kai groups for trans people
- Health Services Authority - transcarebc - peer support, surgery process, navigating care, health forms
- Canadian professional association for Transgender health
- Intersex society of North America
- American College Health - list of resources for education and advocacy
- A safe place to pee - Ted talk by Ivan Coyote on the importance & need for gender neutral bathrooms
Grief & Loss
- Bereavement Helpline - connects you with resources for grieving in British Columbia
- Grief - useful information, lists of books, description of 5 stages of grief, how and how not to support someone
- Shauna Janz - booklet on healing conversations to help someone who is grieving, plus a list of books and resources
- Learning through Loss - grief education & support for youth
- BC Victims of Homicide - Offers groups, materials, videos, recommended reading, training & links
- Cowichan Hospice - support, info, companionship, library, video's, non-denominational spiritual care, palliative care Nanaimo Hospice - support, info, library, specific to teens, children, adults & elders, outreach, palliative care, some free counselling Oceanside Hospice - in Qualicum, serves surrounding area including Parksville Port Alberni Hospice - palliative support, library, spiritual care, counselling, support groups
- Capacitar - International network promoting healing through energy based modalities like acupressure, hand massage & more
- Mourner Bill of Rights - statement on things someone in grief may need to do to take care of their self
- "The Meaning of Death" by Stephen Jenkinson - Short video on acceptance of death
- Grief support for children - Counselling at Nanaimo Hospice with creative/ expressive therapies; brochures on grief
- Rainbows - Grief support groups for children & youth impacted by loss, divorce, separation, etc offered in local schools and social support agencies
- Stephen Colber & Anderson Cooper - 2 men having an intimate & moving conversation on how loss impacted and changed them
- After Talk - Pyshcologist Dr. Neimeyer, questions & answers, articles
Harassment
- VIU Human Rights and Respectful Workplace - If you are experiencing harassment
- Harassment Happens - VIU Resource sheet
- A student guide to self advocacy
Health
- Campus Recreation at VIU; Activities, events, gym hours, fitness classes, etc.
- woopmylife - Simple, practical & effective strategy to fulfill wishes and change habits. Known as mental contrasting with implementation intentions
- Berkeley U Health - Info on caring for all aspects of your health
- The Healthy Mind Platter Dr. Daniel Siegel - 7 essential daily tasks for healthy neural functioning
- Positive Coping with health conditions - Self care workbook and other resources
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Information & articles on health topics & diseases for all ages &special interest groups
- At Health - Comprehensive site providing information, links, & resources on all issues pertaining to mental health
- 23 & 1/2 Hours - Short video on how exercise improves most health issues including quality of life
- Dean Ornish on Healing through diet - Talk on healing through diet
HIV / AIDS
- Aids Vancouver Island - Information, resources & support
- Positive Living BC - Resources & support
- Healing our Spirit - HIV community education & resource for aboriginal persons
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Statistics & information on HIV / AIDs
Hoarding
- Viha.ca/health_info/hoarding.htm - resources for assessing & treatment
Indigenous; Information & Resources
- FNHA Medicine Wheel - Tool for assessing your personal wellness
- Whose land is it anyway? - free manual for teaching decolonization from federation of post secondary educators
- Wellness Streams - Info on being active, eating well, nurturing spirit & respecting tobacco
- Services for Aboriginal Students - VIU - Gathering Place, Elders, Support & Information
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission - video on importance of education in bringing reconciliation Message from our youth
- VIU First Nations - Programs & resources for aboriginal students at Vancouver Island University
- Talent Egg - Jobs & online resources to connect indigenous peoples & grads to rewarding careers
- Tsow Tun Le Lum Trauma Program - Offers a variety of residential programs including addictions, just south of Nanaimo in Lantzville
- News, events & Jobs from the First Nations Health Authority
- The Witness Blanket. - A national monument to recognize the atrocities of Indian Residential School in Canada
- Indspire - Bursaries & Scholarships for Indigenous students
- Career Exploration guide for Aboriginal People in BC - Work BC, steps to choosing a career, videos of inspiring stories
Infertility
- Infertility Awareness Association of Canada - Resources, stories, education to do with infertility
Inspirational & Affirmation
- I am Me - Quote from Virginia Satir
- Wise Choices - Wisdom story
- How awe transforms the body and mind - 35 minute video, Lani Shiota, Greater Good Science Centre
- Become who can you be - Victor Frankl importance of high standards
- the Power of Introversion - Susan Cain, Ted Talk, on positive influences that result from introversion.
- I Trust you - Karim Sulayma, Vimeo, on minority vulnerability and call out for expressions of trust
- Love is louder - music video on embracing ourselves and one another
- Let's stop putting each other in boxes - Daniela Tolzman facebook post
- 10 inspiring moments from 2016
- Babies laughing video
Inter-Cultural Transition
- Training Resource for Studying Abroad - For North Americans studying worldwide
Insomnia
- Guide to healthy sleep - What sleep is, how it works, benefits & sleep issues
- Sleep - Info & worksheets - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Sleep - Topic Guide - Helpguide.org - Comprehensive discussion on sleep & insomnia
- Insomnia - Scholarpedia; Brief discussion on key elements of Insomnia
- Development and Treatment of Insomnia - Indepth article includes Spielman's 3 P model
- Sleep Diary - Online form; A great strategy for understanding your insomnia
- Improving Your Sleep - Sleep hygiene and some beliefs about sleep
- Sleep - Brief interactive overview of issues - SFU
- f.lux: free software - filters blue light out of your screen on your devices or computer
- How Mindfulness improves sleep - article form greater good science center on how mindfulness helps sleep
Immigration
- Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society; services to immigrants and visible minorities: support on immigration issues, finding work, workshops on dealing with racism, English classes and much more Legal Resources
Legal Resources
- My Law BC - General information on family law, domestic violence, and some financial with links to free legal aid and publications.
- Justice Access Centre - links to access centres in Victoria, Vancouver & Nanaimo dedicated to helping you find legal resources & give ltd legal advice
Lifelong Learning
- Canadian Council on Learning / Conseil canadien sur l'apprentissage - Dedicated to support all forms of learning at all stages of life
Living Simply
- The Minimalists - Live more meaningfully as opposed to living to acquire more; podcasts on many topics including finance
- The story of stuff - website dedicated to changing the rules that state having more in the economy for its own sake is not serving us well. Links economic & social issues with environmental problems. Various videos suggesting positive solutions.
Loneliness
- John Cacioppo - 15 minute video from Big Think, with impacts of loneliness and strategies for overcoming it
- Loneliness - Youtube video about this epidemic, causes, biological purpose of social pain, the problem of modern society and the impacts of loneliness on the body and mind
Media Literacy & Advocacy
- About-Face - Media education to promote positive self-esteem in girls & women
- Adbusters - Media activism to promote shifts in existing power structures
- MediaLit - Dedicated to developing curriculi for media education for a variety of groups in a various disciplines
- DoSomething - Chatrooms and info on topics to promote activism
- Media-Awareness - Promotion of Critical Thinking of media messages that inform or entertain
- MediaWatch - Challening racisim, sexism & violence through education & activism
Men's Resources & Self Help (see also sexual abuse recovery for men)
- heymanpod - This cool website has a series of podcasts by men as an advice column for men
- goodmenproject - Dr. Stephen Lake, a variety of resources, books, & blogs about men's issues
- Jeremy Loveday, masks off challenge - Poet offers heartfelt challenge to address women with respect
- TheArmourofMasculinityReviewed - Shane Horsbourgh, ted talk 18 minutes
- What Men Crave - John Wineland 1 minute youtube video: 10 things men want from women
- samuraibrotherhood - Men's fellowship creating support and values to guide and connect men in daily living
- antiviolenceproject.org/mens-circle - free group that runs at UVIC regularly for those wishing to stand up against violence antiviolenceproject.org/workshops - free public workshops at UVIC on bystander interventions, supporting assualt survivors, consent and more
- Whiteribbon.org.au - STOP; detailed suggestions on how we can help stop different forms of violence
Mindfulness Meditations, Resources & Apps
- Breathr - Kelty MH - free apps with refreshing meditations, video introducing mindfulness, guided meditations on many topices, including body scans, mindful eating, coping, etc
- Healthymindsapp.ca/ - free apps on problem solving to help cope with stress
- Thinkfull.ca/ - Free apps to help monitor stress levels & patterns with rich library of tips to help relieve stress
- Headspace App - For apple and androids. Meditation app to introduce beginners. Starts simple & short and progressively deepens & lengthens
- healthline.com - article that evaluates and describes meditation app's
- The Wheel of Awareness - Dr. Daniel Siegel, Guided Meditation to enhance neural functioning
- Guided Audio Mindfulness Meditations - From U of C San Diego Centre for Mindfulness
- Guided Mindfulness Meditations - UCLA mindfulness awareness research centre; breathing (play) (mp3 download) 12 minute Breath, Sound, Body Meditation (play) (mp3 download) 19 minute Complete Meditation Instructions (play) (mp3 download) 7 minute Meditation for Working with Difficulties (play) (mp3 download) 9:30 minute Loving Kindness Meditation (play) (mp3 download) 3 minute short Body and Sound meditation (play) -->this is an mp3 download 3 minute short Loving Kindness meditation (play) All meditations by MARC's Director for Mindfulness Education, Diana Winston.
- Compassionate Curiosity, Gratitude Break , Compassionate Body Scan , Self Compassion Break
- Loving kindness-med.pdf - guided meditation on bringing love to self and to others
- Nanaimomeditationgroups. - List of groups that meet in Nanaimo. Way to learn and connect with others.
- Island Dharma - Medtation & Dharma talk. Focus on how to minimize suffering & increase compassion. Taught by Dr. Cheryl Fraser. Meets some Saturdays
- Palouse Mindfulness - Free Mindfulness based stress reduction course, and other mindfulness resources
- Shahaja Yoga Meditation Free online course - This approach has a particular focus on body mind connection. It uses touch on the body to access a variety of emotions that you may be feeling. It also has research on its efficacy.
Mindfulness Centres
- Greater Good Science Centre - Berkely; Dedicated to building happiness and positivity; Videos on practices to develop these in different areas
- Dr. Daniel Siegel - Audio video presentations on mindsight, breath awareness, healthy mind platter
- FNHA Medicine Wheel - Tool for assessing your personal wellness
- Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care & Society
- Mind & Life Institute
Mental Health
- Emotional Pain is not a Sickness
- Partners in Mental Health & Addictions - Stories & resources about & for people with addictions & mental health issues. Contains discussion forums and screening tests.
- Mental Health Help Guide - Alphabetized list of mental health issues with basic but comprehensive information and resources
- Here to help; screening self tests - A variety of screening test including depression and anxiety
- Jack.org - Young leaders in Canada who want to speak about Mental Health to students
- cmha.bc.ca/about-cmha - Canadian Mental Health Association
- Let's stop putting each other in boxes - Daniela Tolzman facebook post
- 10 Simple Ways to Save Yourself
Nanaimo
- Nanaimo Area Food Services
- FetchBC - Listing of 500 community agencies in Nanaimo, including food & housing
Parenting
- six ways nature helps children learn - article from greater good science
- How to teach siblings to resolve their own arguments - article on potential benefits and cons in sibling conflict
- Kateborsato.com/ - Dedicated to support families in tech - life balance, articles, guides, blogs, books
- Dads and Daughters - Resources & articles to improve father/daughter parenting – addresses many taboo topics
- Girls Inc. - Dedicated to helping girls be strong, smart, & bold; addresses societal messages about value and potential
- New Moon - Magazine dedicated to hosting a forum for girl
- six ways to help girls become strong women in a sexist world - Jill Suttie article on book "Girls under Pressure" by Lisa Damour
- Same family, different worlds/ teen conflict with parents - article by Donna Soules, island parent magazine 1998
Perfectionism
- Perfectionism in Perspective - 9 training modules on working through perfectionism
Personality Tests
- 16 Personalities - Free online test with information on your personality type, based on Carl Jung's typology popularized through Myer's Briggs
- Holland Code Career Test - free online test based on Holland's career codes. Places you in 1 of 6 career fields. Useful for questions on career interest.
- VIA character strengths - free 15 minute survey. Focuses on positive and with much useful information
- Personality tests - Variety of personality tests (some free)
- Learning Styles Questionnaire - Free, online auditory, visual, kinestenic learning styles inventory
Positive Psychology
- Greater Good Science Centre - Berkely; Dedicated to building happiness and positivity; Videos on practices to develop these in different areas
- the foundations of well being - Rick Hanson video for building resources in 12 areas of your life to increase connectedness, sense of safety and well being.
- Your Skillful Means - Tools for psychological & spiritual growth
- Psych Central - article on positive pyschology
- Dr. Marty Seligman - Positive psychology at University of Pensylvania; assessments on strengths & positive attributes, articles on positive psychology
- BBC News- Happiness Formula - Qualitative research article on how people define happiness
- Cinema Therapy - Links topics of interest with Movies
Procrastination
- Overcoming Procrastination - VIU resource sheet
- Put off Procrastination - 7 training modules workbook, Info & Addtional worksheets - Centre for Clincial intervnetions
- Procrastination - Cal Poly - comprehensive analysis of possible issues underlying procrastination
- 3 steps on Procrastination - short YouTube video by WellCast with helpful suggestions for getting things done
Psychosis
- Because your Mind Matters.ca - Facts & myths, early psychosis programs, videos
- Early Psychosis.ca - Information, resources, downloads, toolkits, apps
- bc schizophrenic soc - In Nanaimo, runs course for families, has a family support group and library
Racial Reconciliation
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission - Video on importance of education in bringing reconciliation Message from our youth
- Whose land is it anyway? - free manual for teaching decolonization from federation of post secondary educators
- Indigenous Cultural Safety - Online training from Provincial Health Authority
- Gabrielle Scrimshaw - 13 minute Ted Talk on building a better future for aboriginal youth in Canada
- the Anti-Racism Resource Centre - Information on rights, for employers, curriculi for educators, news and more
- Micro Aggressions - NY Times article on Student experiences of racially directed slurs
- Valerie Kaur - Inspirational video addressing multiple facets of racism and combating with love
- 1970 Teacher gives kids experiential lesson on Racism - Video on class is divided into blue and brown eyes taking turns as superior groups
- Why i stopped talking about racial reconciliation & started talking about white supremacy - Christian Theologian, Erna Kim Hackett, on systemic injustice and the problem of the majority
- islamophobia-guidebook - from the charter for compassion, greater good science centre
Relationships - see Couples
Relaxation
- Guided Imagery & Relaxation: mindbodylab UTexas - Guided imagery & relaxation
- The Wheel of Awareness - Dr. Daniel Siegel; Guided Meditation to enhance neural functioning
- 4 minute meditation on setting intention for the day - Who am I? What do I want? How can I serve?
- Relaxing Video with music - Youtube video of stunning landscapes with relaxing music 8 mins
- 3.5 minute guided meditation - Combined meditation and condensed muscle relaxation
- Progressive Muscles Relaxation
Secrecy
- Bruce Muzik on Secrets - Ted talk on personal and relational impacts of secrecy
- Ted Talk: Thordis Elva & Tom Strange - story of rape & reconciliation
Self-Esteem
- Self-Esteem - 9 module workbook, info & additional worksheets - Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Self-Compassion - 7 module workbook - Centre for Clinical Interventions
Self Care
-
The Ethical Imperative of Self Care - Directed at Helpers, from the BC assoc. of Clinical Social Workers
- woopmylife - Simple, practical & effective strategy to fulfill wishes and change habits. Known as mental contrasting with implementation intentions
Sexual Health & Sexuality
- Sexuality and U - interactive, games, information, videos, birth control, infection.
- Gender and Sex Galaxies - Terms & Definitions, also suggested activities for educators bring up issues
- Dr Sue Johnson: Creating Connections - Pioneer in Relationship work & Bonding Science: Ted Talk, videos, books, & blogs
- Options for Sexual health - birth control, pregnancy options. 250 753-9511, 204-285 Prideaux street
- Books / resources links - age appropriate lists of educational books on sex for all ages
Sexual Violence & Violence Prevention
- Sexual Violence Support at VIU - Know More Campaign, Policy & Procedure, multiple resources, trauma informed approach; if you have been sexually assaulted there are many ways we can support you while you remain in control of the process. Counselling is available as well.
- Ending Violence Association of BC - Education, publications, articles, workshops, support, preventions programs & trainings. Many resources
- The Anti-Violence Project - From UVic, many resources: library, blogs, etc. Also will help facilitate training in anti-violence measures
- Westcoastleaf - Legal society dedicating to changing the law to support women's and other minorities, rights and freedoms
- International Directory of Domestic Violence - list of publications / information on all types of violence in many languages for many age groups
- Men choose respect - Program from the Haven Society for men who have been abusive to their partners and want to change
- Fight the new drug - Site dedicated to educating us to the harmful impacts of pornography
- One Angry Girl - Articles & personal stories on a topics of concern for girls & women from pornography to exploitive corporations; this site will move you
- Media Watch - Challenging racism, sexism & violence through education & activism
- Let's get consensual - Video from UVIC on what consent is, & what it is not with some statements on sexual violence
- Consent for Tea - video on obtaining consent to have tea with someone
- Ted Talk: Thordis Elva & Tom Strange - story of rape & reconciliation
- Why women need fierce self compassion - article by Dr. Kristin Neff on application of Yin and Yang forms of self compassion
- Reagan Williams - 18 min ted talk on Rape Culture, myths, victim blaming, how all are impacted by it
Sexual Abuse Recovery
Sexual Abuse Recovery & Resources for Men
- Sexual Violence Support at VIU - Know More Campaign, Policy & Procedure, multiple resources, trauma informed approach; if you have been sexually assaulted there are many ways we can support you while you remain in control of the process. Counselling is available as well.
- Male Survivors - Article on impact by male perpetrators on heterosexual and gay sexual identity – links to other articles
- BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Individual & group therapy & victim services for survivors of sexual abuse
- Vancouver Island Men's Trauma - Individual & group therapy, victim services for men who've been abused and who have experienced other forms of trauma
- Victimlink BC - 24/7 confidential, multilingual telephone service to help you find the best resources for emotional or practical support
- North Island Survivors Healing Society - non-profit agency providing counselling for sexual abuse survivors - subsidies available
- 1in6.org/ - myths & facts about abuse of males, online support group, info on groups, trainings & events
Sexual Abuse Recovery & Resources for Women
- Sexual Violence Support at VIU - Know More Campaign, Policy & Procedure, multiple resources, trauma informed approach; if you have been sexually assaulted there are many ways we can support you while you remain in control of the process. Counselling is available as well.
- Cowichan Women against Violence - Counselling & groups for all forms of past or current violence, womens transition homes, victim services & much more.
- Haven Society: Nanaimo area resource for women - Counselling, transition homes, victim services, children's counselling
- VIHA Sexual Assault Resources - Links to Forensic examinations, making police reports, and resources for what to do if you are experiencing violence
- One Angry Girl - Articles & personal stories on a topics of concern for girls & women from pornography to exploitive corporations; this site will move you
- 911 Rape - Information on impact, issues for students & youth, what to do; rape treatment centre
- Victimlink BC - 24/7 confidential, multilingual telephone service to help you find the best resources for emotional or practical support
- Let's get consensual - Video from UVIC on what consent is, & what it is not with some statements on sexual violence
- Consent for Tea - video on obtaining consent to have tea with someone
- North Island Survivors Healing Society - non-profit agency providing counselling for sexual abuse survivors - subsidies available
- Why women need fierce self compassion - article by Dr. Kristin Neff on application of Yin and Yang forms of self compassion
Shame
- Brene Brown - Ted talk on shame - differences in men and women - importance of empathy to healing
Stress - see Anxiety / Stress
Study Strategies
- Learning Matters -VIU comprehensive resources and links on strategies for studying and learning
- Teenmentalhealth -transitions - to University, from learning to mental health; free download
- Learning Strategist - VIU's own learning strategist: drop-in, book appointments, workshops
- www.gcflearnfree.org - Free tutorials in Technology, math, English, ESL, other languages, everyday life skills, podcasts, labs, also has educator resources. Fantastic resource.
- Choices of Successful Students; 10 Effective Study Habits;
- How to Study - Lists all issues related to study skills from time managements & goals setting to study skills for specific subjects, how to read, how to listen and tests on your learning styles
- Study Guides and Strategies - Comprehensive Website on Study skills & Learning Strategies
- Your Learning Style; Learning Styles Questionaire - Free, online auditory, visual, kinesthetic
- Time Management - university of Guelph, most aspects of time management for planning your semester
- Why you never seem to have enough time? - Kira Newman, article on how values and attitude impact experience of time
- Rocks, pebbles & sand - Short youtube video on how to prioritize
- Avoid Homework - VIU resource sheet
- CourseAssignmentTrackingWorksheet
- Memory Improvement - Comprehensive website on memory
- Mind Mapping basics - Susan Gregor, Youtube; the Power of the Mind to Map - Tony Buzan, ted talk
- Overcoming Procrastination - VIU resource sheet; Procrastination - Cal Poly comprehensive analysis of possible issues underlying procrastination
- Reading Difficult Material - VIU Resource sheet
- Test-preparation.ca - For many academic disciplines, college entrance, accuplacer, and many professions
- Metacognition - Youtube video, Paul Anderson,10 tips about increasing comprehension
- Study Less, Study Smart - Youtube video, Marty Lodbell, classic 60 minute lecture on study skills
- 6 minute summary of above lecture - Youtube video on Marty Lodbell's lecture, college info geek
- Metacognition - Developing a mindset for successful learning - Youtube, Stephen Chew, Stanford U; Metacognition Pt. 1 of 5 - How we fail or succeed; - Pt. 2 How we learn; Pt. 3 Cognitive Principles for optimizing learning; Pt. 4 Putting principles for learning into practice; Pt. 5 I blew that exam, now what?
- What top students do differently - Douglas Barton, Ted talk
Sleep (see also insomnia)
- the neuroscience of sleep - article/ interview with sleep expert, Matth Walker
- Five ways sleep is good for your relationships - article by Jill Suttie
- Why your brain needs to dream - article by Jill Suttie
- the quiet secret to success - article on how sleep and our ultradian rhythms during the day impact performance
Study Abroad
- VIU Education Abroad - Information for VIU Students wanting to study abroad
Suicide Information & Help
- Vancouver Island Crisis Society - 24 hr call line, Chat or text - updated Community Resource Database
- Kuu'us Crisis Line - 1800 588-8717 from the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples offers crisis support & culture, support groups, housing registry for indigenous peoples
- the JED foundation - dedicated to prevention of suicide on campuses that you can achieve well being
- Coping with Suicidal thoughts - provides helpful suggestions & info on resources available
- Toolkit for those who have attempted Suicide - mental health commission of Canada
- Toolkit for those who have lost someone to Suicide - mental health commission of Canada
- suicide info - Canadian site with trainings, resources, lists of contact information across Canada, subscription library
- American association on Suicidology - Resources, training, information
Trauma
See Anxiety & Stress for more relaxation exercises and visualizations, also see Mindfulness Meditations & Sexual Abuse Recovery
- Container Exercise - trauma101.com, visualization to help contain overwhelming emotions experienced in Trauma
- Grounding Techniques- a variety of techniques that can be used to help tolerate overwhelming emotions
- More Grounding Techniques: Crisis Survival strategies, the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise, Compassionate Curiosity, Gratitude Break , Compassionate Body Scan , Difficult Emotions, 5 Finger check-in ,
- Safe Place Visualization - this is a good script. Safe Place Visualization - youtube created by FamilyGuiding 1
- Body focused meditation for Emotional Processing - From Sharon Stanley, using the wisdom of the body for processing emotions
- Trauma Centre Justice Resource Inst. - Training, pubs, research, resources for 1st responders, families &Dr.s,
- International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies - blogs, library, treatment guidelines, webinars, free resources, stories
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - Therapy for treatment of trauma & anxiety, stories
- Allan Schore - Researcher of research, 17 videos training in Trauma
- Besel Vanderkolk - researcher, promotion of body psychotherapies, yoga, emdr, experiential psychodrama
- Janina Fisher - for survivors & therapists, webinars, resources, recommended books, articles, links & videos
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Pat Ogden, body psychotherapy, articles, training, therapist listings, books
- Somatic Transformation - using neuroscience & ancient wisdom for the body to heal trauma; training & blogs
- Trauma Healing - Somatic Experiencing, Peter Levine: body approaches to healing trauma
- Emotional Freedom Technique - Acupressure technique, useful for triggers/flashbacks, difficult emotions, body pain, some experience great success with this
Volunteering
- Volunteer Nanaimo - Nanaimo Volunteer Society; refers volunteers to and provides a variety of services to non-profit agencies in the Nanaimo area
Women’s Health & Self Help
- Canadian Women’s Health Network
- Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity
- Ontario Women’s Health Network
- Self Help Resource Centre
- One Angry Girl - Articles & personal stories on a topics of concern for girls & women from pornography to exploitive corporations that invite activism
Workplace Conflict
- VIU Workplace Conflict - Strategies for dealing with conflicts in the work place
Youth
- Nanaimo Youth Services Organization: links to various services in Nanaimo area
- youthspace - online support for Canadian Youth
- Therapy Tribe Support - online community of support for a variety of groups including teens
Former Youth in Care
- Aged Out - Website from People who were in Care or who supported youth to support youth as they age out of care
- VIU Tuition Fee Waiver - for former Youth in Care