Insights on trauma recovery, anxiety, and mental health — Patterson Counselling Red Deer

Your Path to Wellness

Practical articles on trauma recovery, anxiety, stress, and mental health from our Red Deer psychology practice. Written to help you understand what you are going through — and what you can do about it.

By Cheryl Patterson, Registered Psychologist & ART Master Practitioner

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Self-Care

What Self-Compassion Actually Looks Like (and Why It's Not Self-Pity)

Self-compassion is not self-pity. Red Deer psychologist Cheryl Patterson explains what it really means, why it matters for trauma recovery, and how to start practising it today.

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Anxiety

Understanding the Stress Cascade: How Your Body Responds to Stress

Your body has a built-in stress response system. Red Deer psychologist Cheryl Patterson explains what happens when stress takes over, what chronic stress does to your health, and when it is time to get help.

March 22, 2026Read →

Reading Is a Good First Step. Talking Is the Next One.

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Your Path to Wellness

What Self-Compassion Actually Looks Like (and Why It's Not Self-Pity)

All Articles

Understanding the Stress Cascade: How Your Body Responds to Stress

Reading Is a Good First Step. Talking Is the Next One.

Not Sure Where to Start?