For my most up-to-date stuff, check out http://www.meganbruneau.com/latest
I’m Megan. I’m the highly imperfect “Shrink” behind this blog. For the past four years, I’ve worked as a Registered Clinical Counsellor at a post-secondary institution in Vancouver. During the privileged process of seeing 5 clients a day, I’ve heard countless stories of resilience and triumph, heartbreak and loss. I’ve been able to stand beside people during some of their darkest moments, and witness overwhelming growth and change.
Recently, I had an existential crisis felt restless for adventure, so I moved to New York City. We’ll see how long that lasts…
Regardless of the context, one of the many gifts my clients give me is insight into the common human experience: we all suffer. Through my writing, I hope to combine my 7 years of post-secondary education in psychology, biology, and philosophy with my own personal and professional experience to send “wisdom” your way (I use “wisdom” facetiously, as it’s up to you as to whether or not you consider the information useful)! To protect the confidentiality of my clients, I will only use broad references as to what goes on in session.
Prior to my profession as a psychotherapist, I was a personal trainer and yoga and nutrition advisor. I believe strongly in viewing well-being holistically, but I also believe in moderation and indulgence, and these values will undoubtedly be reflected in my posts. A few other things you might learn about me along the way? I consider myself to be a Buddhist, Existentialist, (mediocre) athlete, activist, extrovert, curious mind, young professional, independent woman and reformed perfectionist. I welcome feedback, comments, and discussion!
Hi Megan, a friend of yours Tierney and Hospice volunteer with our organizaton forwarded your blog. Would you be OK with my quoting some of your article in our newsletter. If so whom should I credit. Thank you, Kim Hoag
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Hello Megan,
As a healthier than I used to be “maladaptive perfectionist” (my diagnosis), I appreciated your article . Age, therapy and Christianity have played significant roles in my better health spiritually, physically and emotionally.
When I began this journey (1980’s) there wasn’t a lot of information on this topic or the clinical depression that I was in at that time. I now work with a ministry that walks alongside folks that are going through a difficult time. I’ve been asked to speak to a group of young moms. When I read your article, I felt strengthened in my purpose to speak to these women on their feelings of failure that can come in the role of mother (not to mention other areas of their lives).
I especially appreciated the “fill in the blanks” self talk when dealing with a anxiety producing issue and have discovered some of these through my own coping with panic/anxiety disorder.
Thank you again and I’ll let the group know about your article in pinterest (it was fun and entertaining too) 🙂
Blessings, Kathy McCann
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Kathy, I’m so grateful for your kind words. It’s incredibly meaningful to hear your experience–thank you. And, thank you for the work you do 🙂
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Amazing blog – forwarded this to a few friends! Really gave me a new perspective of thoughts and things I can rethink that’s happening in my own life. Thank you so much for your blog! 🙂
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Thanks for your kind words, ivancouver604, and for forwarding it to your friends! I’m really thrilled to hear it resonated for you :)!
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Megan, I just discovered your blog via MindBodyGreen, and girl you are speaking my language. I really like how you combine CBT and Buddhism. Thank you for doing what you do! 🙂
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You’re so welcome, Vanessa! Thanks for sharing your appreciation!
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Every piece of article you written about perfectionism has helped me immensely. I can’t thank you enough for sharing.
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Thanks for your meaningful comment, Gina :). It’s wonderful to hear some of the articles have resonated for you!
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Megan, I am feeling refreshed, finally finding a “shrink” who gets it. Suffering from (PTSD) depression and anxiety now for nearing 3 years (since diagnosis at least) it was wonderful to read in your first paragraph of ‘About Megan’ – “I don’t tell people how to live their lives, necessarily, but I provide a context within which they can figure that out for themselves.” So often I feel that I just want to talk with people, listen to each other and not expect answers or solutions. There is no magic formula, it takes time, thinking, aloneness and sharing to work it out and find a balance between all the traits that make up who we are. Better stop now before I start my own blog on your page. Thanks for your perspective. Bill
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Bill, thank you so much for your moving comments :). Yes, I very much agree with you that so often connection is ultimately what we are yearning for–the process of conversation and compassion, rather than the content. I so appreciate you sharing your insight and encouraging words. -Megan
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Fantastic blog, Megan. I am so glad to have stumbled upon it and look forward to reading more entries. All the best to you!
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Thanks for your kind comment, Burdie! 🙂
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Mam I am 20 years boy from India and I have read your article “5 Reasons Thinking About Death Will Make Your Life Better” and it was indeed superb! but I have one question from it even though thinking that today is the last day of our life will definitely improve and enhance our productivity and make you more effective and efficient but don’t you think that our subconscious mind might manifest that into reality and that is why I avoid thinking that it my last day of my life. Please mam reply to my queries as soon as possible!
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I just love your work …
I study Dbt and practise Mindfulness
Thanks so much
Deb
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Thanks so much, Deb! Yes, isn’t DBT wonderful? Wishing you a compassionate and mindful journey xx
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Thanks, great writing!
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Thanks for reading, Sarah! ❤
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Thank you Megan. I’ve been having a rough time lately, made some horrible mistakes, and I’ve been losing a lot of motivation and ambition for just about everything, but I think that some of your tips and stories may be the push I need to put me back on a better course.
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Thanks for reading, Adam, and I’m so glad you found comfort in my words. Do try to be kind to yourself, challenging as it can be when Shame is berating us. Wherever you are, I’m thinking of you in this moment, and am sending you compassion <3.
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Your video on youtube was awesome Megan. Thank you very much. It’s my pleasure to follow your blog for advice. I am in the process of beating depression and I blog about it. Look forward to your posts.
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I’m so glad to have you following me, Sudhir! Thank you for your kind words and openness <3.
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Hola Megan, just read your comments about your Vipassana experience and was thoroughly intrigued and entertained by it as my wife and I prepare for our very first Vipassana “retreat”. Also loved the Pema quote at the end….lovely. We’re currently traveling and visiting family in the NY area…if you’re still in the area & want any good food suggestions just reply and we’ll share our experience of eating our way through Queens, Brooklyn & NYC. We’re “cheap eats” specialists and thrive on a solid value for $ experience but also splurge for what we feel is worth it….like the $8 slice of green tea layered cake at Lady M’s @ Rockefeller Center. Never thought I’d spend $8 on a slice of cake…but TOTALLY worth it!
BE WELL!!!
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