Dr. Michael Haggstrom, RCSW

04/06/2026

One thing I call BS on is the idea that healing means getting back to the person you were before the trauma.

I hear this all the time.

"I just want to feel like myself again."

And I get it. But when you experience trauma... there is no return back to the old. I want you to hear me out. I am not trying to be rude, just very very honest.

When you've been through narcissistic abuse, betrayal, emotional neglect, or years of losing yourself in relationships, of course you want your old self back.

But what if that old self is the very person who ignored red flags?

The very person who kept giving second, third, and tenth chances?

The very person who thought love meant understanding everyone else's feelings while abandoning your own?

I don't think healing is about becoming who you were.

I think it's about becoming someone new.

· Someone who still has a big heart.
· Someone who still loves deeply.
· Someone who still sees the good in people.

But someone who has also learned that their own feelings matter too.

· Someone who can say no.
· Someone who trusts themselves.
· Someone who stops treating self-sacrifice as the price of admission for love.

Many empaths come into healing wanting their old life back.

What they often discover is something much better.

The chance to create a life that actually fits who they are.

What part of the old you are you glad you've left behind?

— Michael Haggstrom, RCSW

31/03/2025

So many people have experienced narcissistic abuse, and don’t even know it. Knowing the signs has never been more important. Want to get equipped? Then, dive into this article today:

These signs of narcissistic abuse may shock you—because it’s not just insults or control. It’s the subtle erosion of your self-confidence and the constant blame. Learn the 5 key signs, how narcissists rewire your mind, and why recognizing them is the first step to breaking free.

10/03/2025

A&W is my favourite burger joint and it’s 100% Canadian! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Love♥️

08/03/2025

Happy International Women’s Day!

To all the women out there—leading, creating, fighting, healing, and holding it all together—Thank you. Your strength, wisdom, and resilience make this world better.

Here’s to a future where respect and equality aren’t up for debate.

Much love to you all. 💜

06/03/2025

Cheers

A parody song of I will Survive writen about the current Tariff threats to Canada by Donald Trump Lyrics writen by : Gord MoranVocals : Sonya Zaback Produce...

04/03/2025

Narcissism is becoming bolder, and without the right skills, burnout is inevitable.
- Tariff attacks against allies.
- The news twisting reality.
- Social media fueling division and outrage.
We’re not just witnessing chaos—we’re being bombarded by it.

✅ The constant barrage of manipulation and psychological warfare isn’t just exhausting—it’s designed to keep us overwhelmed and reactive.

✅ For empaths, this isn’t background noise. It seeps in, hijacking your emotions before you even realize what’s happening.

✅ Read this to understand how today’s world has become an emotional battlefield—and the real steps you can take to protect yourself.

Empaths are drowning in a world designed to manipulate emotions. From media fear tactics to toxic relationships, it’s exhausting. This article reveals why you feel so drained—and how to protect your peace, set boundaries, and break free from emotional overload. Read more...

04/03/2025

If the Hunger Games ever made sense, it’s now.

A manufactured reality, controlled by the powerful.
Distraction, division, and spectacle—keeping people too overwhelmed to fight back.

A system where survival depends on playing the game, while the ones pulling the strings remain untouchable.
Sound familiar?

Empaths feel this at a visceral level. The exhaustion. The manipulation. Truth twisted until people submit to the unacceptable.
But our voices will not be silenced 🤬 💪🏻 💜

23/02/2025

Mental health organizations worldwide are sounding the alarm. We need to stop letting toxic relationships rob us of years of life. Scientific research proves that it's just not worth it.

It will make us more depressed and anxious, and even cause us to die earlier because of all the stress inflicted upon us.

This includes being in a relationship with a narcissist who is brainwashing us daily that we can't live without them, where we're made to feel small. It's hard to break free, but with the proper support you can stop the damage.