Read, Reflect, Connect: Our Squamish Book Club

One of the things we love most about our new space at the clinic in Squamish is that it’s not just for therapy sessions — it’s a place where conversation, ideas, and connection can happen. That got me thinking: how could we create something that’s welcoming, supports mental health, and builds community — without stepping outside the bounds of ethical private practice?

The answer was simple: a book club.

Why a Book Club, and Why Now

Books have always been personally meaningful to me — not just as a wholesome alternative to the endless screen time that floods our days, but as a way to immerse myself in other worlds and experiences. Reading stories, especially ones that touch on challenges or discomfort, can feel quietly therapeutic. You notice patterns, emotions, and perspectives in ways that sneak past the busyness of daily life. In a way, it’s a gentle form of bibliotherapy — reflecting on life through the lens of story.

For a counselling clinic, creating a community-oriented offering like this makes sense. Social connection is a huge protective factor for mental health. And since private practices have to follow strict ethical guidelines — we can’t offer therapy sessions as gifts or incentives — a book club is a safe, low-pressure way to give back to the Squamish community while encouraging connection, curiosity, and reflection.

Check in with yourself: What are your preconceptions about book clubs? Do you imagine it’s intimidating, formal, or judgmental — and how might that affect whether you join?

Drop-In, Low-Pressure, No Judgement

Unlike many book clubs, ours is designed so you can drop in whenever it works for you. There’s no monthly commitment, no pressure, and no expectation that you’ve read every page. This was really important to me personally — as a kid, I was shy and intimidated by the idea of speaking in groups about literature. Book clubs felt a little like being tested in school: what if I said the “wrong” thing?

Making it low-pressure means people can try it out without anxiety. And because our clinic space allows it, we can even split into smaller breakout groups if that feels helpful — so everyone has room to talk, reflect, and connect at their own pace.

Our first book club meeting was tiny — just three people. Honestly, that felt perfect. Intimate, less intimidating, and full of space for meaningful conversation. It reminded me that quality often matters more than quantity when it comes to reflection and community.

Important note: This is not group therapy. While some books touch on mental health themes, the book club is a space for discussion, reflection, and connection — not counselling.

A Therapy-Inspired Twist

Because this comes from a counselling clinic, we put a subtle therapy twist on the experience. Each month, the book is selected around a theme related to mental health, human experience, or social connection. Maybe the theme resonates with something in your life — maybe it sparks curiosity. Either way, everyone is welcome to participate, share, or simply listen.

The (provisional) themes for our upcoming sessions are:

• April: The Overstory (Climate and environment)

• May: Olive Kitteridge (Caregiving, age, and memory)

• June: Untamed (LGBTQ+ and Pride Month)

• July: The Change (Menopause, women in mid-life)

• August: The Marrow Thieves (Indigenous experiences)

• September: Little Fires Everywhere (Motherhood)

• October: Still Alice (Alzheimer’s and dementia)

• November: The Art of Racing in the Rain (Fatherhood)

• December: The Year of Magical Thinking (Grief and loss)

• January: Hunger (Disordered eating, diet culture)

Book club is typically held at 7:30 pm on the last Thursday of each month. The format is flexible, casual, and designed to make conversation easy and engaging.

Why Reading Can Be Therapeutic

There’s a reason bibliotherapy has gained attention in mental health circles. Reading allows you to:

• Step into other perspectives and experiences

• Process emotions indirectly through story

• Reflect on challenges in a low-stakes, safe way

• Reduce screen fatigue and create mindful, intentional time

• Connect with others over shared ideas and themes

When combined with discussion, even casual conversation about a character’s choices, dilemmas, or emotions can spark insight into your own patterns, coping strategies, and feelings. It’s a small but powerful way to strengthen mental wellbeing through connection and reflection

A Space to Grow and Evolve

We’re still figuring this out, and that’s part of the fun. This bookclub may shift over time based on what resonates with participants and the community. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

The drop-in design also reflects something we value in counselling: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people join once and leave with a fresh perspective; others may attend consistently and build deeper connections. Either is meaningful.

How to Join

If you’re curious about exploring stories, connecting with others, and reflecting in a low-pressure environment, we’d love to have you. The book club is free and open to anyone in Squamish interested in reading, conversation, or community connection.

How to sign up: Simply email us at hello@innerspherewellness.com to register for the next session. For regular reminders, theme updates, and behind-the-scenes notes, follow our social media accounts

Register Here

Whether you’re looking to:

• Try out a bookclub for the first time

• Explore themes related to mental health in a gentle way

• Meet others who enjoy reflective conversation

• Or just get a break from screens and everyday stress

…this is a space for you. You don’t need to have all the answers or a fully formed opinion — just curiosity and the willingness to show up.