In my practice as a social worker – psychotherapist, I often see teens and young adults who are struggling in a number of ways when it comes to their mental health. I have come to see just how powerful sport can be in not only teaching our youth how to work as part of a…
What is Perinatal Trauma?Perinatal trauma can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It can affect not only the birth mother, but also the baby, partner, healthcare professionals, or anyone who witnesses the event. There are two main types of perinatal trauma: physical and emotional. Physical trauma includes injuries that can be seen or…
Watching a friend struggle can feel overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, not doing enough, or not knowing how to help at all. The truth is, you don’t need perfect words or all the answers to make a meaningful difference. Support often comes from small, consistent moments of care that help someone…
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing visibility to a condition that so often exists in the shadows. And yet, for many women, awareness still feels far away from their lived reality. Pain is normalized, questions go unanswered, and the experience of living in a body that does not feel predictable or…
Several years ago, I was talking with a young person after a youth event who had grown up in an abusive home. He began to share about his anxiety, depression, anger, and deep hurt. He was clearly struggling, and he felt completely alone. What stood out most was that he didn’t feel safe talking about…
Journaling is one of the simplest tools we have for supporting our mental health and yet, with our busy, fast moving world, it can easily be overlooked. Journaling however, can offer a pause and give us the space and permission needed to slow down, reflect and reconnect. Putting our many thoughts into words can help:…
5 Reasons Your Child Might Benefit from Mental Health Support As parents, it’s natural to wonder if what your child is going through is “just a phase” or something more. The truth is, many children benefit from extra support at different points in their lives and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference. Mental…
As a parent of three children with a significant age gap, I often have to remind myself that each of them needs different kinds of support when it comes to their emotional health. The approach that works for my younger children looks very different from the one I use with my child who is almost…
As a psychotherapist, I often share with clients that mental health doesn’t exist solely in our thoughts or emotions. It is deeply rooted in the body, the brain, and the nervous system. From a neuroscience perspective, the brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs we have, and it relies on consistent, high-quality fuel to…
As the holidays approach, many of us feel the weight of both joy and longing, especially when someone we love is no longer fully present in the ways they once were. For families living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, what was once a time filled with laughter, gatherings, and joyful memories can instead bring sadness, stress,…