Resilience is the mental and emotional strength that allows people to recover, adapt, and grow stronger after stress, setbacks, or significant life changes. It isn’t something that appears overnight; it’s built gradually, through small challenges and the relationships that surround a child while they’re facing them. And that’s the place to start, because it’s the…
Many of us have heard of common therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but there are many other therapeutic modalities that may be less familiar. One of these is Gestalt therapy. While Gestalt therapy shares similarities with other approaches, it also has some important differences that make it a valuable and effective option…
Modern life can feel extremely overwhelming. For many, we are not only juggling raising our own families while managing a career, but are also caring for aging parents. Between work, home, appointments and family responsibilities, many of us experience moments of overwhelm. But what happens when overwhelm becomes chronic, and how do we manage the…
As someone who grew up in the ’90s, I was part of the first generation to really explore the internet. Back then, there wasn’t much we could do given how basic it was, but we were exposed to the first “chat rooms,” and I remember having conversations with my family about boundaries when it came…
Have you ever walked into a family gathering feeling like a completely grown, capable adult, only to find yourself sitting at the dinner table 20 minutes later feeling like you’re 16 again? Maybe someone makes a comment about your relationship. Someone asks when you’re getting married. Someone brings up your career, your appearance, your finances,…
It’s no secret that over the last few years, teachers have had to navigate the changing mental health and behavioural needs of the children in their care. Increasing concerns around anxiety, emotional regulation, behaviour, and overall mental wellness have changed the landscape of teaching and, in many cases, have placed teachers and school support staff…
Moving away for college or university can be an incredibly exciting time, and it can also potentially be a time of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. When I see teen clients preparing to head away to college or university, I often discuss this quote – “Fear is just excitement in need of an attitude adjustment.” In…
Therapy language can help people feel seen, understood, and less alone. Words like “gaslighting,” “triggered,” and “trauma response” often give people a framework for painful experiences they may never have had language for before.But when mental health terminology becomes overused or stripped of nuance, it can sometimes create more confusion than clarity.Not every disagreement is…
As parents and caregivers, it can be hard to know what a child is trying to tell us in a difficult moment. Understanding the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum can help us respond with more calm, empathy, and support. What Is a Meltdown? Meltdowns are intense. The person is communicating that something in…
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…