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…
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…