It is every parent's worst nightmare when their child is diagnosed with a chronic illness. Life changes in an instant and becomes centred around medical appointments, procedures, managing daily life and trying to give your child the best quality of life possible as they come to terms with an impactful diagnosis. For the child themselves, this can be an extremely stressful and confusing time as they adapt to significant changes in their life and their health. It may be no surprise that children who have chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of developing psychological difficulties, as are their families and caregivers. Some risk factors for psychological issues include: How much pain the condition causes, How visible the illness is, How much the illness impacts daily life, Any cognitive difficulties experienced. During the process of being diagnosed, and immediately after, the focus is typically on treatment options, appointments, and potentially lifestyle changes. While this is completely normal, we often forget the mental component to any illness, regardless of age. Children may be sitting in appointments with adults talking over them, making decisions for them and feel a complete loss of control over their body and what is happening to them. What to look out for in your child after a new diagnosis: Withdrawal from friends, family or activities they previously enjoyed, School refusal or not participating in the same way at school, Emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation, or out of character for them, Difficulty or resistance in getting them to participate in appointments or make necessary lifestyle changes, Changes to sleep patterns, Changes to eating patterns, Anxious or racing thoughts, Becoming self-conscious (particularly if their illness is “visible” in any way), Becoming more fearful of other things happening, for example, getting another illness, getting into an accident, losing someone, fearing death, Ruminating on things that happened at the hospital, or mentioning vivid “flashbacks” and struggling to move beyond procedures or experiences in the hospital. You may also notice some of these signs in their siblings or other family members as you all adjust to this big shift in your life. Some tips for supporting your child through a chronic illness: Have age appropriate conversations: It’s important to have conversations that are age appropriate with your child around their illness. Depending on where they are developmentally it can be helpful to use pictures as a way of helping them understand what is happening in their body. For some children it might be helpful to fill in a body outline that can be used as a reference point to discuss from. When our son was diagnosed with a chronic illness, his specialist at the hospital provided us with a drawing of him that showed him exactly what was happening in his body and where. I have placed an example below:   Be mindful of “concrete” thinking in children: Depending on where your child is in their development, they may not fully understand certain [...]

What is ADHD and how does anxiety factor in? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Anxiety is a natural emotion that embodies feelings of worry, nervousness or fear. Anxiety becomes disordered when it manifests itself into thoughts, physical responses, and behaviours that are maladaptive. We often hear from parents that their child who experiences anxiety is now being identified at school as possibly having ADHD, which can come as a shock to them. However, this actually makes sense and is quite common as ADHD and anxiety have some overlapping characteristics. Some of these overlapping characteristics include: Inattention, Trouble focussing, Emotional instability, Low self-esteem, Outbursts, Overstimulation, Problems with social skills. How we understand these as signs of ADHD or as signs of anxiety depends on the lens we are seeing them through, some questions to ask are: Is this a struggle of the brain or is this an emotional response? Is it hard for your child to focus because they have a hard time paying attention in general or are they experiencing racing thoughts? Are they overstimulated from the need to move around or from experiencing overwhelming and intense feelings? Are they having trouble with friends because of their behaviours or because they have isolated themselves due to excessive worry? Understanding the reasons behind the behaviour is key to determining if your child has a possible diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, or both. A psychological assessment or appointment with your doctor can determine the diagnosis and next steps to best support your child. If you are interested in learning more about how our team can support diagnosis and provide mental health support call us at 519.302.2300 or email reception@brantmentalhealth.com To watch a video from one of our social workers about ADHD, head to this facebook link https://www.facebook.com/BrantMentalHealthSolutions/videos/283035674648877

Being a new parent (or second time, third, etc.) brings on a myriad of changes and feelings. It is adapting to a new role and identity while also sometimes feeling like you are losing other parts of yourself. It is feelings of happiness, sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, exhaustion, fulfillment and/or insecurity. All this on top of trying to physically heal from pregnancy and birth. Parental leave is designed to allow that time to heal while also time to bond with the baby, but being home alone with a baby can be an isolating experience. Taking care of the baby can be all consuming and can often feel like the focus is only on the baby by service providers and family/friends. Please remember, as a parent and as a human being, that your mental well-being is just as important. Below are some tips to help you prioritize your mental health while on maternity leave. 1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Your baby will have several check ups throughout their first year of life. These appointments are as much about the baby's overall health as they are touch points for you to check in. You can connect with your doctor at these appointments if you are struggling and need additional mental health support. If family or friends are offering to help, take it. Whether that is taking the baby so you can do something for yourself or helping with tasks. 2. Stay Connected: It is easy to become isolated and confined to home taking care of a newborn but this can set you up for ruminating thoughts and feed into intense feelings. You need time to connect with other adults and time to feel like yourself beyond being a parent. If you have a partner, try to make time together. Remember you are partners, not just parents. If you don’t have family or friends nearby, there are many wonderful parent and baby programs in our community through the EarlyON Centres and Kids Can Fly. 3. Manage Your Expectations: It is okay if the dishes don’t get done today. It is okay if your body has changed. Taking care of a baby is exhausting and a full time job so it is not as easy to be as productive as we once were or make it to the gym if that was part of our routine before. If you are parenting with a partner, checking in with each other about the other’s expectations in regards to sharing the workload is important so neither feel resentful or burnt out. Be transparent about your needs. 4. Honour Your Feelings: Caring for a baby while on maternity leave can sometimes make you feel disconnected from the rest of the world (especially during those 3am wake ups!). It is okay if you don’t feel happy or as in love with the baby as everyone expects you to be. You might feel many contradictory feelings and that is okay. Acknowledge them, [...]

Cultural practices do impact people’s beliefs, way of life, and willingness to access mental health services. Mental health is deeply influenced by culture. Our culture entails our values, beliefs, and our overall way of life. How we express emotions, seek support, and even how we define strength can vary widely in different cultures. If you're struggling with your mental health in a culture that stigmatizes it, there are some ways to navigate it: 1. Honor Your Feelings: Just because your culture may not openly discuss mental health doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t real. Your emotions are valid. 2. Redefine Strength: Many cultures view suppressing emotions as "strong," but true resilience comes from acknowledging and addressing them. Ignoring our emotions only suppresses them until we can no longer hold them down. We need to process our emotions by finding safe avenues to do so. 3. Find Safe Spaces: Seek out culturally sensitive therapists, support groups, or online communities where you feel understood. 4. Bridge the Gap: If loved ones don’t get it, educate them gently. Share personal experiences or resources that resonate with your culture. 5. Self-Care Without Guilt:  Prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish. It allows you to show up better for yourself and others. 6. Seek Culturally Aware Support:  Therapists and coaches with a background in your culture can help navigate mental health in a way that aligns with your values. Mental health is universal, but healing is personal. Take what serves you & leave the rest. And most importantly, when it comes to mental health please reach out and speak up. Do not remain silent thinking that mental health challenges will go away on their own. Seek opportunities to share with people who care and support you. Contact a professional, speak to a friend, call a crisis line. Help is available and you are not alone!

Indigenous people in Canada often face barriers when seeking support for their mental health for a variety of reasons. These barriers can make for a less comfortable experience seeking and receiving mental health supports that are offered across Canada. In this article, we will take a look at what some of these systematic and cultural barriers are, and how to handle the challenges that they present. Reasons Why Indigenous Peoples Face Barriers to Mental Health Supports  Intergenerational/Historical Trauma and Distrust: The Indigenous people of Canada have survived through many attempts of cultural genocide perpetrated by the Canadian Government and Churches (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2020). This history can be understood and recognized through the Residential School System, the 60s Scoop, and national policies which have, and continue to, systematically disadvantage the Indigenous population. This narrative makes it difficult for many people of indigenous heritage to trust Euro-Westernized healthcare systems, which offer mental health services. Many indigenous peoples have faced mistreatment by healthcare systems in the past, resulting in a hesitancy or reluctance to seek support from organizations that may be perceived as having a lack of awareness or understanding of this history (Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2009). Different Views on Mental Health: In many Indigenous cultures, mental health is regarded as part of overall wellbeing, taking a holistic approach which includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects; focusing on the whole person, rather than just the mind. Traditionally, in Western ideals, mental health has been treated with a more singular approach focusing on the mind, which does not always consider the holistic nature of Indigenous ways of being, leaving Indigenous peoples receiving treatment feeling disconnected from their beliefs (Kirmayer, Brass, & Tait, 2003). This can create a gap in the trusting relationship between the client and service provider, making it difficult to feel supported and understood by their mental health professional. Stigma and Shame: In some Indigenous communities, individuals may feel a sense of embarrassment when seeking mental health support or fear of being judged by their family or community (Wexler, 2014). When one struggles independently, it can lead to Indigenous youth and adults using coping methods that do not support healthy overall well-being. Lack of Access to Services: There are many Indigenous communities located in rural or remote areas of Canada where services are not accessible without substantial travel and financial resources. Other barriers to access include lack of information regarding services, access to funding or programs such as the Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB), and long wait lists for off- or on-reserve services (National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health [NCCIH], 2019). How Can Indigenous Peoples Overcome These Barriers? Even though there are challenges, receiving support while simultaneously respecting Indigenous culture is still possible! Here are some ways to overcome potential barriers: Look for Culturally Sensitive Professionals and Agencies: Finding a mental health professional who has personal, academic, or professional knowledge and experience of Indigenous ways of being and culture can make a big difference. When [...]

Whether you are freshly out of school and searching for your first career level job, are looking for a new employer due to lack of fit at your current workplace, or have been laid off from your job and need a new employment opportunity, the impact these scenarios can have on our mental health can be significant. Sometimes the pressures and stress involved in job searching can become as stressful as our current employment situation or lack of employment itself which can unfortunately lead some down a road of hopelessness, dread, lowered drive/motivation to do further job search and additional daily tasks, high anxiety and even panic, deteriorating personal relationships, and several other negative impacts on our lives and overall mental health. In my practice, I see at least a handful of clients each week that are experiencing one of the above-mentioned situations and a combination of the stressful life situations and mental health symptoms mentioned above. The good news is that such situations and experiences can be managed effectively and one can feel more mentally healthy, confident, and energetic when job searching. In this blog I will provide some tips for those who are going through a career transition, I hope you find them helpful! Time Management and ‘Shoulds’… One of the biggest concerns clients searching for work often express to me is the difficulty they experience with time management. You may think that someone who is out of work may have ‘all of the time in the world’ to job search or that someone who is motivated to move on from a current employer may have the energy and drive to make time for job searching and networking, but this is often not the case. Due to many factors, the energy and drive to job search is lower today for many compared to years ago when our lives, in general, were slower paced, less demanding and stressful (E.g., impact of inflation on income), and we were less inundated with constant stimulation of media and smart technology. I often find that clients set their ‘bar’ very high, very quickly, when starting their job search when it comes to how quickly they ‘should’ be applying, getting interviews, and securing a new position, how much time each day that they ‘should’ be spending job searching (E.g., Online, networking in-person applying, etc.), and how much they ‘should’ be sacrificing other life activities so they can job search. What is wrong with this strategy? The biggest issue with these strategies is what we call ‘shoulds’ in the field of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). When we ‘should ourselves’ we essentially self-shame, as if we are scolding and pointing a finger at ourselves for ‘not doing good enough’ or ‘not doing what we should be doing.’ The biggest problem with these thoughts is that they actually drain and demotivate us from doing things like effectively job searching in a healthy way! If you have in the past, or still do, [...]

Many people are now familiar with the concept of trauma, and just how broad those experiences can be. Medical trauma in particular, is one of the types of trauma that impacts many people and can present additional and unique health challenges. It can often be overlooked as an underlying cause of mental health concerns, and can manifest in diagnoses ranging from anxiety, depression, to PTSD. What is medical trauma? Medical trauma is defined as the psychological, emotional and physiological distress that is due to a negative health care encounter. It is broad in its definition and can result from a single event of feeling dismissed by a medical professional. Medical trauma can come from:  An invasive medical procedure, A diagnosis of a life altering illness, A medical error, A lack of communication with health care providers, A difficult birth experience. Medical trauma can happen even if the health care provider is not at fault. How medical trauma impacts an individual is deeply personal, and people will respond differently to similar events. One common element of trauma is the sense of fear, and lack of safety that people experience and can continue to feel long after the event. These emotions originate in the nervous system; the brain’s perception of threat activates the body’s response to danger. In the process of dealing with the traumatic experience, the nervous system becomes overworked, resulting in being either overstimulated (fight, flight), or shutting down (freeze). These body responses are ways in which our bodies are trying to regulate. With medical trauma, something unique is that the source of the fear and danger is internal-within the body-which makes it more challenging to manage. We can’t escape our own bodies- they are our home. When the body is the source of the pain and fear, we may want to disconnect from ourselves, which moves us away from healing. Another risk is developing avoidant behaviour, not wanting to seek medical help or treatment because of the fear. Developing avoidant behaviour is a common response to fear- but when we avoid taking care of our health, the consequences can be significant. In addition to the physical responses to medical trauma, including pain, lack of mobility, illness, digestive issues and a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms, there can be a whole host of psychological symptoms to manage. With the increased sense of fear often comes elevated anxiety, stress and depression. Symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can manifest. The following list are some common symptoms seen with medical trauma: Heightened anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, anger, Avoidance, fear of medical settings or professionals, Emotional numbing, Exaggerated startle response, Intrusive thoughts, Flashbacks, nightmares, Thoughts of self harm, suicide. Because this kind of trauma can go unacknowledged or dismissed, a person can also experience “disenfranchised trauma”. Not having your experience acknowledged and not feeling considered can add to the negative feelings of frustration and powerlessness. It can also be that the individual believes they should “just get [...]

As a therapist, I often hear clients say, “I feel stuck,” “I don’t know how to deal with my emotions,” or “I keep repeating the same patterns in my relationships.” For those who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or disconnected from them entirely, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) offers a powerful path toward healing and self-discovery. What is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)? EFT is a research-backed, experiential form of therapy that helps individuals understand, regulate, and transform their emotions. Rather than suppressing or avoiding feelings, EFT encourages clients to engage with their emotions in a way that fosters growth and healing. Emotions are not just reactions; they hold essential information about our needs, past experiences, and deepest desires. Through EFT, clients learn to work with their emotions rather than against them. Who Can Benefit from EFT? Emotion-Focused Therapy is especially effective for individuals who: Struggle with emotional regulation, often feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Experience anxiety or depression rooted in unresolved emotional pain. Have difficulties in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or social. Are working through grief, trauma, or past experiences that continue to shape their present. Feel self-critical, ashamed, or “not good enough” and want to build self-compassion. EFT is particularly helpful for those who may have been conditioned to ignore or suppress emotions—whether due to cultural expectations, family dynamics, or past trauma. It provides a safe and structured space to explore emotions in a way that fosters resilience and emotional intelligence. How EFT Works in Therapy In EFT, emotions are viewed as adaptive signals that guide us toward healing when understood and processed correctly. During sessions, I guide clients through experiential exercises that help them access and transform emotions in real-time. Here are some of the core EFT techniques I love using in therapy: Emotion Awareness and Labeling: Many clients struggle to name what they’re feeling. We work on identifying and articulating emotions, moving beyond broad terms like “sad” or “angry” to a more nuanced understanding of what’s happening internally. Two-Chair Work: This is a powerful technique where a client engages in a dialogue with different parts of themselves (such as the inner critic, the wounded child, or the part that resists change). This allows for deep emotional processing and self-compassion. Reprocessing Emotional Memories: By revisiting past emotional experiences in a safe, structured way, clients can create new, adaptive emotional responses to old wounds. Accessing Primary vs. Secondary Emotions: Many people express secondary emotions (like frustration or withdrawal) instead of their core, primary emotions (such as sadness, fear, or loneliness). EFT helps uncover these deeper emotions, leading to authentic healing. Self-Compassion Practices: Learning to approach emotions with kindness rather than judgment is key. I often integrate self-compassion exercises to help clients develop a more nurturing inner dialogue. The Transformative Power of EFT Clients often describe EFT as a deeply moving and freeing experience. By processing emotions instead of avoiding them, they begin to feel more connected to themselves and others. Some of the most profound shifts I witness [...]

Navigating the Mind-Gut Connection: The Role of Therapy in Supporting Clients with Bowel Disease Living with a chronic bowel disease—such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis—extends far beyond physical symptoms. The daily realities of these conditions can lead to anxiety, depression, and deep emotional distress. As a therapist with a holistic and informed approach, I work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex relationship between mental health and gut health, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and improved quality of life. A Holistic Approach to Mental Health and Bowel Disease The gut-brain connection is a critical factor in understanding and managing chronic bowel conditions. Stress, trauma, and unresolved emotional experiences can exacerbate symptoms, while ongoing gastrointestinal distress can heighten anxiety and depressive symptoms—a cycle that can feel impossible to break. My approach integrates various therapeutic modalities tailored to each client’s needs, including: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and symptom flare-ups. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Helping clients regulate their nervous system to minimize gut-related distress. Somatic Awareness and Breathwork: Encouraging clients to tune into their bodies and release tension stored in the gut. Narrative Therapy: Empowering clients to rewrite their illness story, reclaiming agency over their bodies and lives. Self-Compassion Practices: Reducing the shame and frustration that often accompany chronic illness. The Emotional Impact of Bowel Disease Beyond physical discomfort, chronic bowel diseases carry a heavy emotional and psychological toll. Many clients experience: Social Isolation: Fear of urgency, accidents, or dietary restrictions may lead to avoiding social events. Body Image Struggles: Weight fluctuations, bloating, and medical interventions can alter body perception. Health Anxiety and Medical Trauma: Frequent medical tests, hospitalizations, and unpredictable symptoms often create heightened vigilance and distress. Grief and Loss: Many individuals grieve the loss of their “healthy self” and struggle with adjusting to a new normal. Through therapy, clients find a safe space to process these challenges and cultivate emotional resilience. Supporting Caregivers and Loved Ones Family members and caregivers of individuals with bowel disease also need support. The stress of witnessing a loved one’s struggles, navigating dietary restrictions, and managing unpredictable symptoms can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Therapy can help caregivers by: Providing psychoeducation on the mind-gut connection and chronic illness. Offering coping strategies to manage stress and prevent compassion fatigue. Facilitating healthy communication within families to foster understanding and support. Encouraging self-care practices so caregivers can maintain their own well-being. The Transformative Impact of Therapy Clients who engage in therapy often experience profound shifts—not just in their mental health, but in their physical well-being as well. By addressing underlying emotional wounds, learning to regulate stress, and building self-empowerment, many find that their symptoms become more manageable and their overall quality of life improves. As a therapist, my goal is to create a compassionate, informed, and individualized space where clients and their loved ones can explore the emotional layers of chronic illness, find hope, and [...]

What Is A Concussion? A concussion is a trauma to the brain as a result of direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash) force to the brain.  The brain sits inside of our skull, surrounded by fluid that is designed to give it space to move ever so slightly. When a force impacts the head or causes it to move in a certain direction rapidly, the brain can “slosh” inside the skull and bump into the hard bone.  This is the trauma that the brain can experience that causes a concussion.  Think of it like a bruise to the brain. In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, blood flow to the brain declines, preventing important energy molecules in the form of glucose from reaching your brain.  This creates an energy crisis in the brain which is why fatigue is a primary symptom people experience following an impact. If you, or your family are involved in sports, it is very likely that you know someone who has suffered from a concussion. Where Else Can A Concussion Occur? When we think of concussions, we often think of them happening in sports, but there are other places a concussion can occur Car Accidents Slips/Falls Work related injuries We all know that a concussion is not a good thing and we try to make sports and work as safe as possible to prevent these or other types of injuries.  But sometimes it can still happen and it is always best to know what to do if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion. What To Do If You Think You Have A Concussion? If you or someone you know has a suspected concussion, it is important to give them immediate medical attention so that more severe consequences of brain injuries can be ruled out. It is also important to stop play or work until you can receive medical attention, as another impact to the brain immediately following the first, can be detrimental. In certain cases, bleeds can develop in the brain, leading to much more severe problems.  This can be ruled out by a trained professional, and may require a head scan at the hospital. Typically it is recommended that immediately after a concussion, the person should rest, stop all screen use and lie down in a dark room.  While these things can be important, some light cardio activity can actually help with recovery. It is still important to stop any activity that could involve the risk of second impact, but light activity as tolerated is good to incorporate into a recovery program. It is important to see a qualified professional for specific advice, as each person and their experience with concussion will be unique.  Some are able to resume activities sooner, while others may need longer, depending on the severity of the impact. After seeing your family doctor, or a physician in an emergency room, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be your next stop for [...]