In 2021, we were excited to introduce equine-assisted programs offered off-site at two farms in Brantford. These programs were launched through our sister company, Brant Mental Health Solutions. While traditional, in-office counselling is a great fit for many people, we felt it was important to also offer therapeutic experiences for individuals who may not feel that “traditional” therapy is the right fit for them. Equine Assisted Therapy provides a unique, experiential approach that can feel more accessible, grounding, and engaging for some clients. We often receive questions about these programs, so below is a brief overview of equine-assisted therapy, who it may benefit, and the therapists who currently offer this service. Who Can Benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy? While anyone who enjoys being outdoors, connecting with animals, and spending time in nature may benefit, we have seen particularly positive responses from: Children and adults with ADHD, Autism, or other learning/developmental differences Children and adults living with PTSD or CPTSD (including first responders and veterans) Individuals who find in-office therapy overwhelming or intimidating Those who have struggled to connect with a therapist in a traditional clinical setting Our Equine Assisted Therapy Providers Registered Psychotherapist – Robin Oldroyd Robin is one of the therapists on our team who offers Equine Assisted Therapy alongside her barn partners, Bernie and Brenda. Together, they collaborated with a videographer to share more about their program through Brant Mental Health Solutions. You can view the video here: https://fb.watch/aZ11HYQkji/ Robin works with individuals of all ages. Her many years of experience as a therapist, combined with her deep love of horses, create a unique and meaningful therapeutic experience for her clients. Registered Social Worker – Danielle Vanderpost Danielle has over six years of experience in the social services sector, working with individuals across the lifespan. She is passionate about supporting healing, growth, and helping people move toward their best possible selves. Danielle brings a compassionate, client-centred approach to equine-assisted work. Danielle is also expanding her program with us to allow more clients to experience this unique type of therapy. Is Equine Assisted Therapy Covered by Benefits? If you have coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist, sessions with Robin may be covered. If you have coverage for Social Work, sessions with Danielle may be covered. Both Robin and Danielle also work with NIHB. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific coverage prior to booking. Can I Combine Equine Assisted Sessions with In-Office Therapy? Yes. Many clients choose to integrate equine-assisted sessions alongside in-office therapy to complement their work. Others prefer to focus on one approach exclusively. This can be discussed with your therapist to determine what best supports your goals. How Often Are Equine Assisted Sessions Scheduled? As with in-office therapy, the frequency of sessions is discussed collaboratively after the initial appointment. Recommendations are based on therapeutic needs, while also considering practical factors such as scheduling availability, time, and financial considerations. We aim to balance effective care with what works best [...]

Money can be one of the most emotionally charged topics in a relationship, and debt often brings those emotions to the surface. For many couples, debt isn’t just a financial issue, it’s tied to stress, shame, power dynamics, communication patterns, and deeply held beliefs from as far back as childhood. When left unaddressed, it can quietly erode trust and connection, even in otherwise strong partnerships and is one of the leading reasons behind separations. This blog explores how couples can approach debt together through both a mental health and financial lens. By understanding the emotional impact of debt, improving communication, and creating a shared plan that feels realistic and respectful, couples can move from feeling overwhelmed or divided to feeling aligned and supported. Handling debt as a team is about much more than the numbers. Managing Money/Debt As a Couple - a Therapists Perspective From a therapist’s perspective, managing money together isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust, teamwork, and a shared sense of stability. Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Angie Vandenberg shares the following strategies, which are designed to help couples approach finances with more openness, intention, and less stress, so money becomes a tool for connection rather than conflict. Schedule a monthly “money date”: Make financial “auditing” a part of your monthly routine. Schedule a time each month to review income, spending, and outstanding debt. Using an app or spreadsheet to track where your money is going each month will give you a sense of control and allow you to reallocate spending as needed. Life Happens! Expect the unexpected: Discuss/predict large purchases/expenses that may arise in the coming months. Car maintenance? Dental bills? Roof replacement? Prepare for out-of-the-ordinary expenses by making any necessary adjustments to your budget in the months prior. Automate: Consider setting up automatic withdrawals for monthly debt payments or savings funds to ensure your bills are paid on time each month. This will give you a better sense of disposable income or funds available for investment. Managing Money/Debt As a Couple - from a financial planning perspective: Talk about finances early on: Don’t be afraid to bring up finances early in a relationship. Having these conversations sooner rather than later helps you understand whether you’re already aligned financially, or whether alignment is something you can work toward together. The longer these discussions are avoided, the more intimidating they can feel, and many couples end up sidestepping them altogether out of fear of conflict. Set shared goals: Shared financial goals might include paying down debt, building savings, or working toward buying a home. Whatever the goal, the responsibility should be mutual. When progress is made, or when challenges arise, you face them together. Using visual tools, such as a savings tracker or debt payoff chart, can help keep motivation high and allow both partners to celebrate milestones along the way. Attack debt together with intention: Many financial planners recommend the debt snowball method, which focuses on paying off smaller debts first to [...]

Perfectionism is often praised in teens, after all, we want them to get good grades, achieve their goals, and develop a strong work ethic. However, beneath the surface, the pressure to “get everything right” can quietly take a toll on their mental health. Many teens who appear motivated and capable are carrying an invisible weight, driven by fear of mistakes, constant self-criticism, and the belief that rest must be earned. I have watched my own teen go through this, her relentless need to push herself and “be better” led to burnout. She began to feel emotionally and physically exhausted, disconnected from things she once enjoyed and overwhelmed. All of these things are often a sign of a nervous system that has been stretched too far. This blog explores how perfectionism shows up in adolescence, why it can increase the risk of burnout, and how teens, with the support of caregivers and educators, can learn healthier ways to strive, rest, and care for their mental well-being. Many parents, including me, share a similar question: Where did this pressure come from? You may not have pushed for perfection, emphasized top grades, or modeled an “all-or-nothing” approach to success. Perhaps, like many caregivers, you valued effort over achievement and trusted that showing up and doing your best was enough. And yet, today’s teens are growing up in a very different landscape. Academic pressure no longer comes only from home. It’s shaped by competitive school environments, social media comparisons, post-secondary expectations, and a culture that often equates worth with performance. Even teens who have families that emphasize and model balance can internalize the belief that they must excel at all costs, and that anything less than perfect isn’t good enough. Understanding where this pressure comes from is an important first step in helping teens develop healthier relationships with achievement, rest, and self-worth. How can we help our teens with this? 1. Build in real rest - it does not need to be earned: One of the first things I noticed with my daughter was that when I encouraged her to take a break or do something for herself, she would often imply that she hadn’t “done enough” to deserve it. Teaching her that rest isn’t a reward for finishing everything perfectly, but a basic need, has been an important (but challenging) mindset shift. Encourage your teen to take short, regular breaks with no pressure to be productive. Even small moments of downtime help the nervous system reset and give their mind and body a chance to recharge. 2. Notice symptoms as early as possible: As we experienced as a family, a body under constant pressure often shows warning signs: tension, headaches, irritability, exhaustion to name a few. Learning to notice these signals early allows teens to pause, adjust expectations, and ask for support before burnout sets in. Gently mention to your teen if you are noticing they are having more frequent headaches than usual, or if they seem especially [...]

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 an adult. Parenting is rarely straightforward, and even children raised in the same home can have vastly different personalities, strengths, and emotional needs that must be considered. In this short blog, we’re sharing three tips for supporting a child’s emotional health and three tips for supporting a teen’s emotional health. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it can serve as a helpful starting point for parents and caregivers navigating these important conversations. 3 Pointers for Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Health Create space for feelings: Let your child know that all emotions are welcome, even the hard ones. Listen without rushing to fix, correct, or minimize. Feeling heard builds emotional safety and resilience. Model healthy coping and using co-regulation: Children learn how to manage emotions by watching you. Naming your own feelings, taking breaks, and using calming strategies shows them it’s okay to struggle and how to recover. Keep connection consistent: Regular check-ins, routines, and one-on-one time help children feel secure. A strong, predictable relationship gives them the confidence to express themselves and ask for help. 3 Pointers for Supporting Your Teen’s Emotional Health Listen more than you talk Teens often need to feel understood before they’re open to guidance. Stay curious, avoid jumping in with solutions, and validate their perspective, even if you respectfully disagree. Respect growing independence Support autonomy by involving your teen in decisions that affect them and respecting their privacy when it’s safe to do so. Feeling trusted strengthens confidence and emotional regulation. Stay present and consistent Even when they push away, teens still need reliable connection. Show up calmly, keep boundaries predictable, and remind them they don’t have to handle everything alone. We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you would like support for yourself as you navigate parenting challenges, or for your child or teen, we invite you to reach out to our amazing admin team. They will take the time to understand your unique situation and help connect you with one of the mental health professionals on our team who is best suited to support your needs. You can call us at 519-302-2300 or email reception@brantmentalhealth.com.

Why the New Year Feels So Powerful - and So Heavy Every January, the idea of a “fresh start” carries a particular emotional weight. Many people approach the New Year with genuine hope, believing that this will finally be the moment things change. Yet, from a psychotherapist’s perspective, it’s striking how quickly that hope can turn into quiet self-criticism when resolutions begin to falter. Research consistently shows that the majority of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned within the first few months, and this is not because people lack discipline or desire. Rather, it’s because most resolutions are created in ways that fundamentally clash with how the human brain, nervous system, and behaviour change processes actually work. When goals are rooted in pressure, idealized versions of the self, or an attempt to “fix” perceived flaws, they are far less likely to survive real life. Motivation Isn’t the Problem, It’s the Strategy One of the most overlooked reasons resolutions fail is that they rely heavily on motivation, a state that research tells us is inherently unstable. Motivation fluctuates based on stress levels, sleep, emotional well-being, and external demands. Self-Determination Theory, a well-established psychological framework, suggests that lasting behaviour change depends less on external pressure and more on autonomy, competence, and connection. When resolutions are driven by guilt, comparison, or the belief that we “should” be doing better, they often activate shame rather than growth. Shame, in turn, narrows our thinking and increases avoidance, making it far more difficult to return to a goal after a setback. In contrast, goals that feel chosen, meaningful, and aligned with personal values tend to foster persistence even when progress is slow. How the Brain Actually Changes Another reason resolutions struggle to stick is that they are often outcome-focused rather than process-oriented. The brain does not change through grand declarations; it changes through repetition and reinforcement. Neuroscience research on habit formation shows that small, consistent actions are far more effective at creating lasting neural pathways than large, sporadic efforts. When people set resolutions that are overly ambitious, they unintentionally trigger the nervous system’s threat response. The task begins to feel overwhelming, which increases procrastination and self-doubt. From a therapeutic standpoint, sustainable change happens when goals are scaled down to something that feels almost underwhelming, allowing the nervous system to remain regulated enough to engage rather than shut down. Identity-Based Goals Create Flexibility, Not Failure Equally important is the role of identity in behaviour change. Research suggests that people are more likely to maintain habits when those behaviours are linked to how they see themselves, rather than to a single outcome. When a resolution is framed as “I am becoming someone who cares for my mental health” rather than “I must meditate every day,” the behaviour becomes flexible rather than fragile. Missed days no longer equal failure; they become part of a broader, compassionate narrative of growth. This shift reduces the all-or-nothing thinking that so often derails resolutions and replaces it with curiosity [...]

Guilt is one of those emotions that creeps in quietly and weighs us down, especially when we begin choosing ourselves in ways we were never taught to. For many people, the simple act of saying no, setting a boundary, or honouring a personal need brings not relief, but discomfort. You might wonder, Why does doing what’s healthy for me feel so wrong? Why do I feel guilty when I try to take care of myself? Why do I feel guilty when I choose myself? You were rewarded for abandoning yourself, so choosing yourself can disguise itself as guilt. If you were taught that feelings and emotions aren’t that important or shouldn’t be included in decision making, then likely at the first sign your body gives you that you are feeling something you respond by leaving it behind, ignoring it, pushing it down etc. Where do we go when we have to abandon our bodies?  Typically, it’s to our heads. So, our instincts, body awareness, ability to understand our emotions with others, and developing our internal support systems and sense of who we are was not able to be optimally explored. Has anyone ever told you that you’re too in your head about something? Or that you are overanalyzing? Maybe you have learned to say it to yourself. The word overanalyzing is a catch 22. If it isn’t safe to be in your body, to feel your feelings while with another person or people, then it can feel pretty awful when we’re judged for trying to work it all out in our brains. If it is communicated to you, either directly or indirectly, that you are over thinking or “too in your head”, it is not usually a helpful comment or observation. You already know this, and it doesn’t feel good- but it can feel safer if the only other option is to be in your feelings which means to be in your body with your nervous system. Human interactions don’t always model for us how to effectively express how we are feeling in the present moment. We are not often taught how to confront another, to tell them what their impact on us is like in the moment. What am I noticing in myself when I hold the same space with you? There is a great deal of value in the environment that is created when human beings enter each other’s aura and energy fields. Consider what it looks like in a science text book when molecules interact. The same holds true for the energy coming from each of us. When you notice the imbalance of being too in your head, it’s likely that your brain is trying to tell you that it is overloaded and needs you to correct the imbalance. Shifting your focus in those moments to your body is how you start to practice redirecting your responses to where they might more authentically want to go or move. But what am I [...]

Having differences and experiencing conflict is a normal part of relationships. When conflict is done well, it leads to intimacy and not disconnection. Every couple no matter how aligned, loving, or compatible that they are, eventually they face differences in their values, beliefs, or worldviews. Some of the main issues that can cause friction in relationships are: Money, Family dynamics, Religion, Social issues, Lifestyle choices, Career, Friendships, Successes/Failures Intimacy Differences aren’t the problem. Disconnection is. The healthiest couples aren’t the ones who agree on everything, they’re the ones who learn to understand, respect, and navigate their differences without losing their bond. So how do we go about achieving that? In this blog, we’ll share 10 practical tips to help you stay connected, even when you don’t see eye-to-eye. Start With Curiosity, Not Defence: When a topic challenges your core beliefs, your first reaction might be to defend yourself. But defensiveness shuts down connection. Curiosity on the other hand invites connection. Try asking: “Can you tell me what’s important about this for you?” “Where does this belief come from?” “What experiences shaped this value for you?” You’re not agreeing, you’re seeking to understand. People soften when they feel heard. Let the elevator come down to the ground floor. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Understand the Difference Between a Value and a Preference: Not everything is equal. Preferences = personal likes (e.g., clean home, city vs. suburb, hobbies). Values = deeper life principles (e.g., honesty, family, independence, spirituality). Preferences can be negotiated easily. Values require more compassion and patience. Couples get stuck when they treat values as preferences, or preferences as values. Clarifying the difference creates more room for understanding. Share the Origin Story of Your Belief: Every belief has a “why.” Often, conflicts dwindle when partners understand the story behind the belief. For example: Growing up with financial instability can make someone value saving intensely. Being raised in a loud, expressive family can shape someone’s communication style. Trauma can shape a person’s stance on boundaries, safety, or relationships. When you share the root of your value, your partner can see the human behind it as opposed to believing you are being stubborn or wanting to have control. Our nervous systems are wired to respond intensely (by being loud and explosive in anger, or by shutting down and quiet) when we feel threatened and unsafe in certain situations. Try to understand where your partner is coming from by being attuned to their needs, rather than using their origin story against them. Learn to Hold Two Truths at Once: This is emotional maturity in relationships. “My belief is valid and your belief is valid, even if they’re different.” It’s not about choosing one truth. It’s about making space for both. This is where couples shift from: “Who’s right?” to “How do we stay connected while holding different views?” This mindset transforms conflict into deeper intimacy. Not having black and with thinking only. Lean into the [...]

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, and a profound sense of absence. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, though different in definition, can leave family members and close friends with a deep and lingering sense of loss, even while their loved one is still with them. Watching someone you love slowly fade away can be emotionally devastating. While others may sympathize, they rarely see what you’re experiencing as true grief. This kind of sorrow, pain that goes unacknowledged or unsupported, is known as disenfranchised grief. The holiday season adds another layer of complexity, one that can deeply affect everyone involved. Caregivers often feel pulled in every direction, trying to maintain family traditions while providing care and ensuring safety. Even with the help of wonderful organizations that educate families about these diseases, processing the emotional toll can remain overwhelming. A common misunderstanding when supporting families through dementia or Alzheimer’s is applying the Five Stages of Grief model. While it’s a valuable framework for those facing their own death, it’s not as useful for the living griever, the family member who is mourning ongoing, gradual loss. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to change. As dementia progresses, roles shift, children become caregivers, and familiar patterns of family life dissolve. Recognizing and accepting this change is the first step in emotional healing. Most of us aren’t equipped to deal with this kind of grief. Friends and family often mean well, but their sympathy or advice can unintentionally minimize what we feel. Being told not to feel bad or to “stay positive” doesn’t help. It can even make us suppress our emotions instead of expressing them. While support groups can reduce isolation, they don’t always provide tools to truly process our emotional pain. As the holidays approach, these feelings, loss, frustration, loneliness, tend to intensify. How, then, can we navigate this season with compassion and balance? It often starts with understanding where our pain comes from. Healing begins by looking backward. Before we can accept our loved one’s current condition, we may need to take a moment to reflect on the relationship as it once was. Ask yourself: Are there any unspoken words or unmet expectations? Are there memories, good or bad, that still need acknowledgment? Even seemingly minor moments can weigh heavily on our hearts. If your relationship was positive, have you ever told your loved one how much they meant to you, how their interests or sacrifices shaped your life? If your relationship was more difficult, have you ever expressed how their actions or silence affected you? The Grief Recovery Method® offers practical steps to identify and voice these unspoken emotions, both the major and the subtle. Once you’ve [...]

With the holiday season comes shorter days, cooler nights, and a busyness that can leave us feeling overextended. This time of year can also bring feelings of loneliness—especially for those experiencing the absence of a loved one, perhaps for the first time. We want to acknowledge how difficult this can be and offer support to anyone navigating separation or grieving the loss of a friend or family member during this season. Riding the Emotional Wave While embracing the full range of our emotions can be uncomfortable, it can also lead to new insight and clarity. It’s normal to feel sadness, anger, or confusion during times of change. Remember—these emotions are temporary. We can allow ourselves to feel the depth of our pain while trusting that lightness will return in time. Understanding the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) can help us maintain a sense of control as we process our experience and begin to heal. Seeking Social Support Research shows that social isolation can contribute to loneliness, difficulty with focus and decision-making, poor sleep, and symptoms of depression. If you find yourself with an empty calendar this year, don’t wait for an invitation, reach out! Ask a good friend if you can join their plans, or take yourself on a solo outing. If that feels too daunting, consider joining a class, volunteering, or attending a community event. Sometimes, simply being around others can help lift our mood and remind us we’re not alone. Getting to Know Yourself It’s natural to focus on what we’ve lost in times like these. But it’s equally important to reflect on what we’ve gained: perhaps more time, flexibility, perspective, or a renewed awareness of our values. Use this season to invest in yourself and prioritize your needs. Be gentle and compassionate toward yourself, and remember your worth. Social connection is one important piece of overall wellness, but it’s not the only one. Take a holistic approach to your health by nurturing all aspects of wellbeing: Physical: Nourish your body with balanced meals, regular movement, and a consistent sleep routine. Spiritual: Engage in cultural traditions, religious practices, or mindfulness activities that bring you peace and meaning. Emotional: Allow yourself space to rest, reflect, and heal. Take time to consider what’s truly important to you and what intentions you’d like to set for the coming year. References Headspace. (n.d.). Realizing and improving self-worth. Headspace Novotney, A. (2020, March 24). The risks of social isolation. Monitor on Psychology, 50(5). American Psychological Association. Read here Silva, S. (2024, July 19). The 5 stages of grief: Understanding the mourning process. Psych Central. Read here From all of us at Brant Mental Health Solutions, Pathways to Hope, and Shoreline Wellness Centre, we wish you a peaceful and restorative holiday season. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or mental health treatment. For personalized support tailored to your unique needs, consider reaching out to a registered therapist. [...]

Many people who have been with us since the clinics first opened will know that one of our biggest challenges when our daughter was young was finding a psychiatrist in the community who could work with children. Despite our efforts, the long waitlists and the fact that her case wasn’t considered “high priority” meant we waited for what felt like forever, until we eventually had to give up and explore other options. A few years ago, we were introduced to a wonderful program called Psychotherapy Matters, a company founded by a husband-and-wife team (just like us!) who set out to bridge the gap between psychiatric assessments and ongoing care. They recognized how difficult it had become to access a psychiatrist, and that when patients finally did, appointments were often brief due to overwhelming demand. They also understood the immense value of having therapists and psychiatrists work together collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. We’ve been fortunate to integrate this program into our services and have witnessed firsthand the incredible outcomes it can create for our clients. Because we often receive questions about how Psychotherapy Matters works and how clients can get involved, we wanted to take a moment to break down the process, so you can decide if this approach might be the right fit for you or your family. How It Works: To begin, you’ll start as a client with one of our therapists who is registered with the Psychotherapy Matters program. Typically, you’ll have 4–6 sessions with your therapist before a referral can be made. This allows the therapist to gain a strong understanding of your history, struggles, and goals, making the assessment process with the psychiatrist much smoother and more effective. After those initial sessions, your therapist will complete the referral documentation and send it to your family doctor for review and signature. If you don’t currently have a family doctor, we’ll work with you to explore alternative options. Once the referral is signed, it’s sent to Psychotherapy Matters for processing. After the referral is received and reviewed, your therapist will be able to access the booking portal and schedule your psychiatric assessment. Assessment appointments are typically booked about 6–8 weeks out, though wait times can vary depending on demand and psychiatrist availability. On the day of your appointment, you can either come into the office to meet with your therapist and connect virtually with the psychiatrist, or you can join the session from home, with your therapist also joining via telehealth. The assessment appointment usually lasts about two hours. The psychiatrist will spend the first 15 minutes consulting privately with your therapist to review your case before bringing you into the session. By the end of the appointment, a diagnosis (if applicable) will be provided, along with recommendations for medication, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic support. A detailed report will then be sent to your family doctor, and you can request a copy directly from their office. Final Thoughts [...]