Children don’t heal through long conversations—they heal through stories, movement, imagination, and connection. In my practice, I use art therapy, play-based interventions, and experiential activities to help children express feelings that are too big or too confusing for words. Therapy becomes a safe, creative space where they can explore emotions, learn coping skills, and build […]
I often hear clients with complex trauma and borderline personality disorder (BPD) describe feeling “too much.” In therapy, we explore what this means, how they interpret it, and how their past may have shaped this perception of human distress—a struggle to regulate their inner world. Although being “too much” can be linked to invalidation, rejection, […]
Many people, myself included, prefer to use the term “perinatal” mental health rather than postpartum depression or postpartum mental health. I like to use this term because it is inclusive of the many different mental health challenges that can occur when having a baby. “Perinatal” is typically used to describe the time period from the […]
Across conditions and across the lifespan, women and girls report more frequent and intense pain than men. Large electronic-medical-record analyses and decades of lab and clinical studies find higher pain reports among women for many diseases and experimental pain tasks. Mechanisms are biopsychosocial: hormones and immune pathways, sex-specific neurobiology, higher prevalence of pain conditions […]
Chronic illnesses are a significant health concern in Canada. According to statistics provided by the Government of Canada (2019), nearly 44% of adults aged 20 and older live with one or more of ten prevalent chronic conditions. This number is expected to rise as the population ages. Factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices (i.e., poor […]
Becoming a parent is an incredible, life-changing journey. It’s often filled with excitement, love, and hope, but it’s no secret that it can also be challenging—especially when it comes to mental health. Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health challenges new parents face, and understanding what contributes to it is an […]
What is Anger? Why is It Considered a Normal Emotion? Anger is a powerful emotional response to perceived threats, injustice, or frustration. It is a natural and essential emotion that has historically played a crucial role in human survival. For early humans, anger triggered a fight-or-flight response, enhancing their ability to defend themselves against […]
When addressing the complex challenges of trauma, especially conditions like Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), both traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and art therapy have proven to be effective therapeutic methods. Each approach offers unique benefits, from the structured cognitive techniques of CBT to the expressive and creative avenues provided by art therapy. While CBT focuses […]
The arrival of a newborn is a joyous occasion, a time filled with anticipation and promises of a bright future. Yet, past the baby coos and celebratory greetings, a silent struggle can unfold for some new mothers – postpartum anxiety. Unlike the more recognized “baby blues,” postpartum anxiety lingers, intensifying feelings of worry, fear, and […]
Newborn bliss? Not always. While postpartum depression (PPD) is often associated with mothers, fathers can also experience this emotional rollercoaster. Society often paints a picture of the ecstatic new dad, but the reality can be far more complex. Here’s why dads shouldn’t ignore the possibility of PPD and how to recognize and navigate it. The […]
