Abandonment doesn’t always look like a parent literally walking out the door. Sometimes it’s quieter, more complicated, and shaped by things our families were also fighting: poverty, migration, colonial stress, mental health stigma, or the expectations placed on Black and racialized parents to “just be strong.” Many of us grew up in households where our caregivers were doing the best they could with the tools they had, yet emotional safety wasn’t part of their toolbox. That d

Imagine this: Sarah and David sit across from each other at the dinner table, the clinking of silverware filling the silence that has become all too familiar. They used to share laughter and dreams over meals, but lately, their conversations have dwindled to logistics- what to buy for groceries, who will pick up the kids. As the tension builds, both feel a growing distance, a chasm that seems impossible to bridge. Like many couples, Sarah and David are navigating the complexi

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. When I first began exploring trauma therapy, I quickly realized how essential it is to approach healing with care, knowledge, and respect. Trauma-focused therapy principles guide us in creating a safe space where healing can truly begin. In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned about these principles, how they work, and why they matter so much. What Is Trauma-Focused Therapy? Trauma

Climate disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide. Hurricanes in Jamaica and the Caribbean, typhoons in the Philippines and Vietnam, and recent floods in India show how climate change disrupts lives on a massive scale. These events not only cause physical destruction but also deeply affect mental health. Addressing mental health in these contexts requires more than clinical care- it demands a social justice approach rooted in community outreach and respect

Real Stories Marcus's Story: Short-Term Disability Marcus* had been with his company for eight years when he hit a wall. The panic attacks started suddenly: heart racing, couldn't breathe, feeling like he was dying. His doctor diagnosed severe anxiety and recommended he take short-term disability leave to focus on treatment. Two weeks into his leave, his employer's insurance provider sent him a consent form requesting his complete therapy records. The letter was clear: "To co

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can affect every aspect of our lives. Whether it stems from a single event or ongoing challenges, healing from trauma requires compassionate care and effective support. In Canada, there are many options available for those seeking help, but understanding the different trauma healing approaches can feel overwhelming. I’m here to walk you through the essentials with warmth, clarity, and a bit of wit to lighten the journey. Exploring T

Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown. Questions swirl around your mind: Will this therapist understand me? Is this the right fit? What can I expect? Free mental health consultations are a fantastic way to ease into this journey. They offer a no-pressure opportunity to explore your options, ask questions, and get a feel for the therapeutic relationship before committing. I want to share how you can make the most of these sessions, so you feel confident a

When people say “you beat cancer,” the sentence often stops there- as if a survivorship milestone erases everything that happened during...

Trauma can leave deep marks on our minds and bodies, often affecting how we live, love, and interact with the world. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of pain or confusion after a difficult experience, you’re not alone. Trauma therapy offers a path toward healing, growth, and reclaiming your life. In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits of trauma therapy, explore trauma healing options, and explain what happens during therapy sessions. My goal is to provide clear,

Grief is a universal human experience, yet many people struggle to understand it fully. In this blog series on grief and trauma viewed through a decolonial lens, we aim to shed light on the many dimensions of grief. We will go beyond the typical narratives often found in discussions and dive into the deeper layers of human experience that grief encompasses. This first post will highlight why it is essential to understand grief within a broader socio-cultural context. Understa

"I sat in the therapist’s office, struggling to explain why a simple interaction at work had left me feeling so raw. The therapist...

In today's fast-paced world, many people are seeking ways to improve their overall well-being beyond conventional medicine. Integrative...

In today’s fast-paced world, mental wellness is more important than ever. With rising stress levels, anxiety, and depression, finding...

In the fast-paced world of work, employees often face high-stress situations. Whether through dealing with difficult customers, meeting...

“I thought healing would feel like peace. But right now, it feels like everything is falling apart.” If you've ever said that to...

The Psychological and Physical Toll of Accidents The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident often includes both physical and psychological injuries . Common physical injuries like whiplash, fractures, and concussions can have long-lasting effects. Research from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation shows that roughly 30% of accident victims experience long-lasting psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many individuals may

CBC Future 40 winn Meet a third batch of 10 winners of 2020's CBC Future 40. This amazing group includes a courageous author, a thirsty...

MONTEGO Bay-born clinical psychotherapist Latoya T Reid has been creating waves since migrating to Canada in 2015, and her latest...