Psychotherapy with Care

Psychotherapy with Care MT, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist Hello everyone, my name is Alannah Care and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

I am currently accepting new clients for virtual and in person appointments at Balanced Mind and Wellness in Etobicoke, Ontario. I am dedicated to helping children, youth and adults with their mental health and have spent over a decade contributing to hospitals, mental health, child welfare, human services, special needs, and research. My past roles include Special Education Assistant, Tutor, Coach, Child Life Volunteer, and Teacher. I have completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto, a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Toronto/OISE and am a registered Teacher with the OCT. My Masters thesis looked at mental health professionals in school boards, which helped prepare me to work with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have additional trainings in Guidance, Special Education and an ASIST training with LivingWorks. I also have a Masters in Counselling Psychology and am registered with the CRPO and CCPA. Some counselling interventions that I have experience with include: CBT, DBT, Narrative, Humanistic, Strengths-Based, SFBT, Mindfulness, and Client-Centred. My hope is that my professional experiences and my personal life experiences can help you on your life journey. Aside from my professional life, my personal life is filled with a lot of reading and hiking with my dog, Mylo. I enjoy trying new foods, exploring new countries, and diving head-first in new experiences - I have gone bungee jumping and skydiving (and loved it!). One of my life goals is to someday build an animal sanctuary! If you are interested in booking a free phone call or a full appointment, you can send me an email at: alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com

The quote “emotions are clues, not conclusions” suggests that emotions should be seen as signals or indicators rather th...
02/01/2024

The quote “emotions are clues, not conclusions” suggests that emotions should be seen as signals or indicators rather than final judgments or decisions. Emotions often arise in response to various situations, and they can provide valuable information about our internal state and our reactions to external events.

By considering emotions as clues, it implies that they can point towards something important or meaningful in our lives. Instead of immediately accepting emotions as the ultimate truth or forming conclusions based solely on them, the quote encourages a more reflective approach. It suggests that emotions should be examined, understood, and used as valuable insights into our thoughts, needs, and experiences.

Some examples may look like:

>Feeling overwhelmed and stressed during a busy workday might be a clue that it’s time to reassess priorities and implement time-management strategies, rather than automatically concluding that the job is too demanding.

>Feeling irritated in a relationship might be a clue that there are unmet needs or unresolved issues requiring communication and understanding, rather than automatically concluding that the relationship is inherently problematic.

>Experiencing frustration while learning a new hobby might be a clue to adjust the learning approach or seek additional guidance, rather than automatically concluding that you’re inherently incapable of mastering the skill.

In each example, treating emotions as clues allows for a more thoughtful and constructive response, leading to personal growth and a better understanding of what may be needed.

If you are noticing difficulty with navigating this, reach out to me at alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com. I am here to help ❤

Life’s a delicate dance between what we have control over and what we do not have control over. It’s crucial to find the...
12/19/2023

Life’s a delicate dance between what we have control over and what we do not have control over. It’s crucial to find the balance between these realms and invest our energy thoughtfully.

We have control with setting our boundaries, shaping our goals, and chasing our dreams. This empowerment in defining limits and steering our ambitions gives our journey direction.

Yet, there’s wisdom in acknowledging what we can’t change. The past, future, and the unpredictability of life are beyond our command. We can’t dictate how others feel and we can’t always ensure specific outcomes.

Finding peace in this balance takes work. Putting effort into what we can alter while gracefully accepting what we can’t is key. It’s about letting go of control where it’s not possible and embracing our ability to navigate our own spheres.

If you are looking for help with accepting things beyond your control and exploring what is within your control, reach out to me. I am here to help ❤️

Navigating the intricate interplay of fear, self-protection, and trauma, we reflect on Olivia Laing's words that unveil ...
11/11/2023

Navigating the intricate interplay of fear, self-protection, and trauma, we reflect on Olivia Laing's words that unveil a deeply-rooted pattern of behaviour. This pattern of behaviour speaks to a profound fear of abandonment, prompting individuals to consciously or subconsciously choose relationships that can't fulfill their emotional needs. By selecting partners incapable of meeting these needs, a protective barrier is erected—a shield against the perceived threat of substantial loss.

In Laing's words, 'I was nearly pathologically afraid of abandonment.' The choice to be with those 'absolutely incapable of giving [them] what [they] needed' becomes a self-imposed safety net. In essence, the fear of abandonment is somewhat alleviated because emotional investment remains guarded.

This pattern, while a defense mechanism, is a maladaptive coping strategy originating from the fear of deep emotional connections leading to eventual separation.

In therapy, we work to navigate these delicate paths, unraveling the layers of trauma, fostering understanding, and paving the way for genuine connections and healing.

If you are looking to process trauma and create healthier relationships, reach out to me via email. I am here to help❤️

Alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com

Celebrating the profound wisdom of Kintsugi—a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, making it more...
09/07/2023

Celebrating the profound wisdom of Kintsugi—a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, making it more beautiful for having been broken. In our own lives, let's remember that our scars, our hardships, and our struggles are not something to hide or despise - they are part of our unique story. Just like Kintsugi, they can be transformed into sources of strength and beauty.

If you are looking for a therapist, reach out to me. I am here to help ❤️

🎉 Exciting News: NOW Certified in ERP for OCD! 🌼✨ I'm thrilled to share another major milestone on my journey towards he...
08/11/2023

🎉 Exciting News: NOW Certified in ERP for OCD! 🌼

✨ I'm thrilled to share another major milestone on my journey towards helping others and promoting mental well-being. 🌟 I am now officially certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)!

💭What is OCD?💭
OCD is a challenge that many individuals face. It is a mental health condition characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental actions (compulsions). These compulsions are performed to alleviate the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessions, even though they provide only temporary relief.

Through this ERP certification, I've gained specialized skills to guide and support those navigating the intricate path of managing OCD.

🌿 What is ERP? 🌿
ERP is known as the gold standard modality for treating OCD. It is a powerful therapeutic approach that empowers individuals to confront their fears in a controlled environment, gradually managing anxieties, obsessions and compulsions that OCD brings.

If you or someone you know is seeking assistance with OCD, reach out to me via email to inquire further, book a free consultation or book a full therapy session.

alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com

I'm thrilled to share an exciting update with you all! 🌟✨ I have successfully transitioned from my qualifying status to ...
07/19/2023

I'm thrilled to share an exciting update with you all! 🌟✨ I have successfully transitioned from my qualifying status to becoming a full-fledged registered psychotherapist! It has been a transformative journey of dedication, growth, and relentless pursuit of knowledge in the field of mental health.

As a registered psychotherapist, I am now equipped with a deeper understanding, advanced skills, and a wider scope of practice to provide the utmost care and guidance to those in need. Together, we can explore new horizons, overcome challenges, and embark on a transformative healing journey.

Thank you for being a part of my evolution. I am truly honored to continue serving you as a certified psychotherapist. 🌈🌟

If you are interested in booking a free consultation or a virtual or in person therapy session with me, you can reach out to me via email at: alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com ❤️

Here are the compelling benefits of employing creativity as a conduit for emotional release:-Emotional Catharsis: Engagi...
06/21/2023

Here are the compelling benefits of employing creativity as a conduit for emotional release:

-Emotional Catharsis: Engaging in the creative process enables the cathartic release of pent-up emotions, manifesting them into tangible forms. Each brushstroke or pen stroke becomes a transformative outlet, facilitating emotional liberation and solace.

-Self-Exploration: Artistic endeavors provide a safe haven for delving into the intricate nuances of one's emotions. By translating feelings into visual representations, individuals gain profound insights, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.

-Healing & Resilience: The act of creation possesses remarkable therapeutic properties, aiding in the processing of challenging emotions, healing emotional wounds, and cultivating resilience. Art serves as a potent instrument for navigating the adversities of life.

-Empowerment & Empathy: Artistic expressions have the power to forge connections and ignite empathy. By sharing one's art, individuals cultivate profound conversations, dismantle barriers, and foster a sense of shared humanity.

-Authentic Self-Expression: Creativity provides an unrestricted platform for genuine self-expression, transcending judgment and limitations. It offers a voice to emotions that may defy verbal articulation, enabling individuals to communicate their innermost thoughts and sentiments.

Overall, creative outlets can serve as powerful tools for releasing pent-up emotions, allowing individuals to express and explore their innermost thoughts and feelings in a transformative and cathartic manner.

If you are interested in booking a therapy session and exploring creative outlets, reach out to me at: alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com 🌸❤️

Grief is a universal experience that we all face at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the e...
04/26/2023

Grief is a universal experience that we all face at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change, grief can be a powerful and overwhelming emotion that can be difficult to navigate. However, contrary to popular belief, grief doesn't necessarily get smaller as time passes. Instead, we learn to grow around it.

Growing around grief is about learning to live with the pain and finding ways to move forward despite it. It's not about forgetting or getting over the loss, but rather about integrating it into our lives in a way that allows us to continue to grow and thrive. It's about finding ways to bloom in spite of the pain.

The journey of growing around grief is different for everyone. It involves recognizing and accepting the loss, acknowledging the emotions that come with it, and finding ways to honor and remember what we've lost. It's a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and the support of loved ones.

If you are going through a period of grief, know that it's okay to take the time you need to heal. It's okay to ask for help and to lean on others for support. Remember, growing around grief is not about forgetting or moving on, it's about finding a way to live with the pain and to continue to grow and thrive despite it.

If you are interested in booking a free meet and greet or a full therapy session with me, reach out via email: alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com

As we move into a new year, it’s important to remember that forward is forward, regardless of the pace. 🌸❤️             ...
12/31/2022

As we move into a new year, it’s important to remember that forward is forward, regardless of the pace. 🌸❤️

Just a little reminder to give yourself permission to accept yourself for exactly who you are, today and every day. Happ...
12/24/2022

Just a little reminder to give yourself permission to accept yourself for exactly who you are, today and every day.

Happy holidays ❤️🎄

This month has been filled with many new changes for me - one of them being a MACP graduate. 🥳🎉 This means that I have h...
12/22/2022

This month has been filled with many new changes for me - one of them being a MACP graduate. 🥳🎉 This means that I have had to say goodbye to my previous psychotherapy site and say hello to a new one! 🌸

I will now be offering virtual and in-person psychotherapy sessions at Balanced Mind and Wellness in Etobicoke, Ontario. I will predominantly be working with kids, teens and young adults through their mental health journey.

If you are looking to book a free meet and greet or a full therapy session with me, you can email me directly at: alannah@balancedmindandwellness.com

“Although anger is often displayed outwardly to others, there may be other emotions hidden beneath the surface. These ot...
11/30/2022

“Although anger is often displayed outwardly to others, there may be other emotions hidden beneath the surface. These other feelings—such as sadness, fear, or guilt—might cause a person to feel vulnerable, or they may not have the skills to manage them effectively.

By exploring what’s beneath the surface of our anger, we can gain insight into our anger, such as other possible ways to feel better. For example, someone who realizes their anger is fueled by jealousy may benefit from communication skills, whereas a someone who realizes their anger is caused by stress will benefit from developing self-care habits.”

Have you explored what is beneath your anger?

Photo: Brene Brown, Atlas of the Heart


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3296 Bloor Street West
Etobicoke, ON
M8X1E9

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