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O.W.L Counselling & Wellness

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O.W.L Counselling & Wellness

Psychotherapy and Wellness Services in North Bay and Huntsville. https://www.owlcounsellingservices.ca/join-our-team Get in touch to learn more.

O.W.L. - Own.Willful.Living. - Living with intention - taking action through choices that reflect our values and who we are. My name is Aaron Sinclair, owner and registered psychotherapist. I have been working in the mental health and addiction field since 2007. I specialize in helping people who struggle with substance use, anxiety, depression, 2S-LGBTQ+ issues, grief, relationships, and trauma. I work to provide a safe space for all clients regardless of their struggles; a support that is inclusive, anti-oppressive, and 2S-LGBTQ+ affirming.

01/28/2026

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or worn down by the weight of “getting through,” this is your reminder that support exists.

Humans Helping Humans.

At O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness, we believe mental health care should feel safe, affirming, and accessible. We offer counselling and psychotherapy for children, youth, adults, and relationships — including Indigenous mental health services and 2S-LGBTQ+ affirming care.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, relationship challenges, a life transition or something more, you don’t have to do it alone.

📍 In-person in North Bay & Huntsville
💻 Virtual therapy throughout Ontario

When you’re ready, we’re here.

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

01/27/2026

Balanced Diet ( )

As often as you can, nourish your brain with wholesome foods to keep your nervous system steady. If possible, include omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, and plenty of water to support overall health.

You will likely notice a difference!

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

North Bay, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.

01/25/2026

“Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.” – Rumi

In nature, trees don’t cling to what no longer nourishes them.
They trust the seasons. They release what has finished its work.

In therapy, we often explore what you’re still carrying that once served a purpose—but no longer supports your growth: old coping strategies, outdated beliefs, roles shaped by survival rather than choice.

Letting go doesn’t mean erasing your past.
It means making room for what’s alive and what's important to you now.

Growth is not always about adding more. Sometimes it’s about allowing what’s already done or what is now unhelpful to fall away—gently, intentionally, in its own time.

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

North Bay, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.

01/23/2026

JOURNALING ( )

"Let your thoughts flow onto the page, easing your mind and balancing your soul. Write about your day, your feelings, or even make a gratitude list to shift your focus to the present."

Benefits to Journaling:
1. Can help reduce stress and anxiety
2. Can help process emotions
3. Can boost self-awareness
4. Helps to clarify thoughts and goals
5. Can improve mood and resilience
6. Can support problem-solving and creativity
7. Tracks personal growth over time

Not every suggestion works for everyone - but if you haven't given it a chance and are looking for something to help - try it!

01/22/2026

“Feelings are much like waves — we can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which ones to surf.”— Jonatan Martensson

Emotions are natural and unavoidable. Some are gentle. Others feel powerful enough to knock us off our feet like an ocean wave.

Many of us, especially men, were taught — explicitly or subtly — that emotions should be controlled, suppressed, or show weakness. Messages like “be strong,” “don’t feel,” or “push through” can make emotional waves feel dangerous rather than informative. Instead of learning how to surf them, many folks learn to brace, numb, or avoid them altogether.

For some people, especially those who are neurodivergent, emotions can be even harder to identify or put into words. This is often referred to as alexithymia — a difficulty recognizing, naming, or describing internal emotional states. When feelings are hard to label, they can feel overwhelming, confusing, or come out sideways as tension, irritability, or shutdown.

Therapy isn’t about forcing emotions to make sense or feeling them “the right way.” It’s about slowing down, building awareness, and developing a language for what’s happening inside — at your own pace.

Surfing emotions means learning to notice what’s present, deciding which waves need attention, and responding with intention rather than reflex. Feelings rise and fall. We don’t have to drown in them to respect them, but they do serve a very important purpose.

**Awareness creates choice.
**Intention creates direction and freedom.

We are here to support!

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

01/19/2026

Reminder:
Take one slow inhale and make your exhale twice as long...

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca
North Bay, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.

01/18/2026

In a therapy session this week, a quote came up that invited deep reflection:

“The eyes cannot see what the mind doesn’t know.”

Often attributed to Bob Marley (though its origins are debated), the meaning behind it is powerful—our perceptions are shaped by what we’ve learned, what we believe, and what we’ve been taught to notice.

In therapy, this idea shows up often. We can miss patterns, emotions, needs, or even possibilities—not because they aren’t there, but because we don’t yet have the language, awareness, self-worth, or framework.

Mental and emotional wellness isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about expanding awareness and becoming more skillful at life. It helps us to see more clearly and gently naming what’s been invisible or neglected.

01/17/2026

We are still working through our series of posts (10), but we couldn't wait to start our next series that we are calling: . Here we go!

Reminder:
Pause and notice where your body feels tight without trying to change it.

Why you ask?

Because awareness comes before change. When we slow down and gently notice what our body is holding, we create space for understanding rather than judgment. Too often, we just ignore it and 'power through'. Tightness often carries information—about stress, emotions, boundaries, or needs that haven’t yet found words.

In therapy, we practice this kind of noticing together. By tuning into the body with curiosity and compassion, we can better understand what’s happening beneath the surface and respond with intention rather than reaction. Small moments of awareness can be the first step toward greater ease, regulation, and connection.

01/15/2026

Your for this week!

GROUNDING TECHNIQUES

Plant yourself in the present by engaging your senses and finding your center.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: name five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.

If this one doesn't prove effective - try another technique in our toolbox.

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
North Bay, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

01/06/2026

January holds several nationally and internationally recognized days—a time to advocate, learn, honour, reflect, and sometimes celebrate. Many of these dates encourage us to pause and think about the challenges and experiences of others, and how we can contribute to a more understanding and supportive community.

This month, we also recognize:
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – fostering understanding, compassion, and support for those living with dementia and their families.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month – highlighting the importance of prevention, advocacy, and supporting survivors.
Stalking Awareness Month – raising awareness of its impact and the resources available for those affected.

At O.W.L. Counselling, we understand that awareness is only the first step. Reflection, support, and connection are key to mental health and well-being—for ourselves and others.

Whether you’re seeking guidance, a safe space to process, or simply resources to better understand these issues, we’re here to support you.

01/05/2026

Another post from O.W.L. Counselling. Personally, I love this one and do this multiple times in a week - it is very effective for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall health and wellness.

NATURE WALKS

Stroll through nature’s embrace to reset your mind and uplift your spirit. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you to fully engage with the natural world.

01/02/2026

"chosen family"
(noun) The community you intentionally build with people who see you, support you, and allow you to show up as your full self—family formed through trust, not assigned by birth.

The holidays can be complex for many!

For those navigating family conflict, distance, loss, or estrangement, chosen family can offer connection, safety, and a place to belong.

The holidays can be especially complex for folks in the 2SLGBTQ+ community —bringing moments of connection alongside pressure, uncertainty, or the need to self-protect.

Chosen family—those who see you fully and love you without conditions—can be a vital source of safety and belonging during this time.

Friends, partners, mentors, online communities, or other folks you can relate to can create a space where you feel fully seen and accepted. A place where:

1. Your identity is celebrated, not questioned.
2. Conversations feel easy, not stressful.
3. You can breathe, laugh, and simply be yourself.
4. Traditions reflect you, not who others expect you to be.

To the Families:

When you support your child’s chosen family, you’re not stepping aside—you’re helping them build more connection.

For many families navigating identity, conflict, distance, or loss, this support can strengthen trust and emotional closeness.

O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
Call, Text, or Email:
705-477-4069 | info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

North Bay, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.
Virtual across Ontario.

Address

205-101 Worthington Street E
North Bay, ON
P1B1G4

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17054774069

Website

http://www.owlcounsellingservices.ca/

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