O.W.L Counselling & Wellness

11/06/2025

Lateral Violence: Understanding It and Healing Together | Aaron Sinclair

Lateral Violence - Though the term may sound alarming, lateral violence is often subtle, hidden behind words, gestures, or small acts that chip away at trust and belonging. Understanding it, recognizing it, and learning how to address it is essential for our collective well-being.

11/05/2025

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!

Wishing everybody a safe and happy evening.

~ O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness

🎃

10/29/2025

“Sometimes you just need the courage to keep going, to let go, and to find joy in a story you never imagined you’d walk.” ~ Rachel Marie Martin

10/28/2025

“Instead of thinking about solving your whole life. Just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.” ~ -Rainbow Rowell

10/25/2025

Read me:

Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week October 19-25, 2025 is relatively new (Est. 2024) and we are so thankful for it! Here is why...

Invisible disabilities can fall under several categories, including:

1. Neurodivergent / Cognitive:
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Dyslexia or learning disorders
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Memory or processing disorders

2. Chronic Health Conditions:
- Chronic pain or fatigue (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis)
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Migraine disorders

3. Mental Health:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD

4. Sensory / Communication:
- Hearing loss or auditory processing disorder
- Visual impairments not obvious to others
- Speech or language processing disorders

Because these disabilities are not visible, people may be judged as “lazy,” “unreliable,” or “overreacting.” They may face barriers to accessibility or understanding at work, school, or in healthcare—and even within their own homes, from family or social circles.

When someone is misjudged or treated poorly because their struggles aren’t seen, it can foster low self-esteem, shame, and isolation, making it even harder to seek support or self-advocate. Recognizing and validating invisible disabilities helps create space for empathy, inclusion, and genuine connection.

Awareness Matters, and we are here to support.

10/24/2025

Your body isn’t meant to be judged — it’s meant to be lived in.

When we notice what our bodies allow us to do — to move, create, rest, connect — we begin to relate to them with more kindness.

That’s healing, too.

10/17/2025

October is Women’s History Month.

A time to celebrate the achievements of women and girls—past and present—who have shaped Canada in politics, science, the arts, business, and beyond.

By highlighting these role models, we inspire future generations to see themselves as leaders and changemakers. Greater representation empowers individuals, fuels innovation, and strengthens communities.

At the same time, this month reminds us of the inequalities that persist—like wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and barriers to advancement. Progress continues when we all work toward equity and inclusion.

Did you know?
October was officially designated Women’s History Month in 1992. It also includes Persons Day, marking the 1929 case where the Famous Five fought to have women legally recognized as “persons,” securing the right to sit in the Senate.

🌿 Discover stories of remarkable Canadian women here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/women-impact.html

—
O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness
Honouring the women who continue to shape history and inspire change.

10/14/2025

Ever feel someone twists the story so much you start doubting your own memory or reality? That’s likely gaslighting. But there’s a broader pattern called DARVO, which includes gaslighting, used by some people to avoid accountability.

DARVO stands for:
(Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim Offender)

Deny: The perpetrator denies that the harmful behaviour occurred or minimizes its severity.

Attack: The perpetrator attacks the victim’s character, credibility, or intentions.

Reverse Victim & Offender: The perpetrator positions themselves as the victim, often making claims of being unfairly targeted or misunderstood.

How DARVO & Gaslighting relate:

1. Denial: Often includes gaslighting — denying events or claiming the victim imagined them.
2. Attack: Undermines the accuser’s credibility, portraying them as unstable.
3. Reverse Victim & Offender: Flips the story so the abuser appears wronged and the victim blamed.

Four Ways to Respond:

1. Pause & Breathe: DARVO is meant to provoke. Take a moment to ground yourself and remember: “This isn’t about truth - it’s about control.”
2. Avoid Defending: Don’t get pulled into proving your perspective. Calmly state facts or boundaries once, then disengage.
3. Set Boundaries: If you can, limit exposure and be clear: “I won’t discuss this further it is continues this way.”
4. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, a therapist, or a support network to validate your reality.

At O.W.L. Counselling, we are here to support you and your loved ones. We offer therapy for individuals (6+) and relationships (couples and other interpersonal relationships), in-person in North Bay or virtually across Ontario.

Call, text, or email for a free 20-minute consultation.
P: 705-477-4069
E: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca