Hope & Growth Counselling

10/31/2021

I saw this picture posted in a group I’m in and I thought of all my clients, friends & even other therapists that do the courageous work every day to break intergenerational cycles and patterns. It is the hardest work to heal & grow, and also so rewarding. I applaud all of you who are on this journey.

11/13/2020

Thank you for visiting this page. As of October 2020, the office is temporarily closed as Stephanie is on maternity leave and her expected return is Summer 2021. A post with those details will be made closer to the date.

Thank you and wishing you well on your journey.

02/15/2019

It always saddens me when a tragedy is needed to effect change. Glad that the Ottawa Hospital is doing more to humanize mental health services do that it can be a welcoming place.

Rest In Peace, Ryan. Gone too soon.

The Ottawa Hospital has “softened” the look of its emergency psychiatric unit in response to a year-long campaign by the grieving parents of a mentally ill wedding photographer who fear…

01/30/2019

What I love about Bell Let’s Talk, is that it provides a platform to break down the stigma related to speaking out people’s truths & experiences. Mental health affects us ALL and even though there have been advancements in the field, stigma, research and $$ for services is still massively lacking. Let’s continue to talk about our feelings & experiences, be a friend to those who need a listening ear, seek counselling when we need it, and demand politicians & organizations for better services and access to care.

01/13/2019

With the amount of tragedies & su***des I’ve heard about in the past few weeks, I thought it would be fitting to put this out there. Sometimes, simply existing & surviving is work. I want to encourage that focusing on the present and making it through the day is good enough sometimes. If you aren’t in a good place, reach out and tell someone or call the distress line. Know that no matter how you feel about yourself, you are worthy of love & belonging.

12/24/2018

“We don’t live in Hallmark movies; we live in the real world, where sh*tty families, breakups, divorces, miscarriages, death, unemployment, depression, anxiety, addiction, violence, and good ol'-fashioned bad times exist. It's OK to not be OK around the holidays, and it's a good idea to make a plan for how you'll take care of yourself.”

We don’t live in Hallmark movies; we live in the real world, where sh*tty families, breakups, divorces, miscarriages, death, unemployment, depression, anxiety, addiction, violence, and good ol'-fashioned bad times exist — yes, even at Christmas.

12/16/2018

“Hearing “That really sucks!” or “That sounds so stressful!” is often more helpful than any of the lectures, questioning, or unsolicited advice that may follow. It may sound silly or like unnecessary fluff, but we are hardwired to need connection, and only in feeling heard do we truly feel connected, supported, and understood.”

Validating the feelings of others goes a long way to helping them feel understood, valued, cared about, and important. Here are seven ways we miss the mark.

12/13/2018

Stigma prevents people who use alcohol/drugs (or their family) from receiving the help they need. Terms like "addict", "drug abuser", "ju**ie" dehumanize people who are suffering. Health Canada recommends non-shaming terms should as drug use, someone living with a substance abuse disorder, or someone in recovery.

Many medical professionals agree that the language around addiction can affect a person's recovery, and there is a push to adopt terms that are less dismissive and more human.

11/10/2018

Saturday Thoughts 🌿
Boundaries and honouring your needs are life lessons that usually are learned after seasons of being hurt by others. It doesn’t have to always be that way. Learn that your needs are important, that it’s okay to be assertive & healthy to have boundaries.

10/12/2018

When a loved one has a tough day, you probably give them a hug without a second thought. And a new study says that simple act may have a larger effect than you realize.

Hugs improve your mood after social conflicts

10/11/2018

I saw this post on someone else’s feed and I couldn’t get over how, sadly, this is true. Average cost of seeing a psychotherapist in Ottawa is $150/hour. Rates for psychologists are much higher, and forget about seeing a psychiatrist unless you are willing to wait over a year or are extremely ill. Most insurance plans don’t cover psychotherapy, and if they do it’s enough to cover 2 sessions with a psychologist. Most don’t cover services by psychotherapists. What’s worst is that clients seeing psychotherapists in Ontario have to pay HST on top of their fee, while most other health related services are HST exempt. All this to say that I’m glad stigma around mental health is decreasing, but where is the $$ for those that have the courage to get help?

09/27/2018