Deirdre Carroll Private Practice

10/02/2024

"I always laugh when I hear someone quoting early anthropolgists who claimed that menstruating women of various tribes were considered "unclean" and forced to leave the village until they were 'over it'. All women know that even if there were such a forced ritual exile, every single woman, to a woman, would, when her time came, leave the village hanging her head mournfully, at least till she was out of sight, and then suddenly break into a jig down the path, cackling all the way"

•Women Who Run With The Wolves 🐺👁
~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

21/09/2022

Psychotherapy literally translates to 'care of the soul'.

#

13/05/2021

Do you feel you are "languishing" atm? It's a state of floating, a sense of emptiness, as the future remains unclear. Not depressed, not flourishing. Just somewhere in between that feels 'meh'.
Purpose, motivation & contentment is lacking in this current stagnant collective state.
It can be overcome in bite sized ways, focusing on the very small and often simple moments of our lives that can still bring joy and motivation.
If you are feeling stuck and wanting to explore how you can find this in your life, I am available for sessions 😊
For now here are 3 universal ways to reconnect with yourself:

1) 🌳Nature: indoor plants, sitting in the grass, walks in the trees, feeling the sun on your face

2) 🐌Slowing Down: we have been in this situation for a long time, we need rest, healing & extra time to do even basic tasks, let yourself take the time needed

3) 🧘‍♀️Being Intentional: meaning can be found in everything we do, from dishes to service to others, it is all important, ask yourself why you are doing what you do

02/05/2021

Can you grant a special birthday wish? ⭐ This is Mr. Tony Mastromatteo, a WWII veteran living at Sunnybrook hospital, and he is turning 100 YEARS OLD on May 16th! 🎂 As some of you may know from an earlier post, my Mom has worked in the Veterans Wing of Sunnybrook. I met Tony at a Remembrance Day ceremony; he is a wonderful man! Tony's family & Sunnybrook are working hard to make sure he has a very special day, even with Covid restrictions. If you can take time out of your day to either:

•Post a birthday greeting here
•DM me a birthday greeting
•Mail Tony a birthday card to Sunnybrook (address below)
OR
•Any other creative ideas you have!!

2) Share this post! 😁📢

Tony and his family would be very appreciative! We will make sure Tony receives each greeting.

Thanks in advance for opening your hearts during such a difficult time 🤍

Cards letters etc can be addressed to:

Anthony Mastromatteo
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
2075 Bayview Ave, Room 65, L Wing
Ground Floor West, Veterans Center
Toronto, Ontario
M4N 3M5

30/04/2021

A moment of calm in your feed...☔
📷 shot inside my car

22/04/2021

Spa Getaway Giveaway (when it is possible) at Scandinave Spa

Mid-week Getaway when the time is right. One prize package over $900 in value to be won.

15/04/2021

Trauma & the Body training day✍💻...learning with the Institute. Major takeaway; we cannot focus, do, learn or process unless the Body is settled & at ease. It is key 🗝 for adults & children alike to feel safe & grounded in their bodies to proceed with their day. This process looks different for everyone but the first step is getting to know our bodies reactions and signals of discomfort & safety. Not sure where to start? A somatic therapist can work with you 🧘‍♀️

15/04/2021

☀️Sun drenched yoga vibes...as the weather shifts into Spring the motivation to move returns and I am finding it easier to get to the mat. However it is important after a period of hibernation to be gentle with yourself, and only do what feels comfortable. Movement is not about subjecting the body to pain but giving it the gift of strength and stretching. If you feel called to get outside, walk, dance, bike, run or play do it within the spirit of self love, and have fun!

🧘🕺🏃‍♀️🚴🚶‍♀️🌿

04/03/2021

Memories of India 🇮🇳✨...for the past three years I have travelled to this beautiful land to refill my cup for the year ahead. It is a time of rest & renewal and endless opportunities for spiritual connection. It was a privilege & I knew it, but my heart is missing the peace that being there brought me. This year instead of getting on a plane for a scheduled reset, I have to do the intentional work to bring the spirit of India to me. Dropping into the body, meditations & calling in my guides who I have not received in a long time. It is disciplined work, a concept I have stumbled over my whole life. But when I make the time, the connection is real and pure. I am home 🤍

26/01/2021

Very little is in our control right now, but we can focus on mind & body. Fueling with nourishing foods can keep the body moving and the mind clear. It doesn’t have to be fancy just whatever is available & fresh.
Today it’s grapes, cheese, croutons, spinach & balsamic dressing. 🥣
Thanks No Frills.

15/01/2021

Burnout (see previous post) doesn’t happen overnight, so recovery must also be slow & steady. The key to this is REST, to allow your body & mind to slow down and repair. Rest looks like:

▫️Prioritizing You (yes even if you have a partner/family)
▫️Saying No to any additional tasks that are not restorative
▫️Sleeping as much as you need
▫️Being Honest with those around you that you need a break
▫️Reducing/delegating responsibilities as much as possible
▫️Scheduling breaks throughout the day
▫️Developing a support system
▫️Using sick days if you have them
▫️Getting a doctor’s note for time off work
▫️Making life changes
▫️Not feeling guilty about doing the above, because you Need it

Sounds overwhelming? Sometimes we are so stuck in the doing, we don’t know how to stop. A therapist can help you with how to apply these changes to your unique situation.
Helping my clients learn Rest & Self Compassion are some of my favorite sessions.