The Friendly Feminist 
Family Psychologist 

When someone experiences religious trauma and chooses to leave--or somehow change their relationship to the organization--the loss of community and support can feel profound. In therapy, that loss is often one of the central themes we return to.

The struggle to find meaning and purpose in life is something most people can probably relate to, even if they aren't struggling with the same mental health concern and/or the feeling isn't as directly tied to their paid employment. While identifying the desire to engage in work again is a significant step that reflects a need for connection and a sense of contributing to the world around you, there are definitely a lot of barriers to jumping back into the working world.

Have you ever felt like your brain works a little differently then how we imagine a brain should work? Does it often feel like spaces...

As a mental health Occupational Therapist (OT), I want to know: "what does a healthy, happy, thriving life look like for my client?" Especially important in my role is understanding what the client would be doing in that ideal life. That means delving into activities that give the client meaning and purpose--like social relationships, leisure pursuits, employment, schooling, self-care--and bringing them closer to their vision of psychological and emotional wellbeing.

The growing recognition of neurodivergence in teens has opened up important conversations about mental health and the diverse ways in which individuals experience the world. For many teenagers who are neurodivergent, navigating the social landscape can be particularly daunting, as they may face unique challenges in communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. The intersection of these experiences with the pressures of modern technology and social media can cre

If you’re reading this blog post, maybe you’ve already had a poor experience with a therapist’s approach to conversations around consensual non-monogamy. Or maybe you’re wanting to avoid having that experience in the first place. Let’s take a look at how you can narrow your search, whether for an individual or relationship therapist.

Have you ever asked a child what's bothering them, only to be met with a shrug or a simple, "I don’t know?" When kids are upset, anxious, or acting out, they often struggle to find the right words to express what they’re feeling. Unlike adults, who can talk through their emotions, children tend to process their feelings differently—they play them out!

Even though I can’t remember the specific moment where I learned the term [religious trauma]...it was like a light switched on – suddenly the patterns, pain, and stories I was hearing had a name and a deeper context. Someone’s religious background and faith experiences went from being just a bullet point in their story, to being the focal point in a constellation of many interconnected stars.

Conversations challenging many of the traditional masculine values in North American society have increased and deepened over the last decade. With so many differing opinions and passionate perspectives, it can be confusing to know how to act in today’s world. So let’s talk about how men, or those supporting men in their lives, can navigate these different pressures around masculinity.

So, you and your partner have decided to see a couples therapist. Kudos to you both for taking that step! But before you book that first session, it’s a good idea to ask some questions to make sure the therapist is a good fit for you. Think of it as an interview—after all, this person is going to help you navigate some pretty difficult and personal stuff. Let's dive into some key questions to ask your potential couples therapist.

I have been satisfied with my quiet anti-racism for much too long. For too long I have sought to do no harm rather than being an advocate.

Raise your hand if any of these sound like the reality of your life right now: You are at home in isolation. You are bombarded all day...

Yep, I hear you. You're stuck in the house with your kids, who are used to a routine. But usually it's their teacher or their daycare...

If you're going nuts at home, read on for survival tip #1: You can't regulate your kid from a place of dysregulation.

Emotionally Focused Therapy is all about the most important people in our lives, and how we try to connect with them. Sometimes we do...