When we experience something positive—like receiving a dream birthday cake—our senses help us take in the full experience. You might remember the bright colours, the smell of the frosting, the joy in your chest. Your brain, especially the hippocampus, organizes all that information into a coherent story: “On my sixth birthday, I got a unicorn cake with white icing. It tasted like cotton candy. I was so happy.”

But when something traumatic happens—a car accident, a fall, an assault, or even chronic stress—the process is very different.

It is very important for us to pay conscious attention to both our minds and our bodies.  Understanding that the body can hold onto things and react automatically helps us be gentler and more aware as we try to release the burdens from the past.

Maintaining consistent and healthy family bonds can be difficult in today’s fast-paced world with everyone busy with their own schedule and varied priorities. To get the whole family to eat together can also be challenging at times. Read on to know about how you can improve your dinner table conversations and strengthen your familial ties.

Grounding supports the mind-body connection, which is particularly important during times of stress. When we feel triggered or overwhelmed, our fight-flight-freeze response may activate, even if there is no real danger. While this response is designed to protect us, it can sometimes leave us feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected. Grounding techniques help regulate this response by calming the nervous system and inviting a sense of safety back into the body. Reconnecting with the body is key in reducing fear, anger, or dissociation and fostering emotional balance (Van der Kolk, 2014).

Martin is a trauma survivor. Growing up, he experienced extreme violence at home. His father was an alcoholic, and his mother endured relentless abuse. Many days, Martin dreaded coming home from school, never knowing if his mother would be alive when he returned. As a boy, he was taught that expressing fear or sadness was a sign of weakness. "Men don’t cry," he was told. "Be strong, swallow your pain." So, he did—until the weight of it nearly crushed him.

Effective clinical supervision is foundational to the development of competent and confident therapists. We believe that supervision should be a supportive and reflective process, fostering the therapist's professional and personal growth. By creating a safe and trusting environment, we encourage therapists to explore their clinical work, develop self-awareness, and enhance their therapeutic skills.

In that moment, I was reminded that compassion - especially for ourselves - can be difficult to practice. It often feels like it should be a natural thing to do, yet when we’re in the throes of frustration or discomfort, it can be incredibly challenging. But there it was, the gentle invitation to soften, to embrace compassion in the face of my impatience. But how?

When it comes to healing from trauma—whether physical, emotional, or both - the journey often starts by tuning into the body. As a massage therapist, I’ve seen first hand how the simple act of touch can create a powerful shift. It’s not just about relieving muscle tension; it’s about helping the nervous system find its balance again, especially for those healing from challenging experiences.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a lot, but it’s also a powerful decision toward healing and growth. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming emotions or simply seeking clarity, here are three things to know before you begin.

As the seasons shift, so do our bodies' needs. Whether it’s the transition from warm summer days to crisp autumn air, or the jump from winter’s chill to spring’s renewal, these changes can impact our energy levels, immune system, and even our mood. The good news? What you eat can help you adapt and feel your best.

It is completely normal to feel exhausted and wanting to disengage from time to time when you enter motherhood. One can face postpartum challenges even with their partner and with approaching intimacy as new parents. Read on to know about how you can work together as a team and focus better on your relationship during the trying post-pregnancy phase.                

Dr. John Gottman reminds us of something important: connecting with your partner doesn't have to be complicated or costly, and that’s a comforting thought for many of us. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the notion that we need to impress our loved ones with grand gestures, but the truth is, a relationship can truly flourish when we embrace intentionality in the small, everyday moments. We all have a deep-seated need to feel seen and valued, especially by the person closest to us, and often it’s the little things offered with intention that feel significant.

Neurodivergence describes the natural differences in how people think, learn, communicate, and experience the world. These differences shape how individuals engage in relationships and daily life (Singer, 1990).

“Does Qi (vital energy) flow influence mental health?” a client asked me.  The short answer is yes.  From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it absolutely matters. Qi is the central concept of TCM – it permeates everything and connects all things, from our cells to the universe itself.  Everything is manifestations of Qi.

According to theory, all habits are equally hard to break, whether bad or good. But there is debate and uncertainty regarding this assumption in the mental health community. Though the facts remain that it is certainly easier to succumb to habits than to overcome them. And that destroying old habits is relatively more difficult than forming new ones. So, whether it is improving your diet or establishing a better sleep hygiene, your habits are the fundamental blocks that you must focus on changing. 

In this modern era parents and guardians may struggle with connecting with their children and feel they are competing with increasing digital stimuli. Connection can be most effective in growing deeper bonds when technology is not readably accessible.

When we think about alternative healing practices, acupuncture often comes to mind as a centuries-old therapy known for its ability to ease pain, promote balance, and encourage overall wellness.  But did you know that acupuncture isn't just about needles?  There are three complementary techniques that are often integrated into acupuncture treatment - Cupping, Moxibustion, and Tuina (acupressure massage).  Together, they form a powerful toolkit for addressing everything from acute pain to trauma stored in the body. Let’s explore each modality!

In today’s fast-paced world, navigating the maze of health advice and conflicting nutrition trends can be overwhelming. But health isn’t about following the latest fad or jumping on the trend bandwagon. It is about understanding your unique body, your specific needs, and nourishing it in a holistic, evidence-based way that promotes long-term vitality and balance. A personalized, holistic health plan is the key to unlocking optimal health and wellness, and here’s how it can help you thrive.

Especially as the holidays are quickly arriving…It can be a challenge to navigate spending quality time with family and also getting your well deserved rest and relaxation in! Our loved ones sometimes have their own thoughts around how much time we spend with them, what kind of chores they want us to do, and how we spend our time at home. It is important to reflect upon what you have ‘on your plate’, so that you can manage your time in the best way possible.

After you have experienced a traumatic event, you may wonder how you will ever heal. The path to healing is rarely easy, but with the right support, it can transform the physical, emotional, and psychological tolls of trauma into a renewed sense of resilience.