#Play therapy Ontario

[kdwellness01]

Adult Mental Health Services in Ontario

Adult Mental Health Services in Ontario offer comprehensive support, including assessments, therapy, medication management, crisis intervention, and peer support. These services are designed to enhance mental well-being, providing personalized care to help individuals manage mental health challenges and improve their quality of life.

[instituteofchildpsychology1]

Breathing Coach Certification - Institute of Child Psychology

How to become a certified breathing instructor?

Becoming a certified breathing instructor involves acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and credentials to teach breathwork techniques safely and effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Research Breathwork Styles and Techniques

Different certifications focus on specific types of breathwork, such as:

Pranayama (yogic breathing techniques)

Wim Hof Method

Buteyko Method

Holotropic Breathwork

Transformational Breathwork

Choose a style that aligns with your interests and goals.

2. Choose a Reputable Training Program

Look for programs accredited by recognized organizations or led by experienced instructors. Consider:

In-person or online options: Some programs are available fully online.

Duration: Programs may range from a few weeks to several months.

Cost: Costs vary widely; be clear on what’s included (materials, mentorship, etc.).

Certification validity: Ensure the certification is recognized and suitable for your needs.

Examples of popular programs:

Breath Mastery with Dan Brulé

The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

Wim Hof Method Instructor Program

Yoga Alliance Certification for Pranayama

3. Meet the Prerequisites

Some programs require prior experience in:

Yoga, meditation, or fitness instruction

First aid or CPR certification

A personal practice in breathwork

4. Complete Training and Certification

Training programs typically include:

Theoretical learning: Anatomy, physiology, and the science of breathing.

Practical application: Learning and practicing various breathing techniques.

Teaching methods: How to structure and lead breathwork sessions.

Assessment: Written exams, practical demonstrations, or case studies.

5. Gain Practical Experience

Start by practicing on friends, family, or small groups.

Offer free or low-cost sessions to build confidence and refine your skills.

6. Obtain Liability Insurance (Optional but Recommended)

If you plan to teach professionally, insurance can protect you from legal issues.

7. Start Teaching and Marketing

Offer group classes, one-on-one sessions, or workshops.

Collaborate with yoga studios, wellness centers, or fitness trainers.

Use platforms like social media or a personal website to attract clients.

8. Continue Learning and Maintain Certification

Attend advanced workshops, retreats, or ongoing training.

Stay updated on new research and trends in breathwork.

Renew certifications if required.

Would you like recommendations on specific programs or advice on setting up your breathwork business?

[theinsightclinic]

Exploring the Benefits of Play Therapy for Children with Emotional Challenges

Discover how play therapy supports children facing emotional challenges by offering a safe space for expression and healing. Through engaging activities, play therapy helps children build emotional resilience, improve social skills, and process difficult feelings in a way that feels natural and empowering.

[yanxioustrikas]

dmitri

link to the latest art of dmitri

this post is simply called dmitri, and this is hopefully everything you need to know about them! or just some fun facts lol

(this was sitting in draft since SUMMER, and since there is another rise of ocs in supablr, i thought this would be a good opportunity to revise and post this)

biography

full name: dmitri mikhailovich sokolov

pronouns: he/they

sexuality: bisexual

gender: genderfluid

age: 16 (debut), 17 to 18 (super league junior career), 19 to early 20s (post-super league junior)

birthday: may 23

height: 191 cm/6'3 ft

nationality/citizenship: russian-south african

ethnicity: russian + cameroonian

residence(s): st. petersburg, russia (birthplace), johannesburg, south africa (permanent), toronto, ontario, canada (for uni)

language(s): russian, french, english, afrikaans (fluent in first three, limited proficiency in afrikaans)

significant other: hiram romilly-choucair

family

father: mikhail sokolov

mother: nadine bahanag

sibling(s): matvey (older brother; oldest), avdotya (older sister; middle)

pet(s): squeaky (white maine coon cat)

super league junior profile

team: invincible united junior fc

jersey number: 17

position: midfielder + captain

award(s): rookie of the year, star of the match (x10), slj captain of the year (x2)

post-secondary profile

type: university

location: toronto, ontario, canada

program: fashion design - bachelor of design

varsity sports team: men's ice hockey - goaltender

extracurricular clubs: francophone club, visual arts club, cameroonian student association, literature club

possible future career: fashion designer, fashion journalist, or dressmaker

hobbies and interests

ice hockey

soccer

visual art (won a few high school awards for his artworks)

creative writing

sewing and designing

flute

dance (contemporary ballet)

russian and french literature

cooking (not great at it so they call their sister for help lol)

making mocha

strawberries

extra stuff about his family because they all have interesting lives lol

mikhail (father), he/him

a therapist, specializing in cognitive behavioural therapy and psychotherapy, and is among the best psychologists in johannesburg

did practicum at the oasis, and used to work for cognito fc for a year

ex-ballet dancer from a wealthy (and horrible) classical ballet family in moscow

other interests include dance (for old time sake and to pass on the sokolov techniques to his kids), sudoku, pilates, cooking

nadine (mother), she/her

a corporate lawyer working at one of south africa’s high-ranking law firms

cousin of el matador’s female lawyer (both also attended the same law school)

during her youth, she played defence for the u-18 cameroon's women's national soccer team

other interests include yoga, cardio, playing piano, reading classical books

matvey (brother), he/him

a flute player studying at a prestigious conservatory in london, england

has a huge platform on various social media for showcasing his passion for music

part-time job as a music tutor

other interests include reading philosophical literature, working out, photography, playing ice hockey at a recreational league (defender), dance

avdotya (sister), she/her

a food science major and a culinary enthusiast

was a contestant (two-time champion) at a national (russian) junior chef competition

currently co-president for her university���s culinary club

other interests include painting, playing intramural ice hockey (forward), dance, weightlifting, journaling

squeaky (cat), he/him

a male cat who is very talkative and friendly

was adopted from a shelter in johannesburg at 5 months olds

loves to watch the birds from inside the house, but never chases them if outside

dislikes eating fish itself, will eat if the fish is eaten with something else in the bowl

the kids love hockey and dance sm

[rhysdarbinizedarby]

Relax, I’m From The Future

A conversation with writer-director Luke Higgingson

Relax, I’m From The Future was a surprise fav of mine at last year’s Fantasia Fest, and it’s finally getting a theatrical release! The movie is a punk rock sci-fi comedy with a lot of wit and even more heart starring Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Our Flag Means Death) and Gabrielle Graham (Possessor, Twenties) as an unlikely duo trying, sort of, not really, to save the world. I got a chance to speak with writer-director Luke Higginson a few weeks ago about all the work that went into his debut feature. Read our (lightly edited for clarity) conversation below!

Tell me, how do you describe this movie to other people?

It’s very much my attempt to work through my anxieties about the future and the state of the world in a way that might bring me some comfort without eliminating the very real cynicism I have about it. [My short film in 2013] started as a simple joke idea — the idea of an unprepared timetraveler — and then when people sort of liked that film more than I expected, I thought about how I would make that meaningful enough to expand it. And as I noodled on that, Trump got elected, and Covid happened, a lot of terrible things happened… It really became a source of therapy for me to write this ridiculous film and pump my anxieties into it. That’s really where I found what the film was about.

There is an incredible dynamic between Rhys and Gabrielle — how did you work your story with them?

Gabriel Graham was the first person that I knew I wanted to cast [as Holly]. I saw Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor, and she had such presence, but I didn’t know if she was funny, so I watched Twenties… it was clear she had comic chops.

For Casper [Rhys Darby’s character], you have to be on board with following him even when he does some questionable things. And also, he’s on screen for so much of the movie that it had to be someone with real energy, especially in a script that’s mostly people talking to each other. There weren’t a lot of people that I felt fit that. Then when his name was floated, it was immediately like omg holy shit that would be amazing! My producers at Wango films are phenomenally gifted at getting scripts in hands. I spent a couple of days building up a dossier of arguments for why he should do the film. And when we got on the call and he was just like “Hey, so I just wanted to meet ya and make sure you were ok with me doing this movie”, I was blown away. He had this tiny little window where we could get him for 15 shooting days and he agreed to come up [to Hamilton, Ontario] and do it. I’m still pinching myself about that, it was amazing.

In terms of working with them, because of that window of time, there was no time for rehearsal. There was barely time for Rhys to learn his lines. I got one hour of Rhys and Gabby in a room together before the first day of shooting… Something clicked, it was like Oh it’s Casper and Holly, they’re hanging out!

The scene in the playground — where the two of them are sharing a bottle of booze and talking — was incredibly cold, absurdly cold. And they were both very underdressed for that weather. They were both improving and bouncing off of each other. That was the scene where I felt like ah there’s something special between these two in particular. It was cool, it was really special, both of them are just amazing.

Wait, the shooting schedule was only 15 days?

We had Rhys for 15 days, and we shot for 18 days, but Rhys is in almost all of the movie.

How did the music in the movie play into writing your story and how did you manage to clear all those songs?

I knew a ton of people in the Toronto indie-rock punk scene and I always knew that if I ever got to make a movie, I knew all these great songs that no one knows. I listened to a lot of that stuff writing the film — Holly being part of the punk scene was very important to the character. I gave [Gabrielle] a playlist of a bunch of 70s CBGB stuff, she watched a documentary on Poly Styrene. That really embodied the vibe of the music. I wanted it to be all Toronto music on the soundtrack, it’s basically a split between songs from bands that I played with or went to see back in the day and bands that are still operating right now. The big coup was getting Pup involved, which was really exciting. They didn’t have to say yes at all, but they really were big fans of Rhys and [because of Covid] I think they were a little itchy to get on stage in front of a bunch of people. We got to use a few of their songs, as well as Metz and Bad Waitress and a couple of other great bands.

In terms of the licensing side what I didn’t expect as a problem was that many of those bands no longer exist and never had any kind of official existence in terms of paper work or legality, so I perhaps foolishly did not see that coming as a problem. Anagram, Sailboats Are White, Lunchmeat — all great bands that I love, but [licensing their songs] was a trickier thing than I thought it was gonna be.

What are some of the challenges or joys that you encountered in the editing room, putting this thing together?

The editing process was long, longer than I expected. My baby was 6 months old when we started shooting, which was a real challenge for me and my wife. I literally edited the film with my baby next to me, so it took a while. But really, it was about matching the film to Rhys’s rhythm. When we [cast] Rhys, who’s one of the best improvisers comedically in the world, I knew that [for the edit] I was gonna want both sides of the conversations he has with Gabby. So any time that Rhys is talking to another person, there’s two cameras going at the same time and that really allowed us to use the little moments of inspiration and improvisation. If Rhys gives you a piece of gold, you know that you have it covered. That was big, I think both in the shooting and in the editing.

Time travel can be a tricky narrative device! How did you build the rules of this universe?

I knew right off the bat that I was neither capable nor interested in doing something scientifically ���accurate”, but you also don’t want the audience to feel like you don’t give a shit. It has to feel like there’s an internal consistency. So my guiding principle was that rules of time travel are going to be what serves the humour and the story, and then once I have those things, to make sure it’s internally consistent. It actively subverts what I felt was the most common tropes — like in Terminator, you have to be naked to travel through time, in my movie you have to have no skin showing of any kind. In most time travel movies you can go back and forth, in mine you can only go back. When drafting it out, I went with the ideas that I found funny, then once I had the beats, I worked very hard to make sure it was internally consistent within that.

What was screening your film at Fantasia like?

It was incredible, I can’t say enough good things about Fantasia. I wanna shout out programmer Carolyn Mauricette, who saw a very rough cut of the film without any of the sound mix or special effects. She saw it, she got it, she connected to it. It just meant so much, that phase of the editing process, you’re very emotionally fragile, you have no idea if you’ve made something that works or not, and that was such a vote of confidence.

What are you hoping people take away from this?

I am genuinely very excited for people to see Rhys do this. I feel like he uses some muscles that you don’t get to see him use normally, he’s such a star. And I think Gabriel Graham is incredibly slept on, like she’s a successful actor but I think way more people should know her. I’m gonna sit in on a bunch of screenings — I never need to watch the movie again, but I do love watching the audience watch it, and there are some moments in the back third of the movie that I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing an audience react to.

I didn’t even ask you about Julian Richings!

He’s incredible! I got him [cast as Percy] by recording a video begging him to be in the movie because he’s a legend! I first saw him in Hard Core Logo when I was a teenager, he’s so captivating. So ya, I recorded a shameless message and sent it to him, and luckily he is the sweetest man in the world, just the easiest person in the world to work with — I can’t say enough nice things about him.

I think this movie has a lot for a lot of different crowds of people — you got the gays, you got the nerds, you got the horror fans -

Those are all my people! Those are my favourite type of people!

I’m excited for people to see it!

Me too!

Source: Bad Critic

[msphoenixx]

May I request NY and Texas hc’s 👁️👁️

Ahhh thank you so much for the ask!! And my first one ever I think, I didn’t have my inbox open when I used this account ages ago. Sorry I responded so late, the universe decided I wouldn’t have free time after I made my intro post lol. Anyway, some Texas hcs:

Texas has a MASSIVE amount of religious trauma in addition to everything he went through with his dad. Behind the mask he’s a very insecure person. Poor guy needs a hug and some therapy (tbh all of these guys need therapy).

He secretly loves gardening flowers, but he was never allowed to do it growing up because it was “too feminine�� of an activity. He now grows both food and flowers. I think his favorites are bluebonnets (of course), and sunflowers. He only shares his garden with people he’s very close to.

Will literally melt into a puddle around any animal, but especially dogs and reptiles. He has two dogs and a bunch of reptiles as pets. A large room at his personal residence is dedicated to his pets. He has lizards, snakes, and a tortoise.

He 100% knows Spanish, but he’s just a little rusty from lack of use.

He can play the accordion and the guitar, but the guitar is his favorite.

I think that the states would be able to change form (both willingly and unwillingly), but I think most of them have a form that they like using the most. I keep switching on what I think Texas’s default form would look like. I think he’s very tan and has dark brown, almost black hair but sometimes I see him with a lighter brown hair color. He has either wavy or curly hair. He’s around 6’5 and very muscular.

New York:

Rarely goes anywhere without some kind of hat. It doesn’t always have to be a beanie, but he needs something on his head to be comfortable.

Considering he has NYC, he probably has excellent fashion sense. He can probably make regular loungewear look like it belongs on the runway

Will only be vulnerable around Jersey and their kids (huge Yorksey fan lol).

Severe PTSD and anxiety from everything throughout his history. Tbh I think the entire northeast deals with that. They can kind of sense when one of them is having a bad day and they help each other out in their own weird ways.

So many pets. So many. Rats, mice, pigeons, cats, and dogs. Every time he brings another animal home, Jersey just doesn’t have the heart to say no.

Is good friends with the Canadian provinces, especially Ontario and Quebec since they’re the closest.

He knows Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and probably some Chinese. He likes learning new languages.

New York’s default form is kinda of like a nutty brown hair, very pale skin, and he usually has some amount of facial hair. He’s around 5’11 or 6 ft. He isn’t very muscular but has more of a bulky body type? Not sure how to describe it.

I hope this wasn’t too rambly but thank you again for the ask!

[maybebecomingms]

take time to contemplate who you are and where you want to go

January 15th, 2024

Last week I was having a really, REALLY bad night. I holed up in my partner's room in the dark, curled up on his bed in the fetal position, popped in some earbuds, and played Don't You Fake It by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

This album is my go-to when I feel like a brooding teenager. It came out in 2006, so I guess it counts - I was 19 - even if it was after high school. I reserve it for the very lowest depths of despair.

I wasn't even listening to it in 2006, though. My earliest memories of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus-fueled angst are from 2015 when I was on a horrible vacation with my ex's family in the wilderness of Ontario. I'm not fit for sitting in a boat fishing and drinking beer for 12 hours at a time without sunscreen, so everyone gave up on me fairly quickly and just left me behind each day. I took to trail running with Don't You Fake It in my ears to pass the time.

"Waiting" might be my favorite track, because it's so relatable.

Void I can't fill The doctor tells me to relax and stand still Prescribes me a new pill to quell my anger Wish I could make her pull herself up off the floor

I spent so many years feeling both like the person who needed pills to quell my anger AND the person who needed to get up off the floor. Just stuck.

It came on a streaming playlist a few years later one cold, dark morning while I drove my ex and myself to work. We carpooled to work for over 9 years, but I was almost never the one driving. He'd fallen asleep, which he always did as a passenger. Aside from long road trips, I've always hated that so much, too. It feels so lonely and disrespectful.

Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever

I turned it up and sang along, and it felt like a prayer I was afraid to say out loud or even think to myself.

Before that bad night last week, I'd had a pretty good therapy session where I was tasked with writing about what I wish I'd known back then, or what I would want younger women to know based on what I've been through.

And that's easy.

We are NOT meant for a life where we give and give and give endlessly to someone who does nothing but take from us. Losing yourself for someone else's benefit is never the answer.

Do NOT seethe with hidden rage. Do NOT get stuck on the floor.

Get up and DEMAND MORE. Take up space. Allow yourself to be messy and inconvenient and make mistakes. BECAUSE YOU FUCKING DESERVE ALL OF THAT AND MORE!

Stop giving all of yourself to someone and settling for crumbs in return, and please don't ever do it again.

[naturiisms]

if you’re hearing CAN U MEET ME THERE by ISSADORA AVA playing, you have to know AYANNA TAHERI (SHE/THEY; NONBINARY) is near by! the 23 year old has been in denver for, like, TWO MONTHS. they’re known to be quite UNPREDICTABLE, but being CHARISMATIC seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble KHADIJA RED THUNDER. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those PILES OF BOOKS ALL OVER THE PLACE, AN ICED COFFEE ON A SPRING DAY, FROLICKING THROUGH FLOWERS AND CONNECTING WITH NATURE vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around THE WOODS long enough!

STATISTICS:

full name: ayanna taheri

nicknames: yaya, yanna, sunny

birthday: february 2, 1997

hometown: ann arbor, michigan

occupation: social media manager at Green Thumb Cafe

hobbies: taking care of her houseplants, collecting books she'll never read, biking, hiking, and ceramics.

lives: the woods

BACKGROUND:

ayanna grew up in a typical suburban family with an older brother and two loving parents to dote on her. coming from a stable family gave ayanna the opportunity to hone their creative talents and push herself to become the best version. starting in ballet at 7, moving to gymnastics at 10, then flute and piano at 12, until they took their first art class at 14 where they realized this is where they could truly express themself. change is not an issue for ayanna if it means going after what she wants.

her next four years of high school were something she only imagined happened in movies. crossing the canadian border to visit art museums in ontario with their friends, going to local farmers markets on the weekends, submitting their art to competitions hosted by the school. finding the next adventure was always first on the list for her and her friends, academics usually falling second. they didn't do bad in school, but definitely had no interest in going to university since they'd only want to pursue art, anyway.

after graduating high school, ayanna found herself moving from her cozy suburban town and leaving all of her friends to go "find herself" on a cross country road trip. their parents bought and converted a van for her, and she set off on her drive to washington. along the way they stayed in various cities for different amounts of time, working odd jobs here and there. each city they went to, she found an art studio where she was able to continue creating and often left the pieces behind for the studio to share with others.

about a year into the road trip, still meandering through the country while they slowly made it to their destination, she found herself stopped in arizona where she parked her van for 2 years. it was here that they met their long time ex-partner, who they would finish their roadtrip with. they met at a ceramics studio, where she realized she was actually really good at it. after the first date they were practically inseparable, alternating between staying in her van or her partner's apartment. eventually, they downsized lyla's apartment and started the roadtrip to washington where they lived in a tiny house until they broke up a year ago.

after the breakup, ayanna spent the first few months renovating her van that hadn't been used in quite a while; only for camping trips or little roadtrips they planned. after she'd started picking her pieces back up and using renovation as therapy, they decided it was time to pick up and start a new adventure. this is how they ended up in colorado, spending 6 months in colorado springs before driving the van to denver 2 months ago. currently, she parks her van outside of their apartment at the woods where they plan to convert it into her own ceramics studio.

HEADCANONS:

ayanna got her job at Green Thumb Cafe by parking her van there the first two weeks she was in denver. she'd go inside every day for a little breakfast or lunch and eventually her and the owner got talking about the photos she'd taken of the cafe and the plants he could see from their van. she started a clipping trade day through instagram and has been the social media manager since.

they are seriously afraid of dogs but have a pet tarantula. logic? not here

favorite colors are sage green and lilac

she grows her own herbs and tomatoes and strawberries

[soulscribe786]

MMAC Mental Health Conference 2024

The MMAC Mental Health Conference is an amazing initiative that combines the latest research and findings in mental health and medical sciences research using holistic models. It evaluates and shares new research and findings in the field of mental field in academia in conceptualizing the growing field in mental health. There have been about 4 annual conferences of which I attended ¾ . With each one, I can see knowledge, outreach, and healthcare delivery enhancing. This year’s conference took place in the Medical Science Building at the University of Toronto.

It was a breezy winter day, both warm and cloudy with very light showers. There was a sort of calm and serenity that filled the air. I decided to walk for half an hour in the morning to enjoy the nice weather. The walk was mostly through University Avenue. Probably one of the nicer routes to take anywhere in downtown that is regularly cleaned, renovated and has significant greening initiatives. Considering that this was the road that led directly to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from Union Station, perhaps this is why it was so well maintained. 

This particular location had many memories for me. This was beside the convocation hall, it was also close to the legislative assembly of Ontario where I had the opportunity of attending three times. One for a tour, for organizing at Queens’ Park with Justice for All, one for a tour of the facility through an internship program, one for the day that the Bill addressing Islamophobia was passed, and today. Aside from these formal occasions, because I used to live in Toronto in childhood, I had also frequently rollerbladed in this very park. Other events included Frosh, publishing my first research journal with a group and tourism. As a kid, I always felt either an ancient sort of presence. The old trees, ancient architecture, and something about the way the squirrels were just casually running around. I don’t think as a child, that I fully understood the role it played. Regardless, for some reason, after many milestones I found myself back here again. 

This is near where the conference took place. The Medical Science Building. A very simplistic interior and old architecture. The conference was in a lecture hall. There were a few breaks in between such as for lunch, networking sessions or prayer. Different organizations were tabled outside the lecture, across the building and the upstairs section had a nice carpeted area which was helpful in creating a prayer space. 

The talks had many insights and prominent speakers and thinkers from across the world trained in the healthcare field, psychology, counseling, medicine and psychotherapy, as well as faith-based leaders. Organizations included Smile Canada which assists children with disabilities, Wellnest focused on culturally based therapy addressing cultural issues, issues related to racism and being spiritually responsive, Sakeena Canada, Ruh care, Naseeha helpline and an organization partnered up with CAS (child aid services) but focused specifically on Muslim children by ensuring cultural issues and language barriers are taken into account, as well as organizations catered to those hard of hearing. Faith-based centers were also present, primarily IIT and ICNA. 

Some key insights from the talk included:

Iceberg analogy 

Using the iceberg analogy the speaker explained how a lot of western Psychology focuses on visible aspects such as cognitions and behavioral inclinations but with Islamic psychology the individual is understood much more deeply including having the ruh (soul), qalb (heart), and also social factors while acknowledging the role of aql (cognitions) and nafs ( behaviour)

The Islamic model is believed to be bi-directional with assessment looking at the entire individual holistically, where most contemporary models focus on observable aspects such as behavior inclinations and cognitions. The Islamic model incorporates emotional and spiritual domains. 

Trauma

Usually, people try not to be provocative (sometimes, they may even try to be salty, rage bait, or be provocative) when they find out about someone's trauma. In most cases, there is a sort of aversion to bringing up difficult feelings or conversations (don't mention it, don't do something hurtful) , but in addressing trauma, careful exposure may actually be crucial to healing

Healing requires alignment 

A prophetic model for healing included archery because it was a holistic intervention as opposed to simply talk therapy. For example, for PTSD, archery helps with stretching, breathing, aiming and a sense of control and a higher internal locus of control and sense of agency, as well as mindfulness. 

Spiritual Abuse

An anonymous question asked ‘what about cases of spiritual abuse?’

Cases of spiritual abuse by family members, religious figures, parenting, spouses and so on can have a lasting impact where faith was used to control, manipulate or inflate one’s own ego. 

MH care professionals integrating Islamic paradigms are not trying to do that and may not even talk about religious aspects unless you want to talk about something. They are just listening and assessing clients. Ultimately addressing issues related to directing the ruh (soul) back in unity with God, the source of mercy. This is not always how one would have understood God to assert one’s own ego or control but through a comprehensive understanding of who God is with divine attributes and approaching God directly. 

Refugees

Experiences of refugees

Risk of violence

Post migration MH including social isolation, discrimination, integration, and cultural and linguistic components

Pre migration MH, peri migration MH, post migration (family and cultural values)

Collectivist culture

Culture shock

Social connectedness

Parenthood

Individual factors

Trans cultural elements and sensitivity which has three levels including

Ontological 

Etiological

Therapeutic 

Cultural humility and safety

Being politically informed about the cause of refugee status in addressing issues where political factors played a huge role

Storytelling 

Conveys power

Dangers of the single story

“So this is how to create a single story show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become. It is impossible to talk about the single story without talking about power. There is a word, an lgbo word, that I think is about whenever I think about the power structures of the world and it's the nkali, It is a noun that loosely translates to ‘to be greater than another’. Like our economic and political worlds, stories are defined by the principle of nkali. How they are told, who tells them, when they are told, and how many stories are told, are really dependent on power. Power is not just the ability to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person. The Palestinian poet Mouris Marghouti writes that if you want to dispossess a people, the simplest way to do it is to tell their story and start by “secondly, ..” - Chimamanda Ngozi - Adichie

Decolonising our practice

Philosophically and spiritually 

Meeting another requires taming our own vulnerabilities 

Biopsychosocial Model

Biology - genes, MH condition, substance use, neurobiology, trauma and stress and medications. For example, PTSD can actually change biological features so the person is no longer who they used to be). 

Psychological 

Social - networks, community, friend circles, transportation, finances (usually harder to treat)

Psychosomatic Symptoms

It usually has three components. Receptors, processors, and effectors

Receptors (photoreceptors, chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, nociceptors, thermoreceptors) related to things like sight, taste, smell, hearing, taste

Processors (the brain)

Effector (muscle and glands)

Our body goes through this process, and after repetitive exposure, like collecting statistical information, it processes and organizes information. The response is then in two main ways. Functional cognitive processors and functional autonomous symptoms

Functional Cognitive Processors - allocate mental energy in understanding stimuli

Functional Autonomous Symptoms which are learned after repetitive or prolonged exposure

This is complicated because instead of stimuli, processing, response the stimuli immediately goes to symptoms automatically on auto pilot and to cure the symptoms requires significant therapy and unpacking. 

Complications include trauma responses and also embodied stress

It is phenomenal to think that all these receptors directly connect to the heart and there is huge potential in healing through prayer. 

Reflections

I found the day and the talk to be pretty phenomenal and healing. It provided lots of valuable insights including psychosomatic symptoms, some gender biases in psychological history, understanding refugees and aspects related to spiritual abuse. 

Three key components that I found fascinating in psychosomatic symptoms were about functional autonomous symptoms, looking at the body and mind holistically and interconnected, and healing through prayer. Autonomous symptoms could be that initially require significant thought and reflection but after repeated stress the body just shuts down and starts producing symptoms automatically. Whether it's nerve damage, heart rate, sweating, shutting down even when there is no significant context well after traumatic incidents. The body just gets wired to react this way and at times, prolonged stress can even lead to cancers and other stress related diseases. I found this very interesting because on a regular basis, perhaps slowly and gradually we continue to drift away from the model of cartesian dualism, the belief that the mind and body are separate. There is more and more research suggesting that the mind and body are extremely interconnected.

I also found the component of healing, alignment and resiliency fascinating because every single receptor is directly connected to the heart and through constant prayer, there is huge healing potential, provided time is taken to fully align ourselves with our higher purpose through spirituality. 

I found it also intriguing that it was in the era of when women faced mental health stereotypes such as female hysteria that many advancements in the field of mental health took place. Gender stereotypes include things like toxic masculinity and female hysteria and are informed by the mental health field and can, at times, have a devastating impact on people’s lives. I believe stereotypes, biases and prejudices are very hazardous and difficult to change once they become established and can have consequences.

The talk on broadly understanding refugee health was also interesting because I had done a research on refugees in 2018 and tried to incorporate the political economy of health, intersectionality and health as a human right. The broader research in the field is wonderful to see. 

All in all, I really enjoyed taking part in this conference and learned a lot of interesting things. It is amazing to join this annual conference every year and broaden my understanding related to mental health. 

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Best Therapy for Social Anxiety Ontario

Discover the best therapy options for social anxiety in Ontario. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to mindfulness-based approaches, Ontario offers diverse treatments tailored to your needs. Licensed therapists provide personalized care to help you manage and overcome social anxiety, empowering you to lead a more confident and fulfilling life.

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Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Physiotherapist or Chiropractor in Toronto

Maintaining physical health and recovering from injuries often requires professional help from physiotherapists and chiropractors. With numerous options in Toronto, finding the right healthcare provider can feel overwhelming. A carefully chosen professional ensures effective treatment, faster recovery, and long-term well-being. Whether you’re searching for a reputable physiotherapy clinic in Toronto or the best chiropractor in Toronto, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

1. Understand Your Needs Before starting your search, identify your specific health concerns. Do you need rehabilitation after an injury, pain relief from chronic conditions, or improved mobility? Physiotherapy focuses on enhancing strength, flexibility, and functional movement through exercises and manual therapy. Chiropractic care specializes in spinal alignment and relieving nerve pressure to manage pain and improve overall body function. Understanding the type of care you need will help you decide whether to seek physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or a combination of both.

2. Look for Licensed and Qualified Professionals Ensure the physiotherapist or chiropractor you choose is licensed and certified. In Toronto, healthcare professionals must meet regulatory standards to practice. Check if the practitioner is registered with their respective governing bodies, such as the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario or the College of Chiropractors of Ontario. At HealthOne, our experts are fully licensed and trained, ensuring you receive top-tier care from trusted professionals.

3. Assess Experience and Expertise When dealing with specific conditions, such as sports injuries or chronic back pain, experience matters. Look for professionals with a proven track record in treating your particular issue. Many physiotherapy clinics in Toronto and chiropractic offices specialize in areas like sports therapy, post-surgical recovery, or managing chronic conditions. HealthOne offers a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in physiotherapy and chiropractic care, ensuring tailored treatment plans for each patient.

4. Read Reviews and Testimonials Patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the quality of care and overall experience at a clinic. Look for feedback on aspects such as:

Professionalism of the staff

Effectiveness of treatments

Clinic environment

Wait times and scheduling

Choosing the best chiropractor in Toronto or a highly-rated physiotherapy clinic becomes easier when you consider the experiences of other patients.

5. Consider Accessibility and Location Convenience plays a significant role in maintaining consistency with your treatment plan. Select a clinic that is easily accessible, whether near your home, workplace, or public transportation. Clinics like HealthOne in downtown Toronto offer a central location, making it easy for patients across the city to access care.

6. Evaluate the Range of Services A clinic that offers both physiotherapy and chiropractic care under one roof can provide comprehensive treatment options. This is especially beneficial if your condition requires a combination of therapies for optimal recovery.

HealthOne stands out as a leading physiotherapy clinic in Toronto, also offering chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other wellness services to ensure holistic care for every patient.

7. Check Treatment Techniques and Technology Modern clinics use advanced techniques and technology to enhance patient outcomes. Ask about the methods used for diagnosis and treatment, such as:

Manual therapy techniques

Spinal adjustments

Ultrasound or electrical stimulation

Exercise prescription programs

The best chiropractor in Toronto and top physiotherapists stay updated with the latest advancements to provide effective care.

8. Inquire About Personalized Treatment Plans Every patient’s needs are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Choose a clinic that offers personalized treatment plans based on a thorough assessment of your condition. At HealthOne, we take the time to understand each patient’s goals, medical history, and lifestyle before creating a tailored care plan.

9. Consider Insurance and Payment Option Healthcare costs can add up, so it’s important to check if the clinic accepts your insurance. Many physiotherapy clinics in Toronto and chiropractic offices offer direct billing to insurance providers, simplifying the payment process. HealthOne provides transparent pricing and works with most major insurance plans for your convenience.

10. Trust Your Instincts Lastly, trust your instincts when choosing a healthcare provider. A good physiotherapist or chiropractor will make you feel comfortable, listen to your concerns, and clearly explain your treatment plan. Positive interactions with the practitioner and staff are essential for a successful healthcare experience.

Why Choose HealthOne? HealthOne is a trusted healthcare provider in Toronto, offering both physiotherapy and chiropractic care under one roof. As a leading physiotherapy clinic in Toronto, we are committed to helping patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and achieve their wellness goals. Our team includes some of the best chiropractors in Toronto, who use advanced techniques to provide effective, patient-centered care.

With a central location, personalized treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach, HealthOne makes it easy to access high-quality care tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right physiotherapist or chiropractor in Toronto is crucial for achieving effective results and improving your quality of life. By considering factors such as qualifications, experience, accessibility, and patient reviews, you can make an informed decision. Whether you need the expertise of a physiotherapy clinic in Toronto or the care of the best chiropractor in Toronto, HealthOne is here to provide exceptional, comprehensive care. Take the first step toward better health by booking your consultation today!

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Play Therapy in Ontario

Searching for play therapy in Ontario? The Insight Clinic provides specialized play therapy services tailored to help children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Our therapists utilize play as a means to encourage communication and development. Reach out to us today to learn how our approach can support your child's growth.

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The Role of a Canadian Compounding Pharmacy: A Personalized Approach to Healthcare

When it comes to managing your health, sometimes off-the-shelf medications just don’t provide the solution you need. This is where Canadian compounding pharmacies come in. Offering tailored solutions to meet individual needs, compounding pharmacies create customized medications that may not be available through traditional commercial pharmacies.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy specializes in preparing medications that are customized for individual patients. These pharmacies can adjust the dosage, form, and ingredients of medications to address specific health needs. Whether you need a different dosage, a medication in a liquid form, or an allergy-free solution, compounding pharmacies can help. They play a vital role in offering personalized care that supports better health outcomes.

Finding a Compounding Pharmacy Near You

If you're looking for compounding pharmacies near me, it's important to find a local pharmacy with experience and expertise in creating customized medications. A compounding pharmacy can be especially helpful for people with unique medical needs that off-the-shelf medications cannot address.

In Ontario, we proudly serve communities near Long Sault pharmacy, Cornwall pharmacy, and beyond, ensuring access to customized solutions for residents across the region. From pain management to specialized hormone therapy, compounding pharmacies are equipped to offer tailored treatment plans.

Specialized Compounds: Nifedipine Ointment and Pain Management

For those dealing with specific conditions, such as pain management, a Nifedipine ointment compound can be incredibly beneficial. This medication is often used to treat conditions like anal fissures or Raynaud’s phenomenon, providing localized relief without the systemic side effects associated with oral medications.

If you're looking for pain management near me, a compounding pharmacy can create topical solutions or unique medication combinations to help alleviate discomfort. From topical creams to oral pain medications, compounding pharmacies can work with you and your healthcare provider to find the right solution.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Personalized Approach to Hormone Balance

For individuals seeking alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bioidentical hormone therapy near me can offer a more personalized approach. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces, and they are often compounded to meet the specific needs of each patient. Whether you are managing menopause, perimenopause, or other hormone imbalances, a pharmacy that compounds near me can provide customized formulations that help restore balance.

At Compounding Wellness, we work closely with you and your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive hormone therapy plan tailored to your needs.

Oral Health Solutions through Compounding

Did you know that compounding pharmacies also offer solutions for oral health? Customized treatments can be compounded to address various oral conditions, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or tooth sensitivity. If you're seeking an alternative to standard over-the-counter oral products, your local Rx compounding pharmacy can create a unique solution to meet your oral health needs.

How to Get Started with Compounding Wellness

If you’re interested in exploring compounding wellness for yourself, getting started is simple. Just reach out to us and we’ll work with your healthcare provider to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique health concerns. Whether it’s hormone therapy near me or a custom solution for pain management, we are committed to helping you feel your best with personalized, high-quality care.

In Conclusion

Compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare by providing customized solutions for a wide variety of conditions. Whether you're seeking bioidentical hormone therapy, pain relief, or specific treatments like Nifedipine ointment compound, your local Canadian compounding pharmacy can create the perfect solution for you. Visit us at Compounding Wellness to learn more about how our personalized services can improve your health and wellness.

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Unit 9: Nature has superpowers!

My interpretation of one of the most amazing things I know about nature may not be very surprising or as astonishing as the Relámpago del Catatumbo (Venezuela's everlasting lightning storm) previously mentioned in past blogs, but, it is something that has played a very spiritual role in my life through years of interpretation. As someone who's generally a little anxious yet thrives in high-pressure work environments, I sometimes feel overwhelmed when using stress as a motivator, and taking a break to relax and breathe is essential. During these moments, I often gravitate towards two things, my family and dense forest trails with tall old trees. This reaction is likely due to my upbringing and having some of my favourite and happiest moments camping with my family or, overall being with them in nature consistently.  

Photo of me hugging a tree while on a hike with my friend in Dundas, Ontario.    Throughout my childhood, trees were one my favourite pieces of nature, and their history of living for centuries (and much longer) inspired my young mind to interpret them with a magical view of wisdom and strength for withstanding so much (natural disasters, tornados, etc.) for so long. Also possibly influenced by The Lorax movie, I recognized at a very young age how trees are a central part of nature and how important of a habitat they are for many creatures in the wild. This mindset led to always observing them very closely, appreciating their details and trying to see what living things I could spot (secretly hoping maybe one day I’d find fairies like in the Tinker Bell movies). As I grew up, I found incredible peace and happiness in the grounding feeling while enjoying laying underneath them either reading a book, doing homework, or having a picnic with my friends and family. Later on in life, I became much more spiritual and discovered forest therapy and “forest bathing” through yoga clubs and communities. After some research, I found out that this practice originated in Japan and there are plenty of research articles and books on how effective nature is in reducing our blood pressure/stresses and even how viewing nature can affect our recovery from surgery. Suddenly, it all made sense why I was so drawn to being surrounded by these specific plants and my fascination with trees continued even to this day.    

Photo of a friend and I painting under a tree while having a picnic a year ago in a local Stoney Creek park.

I always also thought it was interesting the connection I had to trees from a young age, which often spiritually represent family, patience, nostalgia, and the passage of time; things I had always felt towards trees yet had no idea about officially; it makes me wonder if that was a natural intuitional connection I had made. So, to sum it up, the most amazing thing I know about nature is how essential trees are for not only nature but for our own mental and physical health as well as spiritual growth. 

PS: While writing this blog, I did some investigating and research to be able to provide certain articles on forest bathing, etc., and during this, I came across an interesting book I plan on buying and reading soon related to this topic. The book is called "Between Earth and Sky: Our Intimate connections to Trees" by Nalini Nadkarni, and I thought I'd link it here in case anyone else was interested in the topic and the connections the author makes to trees and our daily lives!

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HCG Injections in Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) injections have gained popularity across Ontario, especially for individuals seeking medical and wellness solutions for weight loss, fertility treatments, and hormone-related issues. Whether you're looking to lose weight or boost fertility, understanding the role of HCG injections can help you make an informed decision. This guide will explore the benefits, uses, and availability of hcg injections ontario.

What is HCG?

HCG is a hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a critical role in maintaining pregnancy by supporting the production of essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone. HCG injections are synthetically produced versions of this hormone and are commonly used for medical purposes, including weight loss and fertility treatments.

Uses of HCG Injections

Weight Loss HCG injections have become popular in Ontario due to their association with weight loss programs. The HCG diet, developed in the 1950s by Dr. Albert Simeons, combines a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) with daily injections of HCG. The hormone is believed to help curb hunger and burn fat more effectively, specifically targeting stubborn fat reserves. Proponents of the HCG diet report significant weight loss in a short period. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting this regimen, as extreme calorie restriction can pose risks.

Fertility Treatments HCG injections are frequently prescribed as part of fertility treatments for both men and women. For women, the hormone helps stimulate ovulation, increasing the chances of conception. It is often used in conjunction with other fertility medications to optimize the body's response during procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). In men, HCG injections can help increase sperm count and improve testosterone levels, aiding in male infertility treatments.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment HCG is sometimes used to treat hormonal imbalances. It can boost testosterone levels in men, particularly those dealing with hypogonadism (low testosterone). By increasing hormone production, HCG can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle loss, and mood swings.

Are HCG Injections Safe?

While HCG injections have been widely used for decades, their safety largely depends on the context in which they are used. For fertility treatments, HCG is considered safe when administered by a healthcare professional. However, the safety of HCG injections for weight loss has been a topic of debate.

In the context of weight loss, Health Canada and other health authorities have raised concerns about the HCG diet, citing a lack of evidence to support the hormone's effectiveness for weight management. Additionally, following a VLCD (typically around 500 calories per day) without medical supervision can lead to adverse health effects, such as nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and gallstone formation.

Therefore, if you're considering HCG injections for weight loss in Ontario, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

How to Access HCG Injections in Ontario

To obtain HCG injections in Ontario, you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Clinics specializing in fertility treatments, weight loss, or hormone therapy typically offer these injections. It’s advisable to seek out clinics with qualified medical professionals who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and monitor your progress.

In recent years, some online services have offered HCG injections without a prescription, but this is not recommended. Using HCG injections without proper medical supervision can be risky and may lead to complications.

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Aspire Physiotherapy are experienced concussion treatment physiotherapists specifically trained in the assessment, treatment, and management of concussion care. Our specialized concussion care goes beyond traditional treatments, focusing on restoring cognitive function, balance, and overall well-being. We have an experienced physiotherapist who uses evidence-based techniques such as vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive exercises, and gradual return-to-play protocols to help you recover safely and effectively.