Roots in Wellness

06/30/2021

Some of you may have noticed our new logo colours and font - Roots in Wellness has undergone some big branding changes!
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Click the link below to check out our brand new website, complete with comprehensive resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
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You’ll also find bios for all of our wonderful therapists and students!
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Thank you as always for your support.
www.rootsinwellness.ca
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#brand #branding #rebrand #rebranding #socialmedia #newlook #website #newwebsite #therapy #therapist #therapists #counselling #hamont #nature #resources #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq🌈

06/22/2021

Fresh on the blog: How Am I Feeling Today?⁣ by Aisha Malik
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This post is a reminder to check in with yourself from time to time to prevent burnout.⁣
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Making small changes in life can make a big difference for your mental and physical well-being. Check out the blog post for more information about how you can add coping mechanisms to your daily life to release some of that day to day stress! Link in bio 🔗

Fresh on the blog: How Am I Feeling Today?⁣ by Aisha Malik
⁣
This post is a reminder to check in with yourself from time to time to prevent burnout.⁣
⁣
Making small changes in life can make a big difference for your mental and physical well-being. Check out the blog post for more information about how you can add coping mechanisms to your daily life to release some of that day to day stress! Link in bio 🔗

06/07/2021

Happy Pride month to everyone in the LGBTQ2S+ community! Whether you’re out to the community or not, you are loved, you are valid, and you matter!
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At Roots In Wellness, we want to kick off pride month by talking about how to be a good ally.
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We’ve come up with 5 pillars of allyship that we believe in and try to practice on a daily basis.
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It’s so important to note that we are not perfect, and we’d love to hear some other ways that people practice positive allyship all year round!
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04/29/2021

Trans care for mental health practitioners: Introduction and working with trans and gender non-conforming clients in a clinical setting

So proud of our very own Jennifer Thomson for running a training for Sick Kids on working with transgender and gender-questioning youth. You are amazing Jenny and such a fantastic advocate for the folks you serve! ❤️

04/28/2021

Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Aisha Malik! ⁣
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Aisha comes to us with an amazing background of experiences, working with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, immigrant struggles, identity-based oppression, stress management, and inter generational conflict. Aisha is multi-lingual, speaking Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. She is currently working towards completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology, and is accepting new clients!⁣
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As a part of our commitment to making mental healthcare more accessible to all, Aisha is offering low-cost sessions to support individuals of all income levels. Check out the link below to learn more about Aisha and the services she offers:

https://rootsinwellness.ca/about/aisha-malik/

Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Aisha Malik! ⁣
⁣
Aisha comes to us with an amazing background of experiences, working with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, immigrant struggles, identity-based oppression, stress management, and inter generational conflict. Aisha is multi-lingual, speaking Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. She is currently working towards completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology, and is accepting new clients!⁣
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As a part of our commitment to making mental healthcare more accessible to all, Aisha is offering low-cost sessions to support individuals of all income levels. Check out the link below to learn more about Aisha and the services she offers:

https://rootsinwellness.ca/about/aisha-malik/

04/22/2021

Happy Earth Day! 🌎⁣
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Nature is healing, and I truly believe that when we come into nature, we come home to ourselves.⁣
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What will you do to celebrate this beautiful place we call home today? 💚

Happy Earth Day! 🌎⁣
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Nature is healing, and I truly believe that when we come into nature, we come home to ourselves.⁣
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What will you do to celebrate this beautiful place we call home today? 💚

04/14/2021

Even if you feel like you don’t “need” it. ⁣
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Even if you feel like you weren’t productive enough to deserve one. ⁣
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Even if your boss didn’t mention a break. ⁣
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You deserve this. You don’t have to earn it. You are worthy of this break and moment away from whatever it is that you’re doing. ⁣
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Please believe me when I tell you this ❤️

Even if you feel like you don’t “need” it. ⁣
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Even if you feel like you weren’t productive enough to deserve one. ⁣
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Even if your boss didn’t mention a break. ⁣
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You deserve this. You don’t have to earn it. You are worthy of this break and moment away from whatever it is that you’re doing. ⁣
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Please believe me when I tell you this ❤️

03/08/2021

Happy International Women’s Day! 💃⁣
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On this day, we celebrate the amazing women we support in our practice. Their courage, vulnerability, grace, humour, drive, and STRENGTH are incredible and it is such an honour to be a part of their journey. ⁣
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Today we’d also like to celebrate the amazing women therapists we know! This field is now dominated by women, and it’s so inspiring to see women supporting other women (and men, and non binary folk) at a time when they themselves are so stretched to the limit. ⁣
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This past year certainly hasn’t been easy, but here women are, persevering and showing up despite the many obstacles thrown at them. The hard work we witness women doing in therapy (and as a therapist!) extends far and wide, into the lives of their loved ones, workplaces, friends, communities, and the world as a whole.⁣
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To all of the amazing women in our lives - thank you, for all that you do and all that you are. Your strength, love, dedication, and perseverance truly makes the world go round.

Happy International Women’s Day! 💃⁣
⁣
On this day, we celebrate the amazing women we support in our practice. Their courage, vulnerability, grace, humour, drive, and STRENGTH are incredible and it is such an honour to be a part of their journey. ⁣
⁣
Today we’d also like to celebrate the amazing women therapists we know! This field is now dominated by women, and it’s so inspiring to see women supporting other women (and men, and non binary folk) at a time when they themselves are so stretched to the limit. ⁣
⁣
This past year certainly hasn’t been easy, but here women are, persevering and showing up despite the many obstacles thrown at them. The hard work we witness women doing in therapy (and as a therapist!) extends far and wide, into the lives of their loved ones, workplaces, friends, communities, and the world as a whole.⁣
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To all of the amazing women in our lives - thank you, for all that you do and all that you are. Your strength, love, dedication, and perseverance truly makes the world go round.

02/23/2021

I was on my morning walk yesterday, and thinking about how depression (and anxiety!) is such a fine balance between easing and pushing. ⁣
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Easing into allowing yourself to feel your feelings, knowing that they have a purpose and deserve to be felt. ⁣
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Easing into your body asking for rest. ⁣
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Easing into permission to not have to respond to things right away. ⁣
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Easing into self-forgiveness that things may look different than usual. ⁣
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But then at a certain point, we also have to push. ⁣
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Pushing to commit to movement, knowing that it is one of the greatest medicines for our bodies. ⁣
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Pushing to still engage in things that are meaningful to you, even when you don’t feel like it. ⁣
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Pushing to take medication or supplements, if these are what we need to support our mental health. ⁣
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Pushing to speak to someone, when we know it’s becoming too much to bear on our own. ⁣
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And so we dance this dance. Giving ourselves ease. Giving ourselves a push. Ease and push, push and ease. Knowing that we are worthy of both these sides. ⁣
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What are ways that you are incorporating ease and push into your day today? 💗

I was on my morning walk yesterday, and thinking about how depression (and anxiety!) is such a fine balance between easing and pushing. ⁣
⁣
Easing into allowing yourself to feel your feelings, knowing that they have a purpose and deserve to be felt. ⁣
⁣
Easing into your body asking for rest. ⁣
⁣
Easing into permission to not have to respond to things right away. ⁣
⁣
Easing into self-forgiveness that things may look different than usual. ⁣
⁣
But then at a certain point, we also have to push. ⁣
⁣
Pushing to commit to movement, knowing that it is one of the greatest medicines for our bodies. ⁣
⁣
Pushing to still engage in things that are meaningful to you, even when you don’t feel like it. ⁣
⁣
Pushing to take medication or supplements, if these are what we need to support our mental health. ⁣
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Pushing to speak to someone, when we know it’s becoming too much to bear on our own. ⁣
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And so we dance this dance. Giving ourselves ease. Giving ourselves a push. Ease and push, push and ease. Knowing that we are worthy of both these sides. ⁣
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What are ways that you are incorporating ease and push into your day today? 💗

01/28/2021

Let’s talk EVERY DAY about mental health.⁣⁣
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It’s great companies are bringing awareness to mental health. But in order to create real change, we need both awareness AND action! ⁣⁣
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Mental health is an issue EVERY DAY for so many people. Day in and day out, we witness the toll that struggles with mental health has had on our clients. On us. On our families and friends. The pandemic only amplifies these concerns, making us feel more isolated and disconnected than ever before. ⁣⁣
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So what can we do about it - today and EVERY day?⁣⁣
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• Share how you’re feeling when it is safe to do so. If you can’t think of a support person you would trust - reach out to mental health helplines. We have numerous ones in our story highlights!⁣⁣
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• Support others. Check in and ask how they’re doing. If you know they are going through a tough time, show up! Offer to drop off groceries, have a video chat, or go for a walk. ⁣⁣
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• Support organizations that support mental health. This includes both mental-health specific programs (like CAMH), and programs that support affordable housing, education, and access to food. ⁣⁣
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•Educate yourself on mental health. The more we know, the less we assume - and this can significantly reduce stigma! ⁣⁣
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•Take care of you. Listen to your body, and give mental health the same care you’d give to your physical health. Make sure you’re taking care of your needs for food, sleep, play, and rest. Stay active, whatever that looks like for you! Walking, dancing, yoga, and playing outside are just a few ways you can look after you ⁣⁣
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•Know that you are not alone! You are loved, you are important, and you are doing an amazing job navigating an incredibly challenging year. ⁣⁣
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If you need to talk to someone, please visit the link in bio to sign up for a free consult call and find out how we may be able to help:

https://rootsinwellness.ca/services/therapy/

Let’s talk EVERY DAY about mental health.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
It’s great companies are bringing awareness to mental health. But in order to create real change, we need both awareness AND action! ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Mental health is an issue EVERY DAY for so many people. Day in and day out, we witness the toll that struggles with mental health has had on our clients. On us. On our families and friends. The pandemic only amplifies these concerns, making us feel more isolated and disconnected than ever before. ⁣⁣
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So what can we do about it - today and EVERY day?⁣⁣
⁣⁣
• Share how you’re feeling when it is safe to do so. If you can’t think of a support person you would trust - reach out to mental health helplines. We have numerous ones in our story highlights!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
• Support others. Check in and ask how they’re doing. If you know they are going through a tough time, show up! Offer to drop off groceries, have a video chat, or go for a walk. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
• Support organizations that support mental health. This includes both mental-health specific programs (like CAMH), and programs that support affordable housing, education, and access to food. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
•Educate yourself on mental health. The more we know, the less we assume - and this can significantly reduce stigma! ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
•Take care of you. Listen to your body, and give mental health the same care you’d give to your physical health. Make sure you’re taking care of your needs for food, sleep, play, and rest. Stay active, whatever that looks like for you! Walking, dancing, yoga, and playing outside are just a few ways you can look after you ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
•Know that you are not alone! You are loved, you are important, and you are doing an amazing job navigating an incredibly challenging year. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
If you need to talk to someone, please visit the link in bio to sign up for a free consult call and find out how we may be able to help:

https://rootsinwellness.ca/services/therapy/

01/22/2021

It’s no secret this year has felt heavy. If you’re feeling the burnout right now - please know that you aren’t alone. A pandemic + changes in our routines + isolation from loved ones + less sunlight + the same expectations from work/school/life is a LOT. It is normal to feel like everything is too much... Because it is! ⁣
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Take a moment for you today. Tune out of all the extra to tune back in again. There’s so much information surrounding us at any given time - from our phones, TV, email - the list goes on. What might it feel like to tune out some of these to tune back IN to you? ⁣
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Maybe tuning in looks like yoga. Journaling. A kitchen dance party. Meditation. Singing at the top of your lungs. Calling a friend. Allowing yourself to cry. Whatever tuning in looks like, know you are worthy of this time and this experience. ⁣
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You might just be surprised what your body and mind tell you, if you give them the opportunity 💗

01/19/2021

Do you spend most of your days on autopilot? When was the last time you slowed down and really savoured the moment? ⁣
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In a recent @calm meditation, narrator Jeff Warren introduced me to a phrase that hasn’t left my mind since - let the good land. There’s no doubt about it - times are hard. But one of the more beautiful aspects of mindfulness (in my opinion) is opening my senses, leaning into a moment, and seeing the potential for the gifts it may bring. Many of us are confronted with news and stories that leave us feeling scared (that’s a post for another day), which is why it’s important to spend time feeling the good stuff - really letting it land. Being mindful as we go through our day allows us to shift, reset our mindset and refocus on choosing an attitude of gratitude. ⁣
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Whether it’s sipping coffee from your favourite cup, putting on your coziest sweater and cuddling on the couch, or spending time quietly watching the winter sun set - what moments, thoughts or feelings can you savour today? - Cassandra ⁣
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Looking to develop a deeper connection wiggle yourself? Contact Cassandra today to book your free phone consultation. We offer online therapy so that you can access the support you need:

https://rootsinwellness.ca/about/cassandraumbriaco/

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Repost from @calm

01/14/2021

Welcome, Cassandra Umbriaco! | Roots in Wellness

Roots in Wellness is thrilled to welcome our newest intern, Cassandra Umbriaco!

Here's some words from Cassandra:

“Healing is possible. I would be honoured to take that journey with you and work together to explore your life, establish goals and bring about change that matters to you. Using the premise of accepting instead avoiding, and being mindful of your thoughts and feelings, you will experience the joy of living as your most authentic self. From unlearning unhelpful patterns to embracing self-compassion, I’ll support you in finding out who you truly are and the courage to embrace it.”

Click the link below to read more about Cassandra, including the life event that called her to become a psychotherapist and how she hopes to one day make a difference in the lives of young women affected by cancer.

https://rootsinwellness.ca/2021/01/14/welcome-cassandra-umbriaco/

Hello readers!  I can hardly believe I’m sitting down to write this blog post.  While writing a blog isn’t new to me, I’m thrilled to be contributing to Roots in Wellness – as a blogger and a student!  I’m the latest Masters in Counselling Psychology student to join the incredible R...

12/26/2020

This year wasn’t an easy one, and there may be many mixed emotions this holiday season. Here’s your gentle and loving reminder that it’s okay to feel them all ❤️⁣
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May you feel connection to those you love, near or far, on this Earth or not. ⁣
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May you experience presence to enjoy the little things, even when it seems there isn’t always much to look forward to. ⁣
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And may you carry hope in your heart for all of the good things to come ahead. ⁣⁣
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Sending you so much love. We are all in this together 😌