On episode 42, Rachael sits down with Corrie Elliott, a Registered Psychotherapist and children's author who brings her wealth of experience working with children, couples, families, and individuals in private practice to the world of storytelling.

Corrie shares the journey behind her books, Ellie’s Emotional Adventure and the newly released Ellie’s Emotional Adventure with Fear. These books are not just captivating stories for children—they are also mental health resources for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals. Through the power of storytelling, Corrie's children's book series helps children understand, validate, and cope with complex emotions like fear, anxiety, and overwhelm.

In this episode we also explore the concept of “pocket ideas” and how acting on these sparks of creativity can lead to fulfilling your creative vision. Whether you're a budding author, a mental health advocate, or someone looking for inspiration to bring your ideas to life, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

Tune in to discover the power of storytelling and the magic of turning small ideas into meaningful contributions to the world.

Links:

https://a.co/d/8RBHVfa

https://a.co/d/cfAs6Z9

Website 

https://www.healthcounselling.ca/meet-corrie

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On Episode 41 we are thrilled to welcome Kelly Spencer, a mindful life enthusiast involved in many different roles. Kelly is an award-winning businesswoman and the proud owner of Indigo Lounge Wellness + Eatery, a beloved community space she’s nurtured for over 13 years.

As a mindfulness specialist and empowerment speaker, Kelly has inspired countless individuals through her transformative work. In 2023, she added another impressive title to her résumé: founder of Red Door Publishing House. After contributing to five collaborative books, Kelly recently launched her latest solo work, The Hole in My Soul: From Spiritual Bankruptcy to Spiritual Abundance.

Beyond her achievements in wellness and publishing, Kelly’s passion for justice led her to the political arena. In 2022, she brought her solution-focused mindset to public service as a municipal council member. No matter the role, Kelly approaches every moment with honesty, light, and a deep commitment to mindfulness.

In this episode, we discuss Kelly’s newest book launch, explore mindful self-leadership, discuss the triumphs of women in business and leadership, and uncover the transformative power of mindfulness.

Tune in for an inspiring and empowering conversation with Kelly Spencer!

Website link: https://www.indigolounge.ca/contact

On episode 40 Michele gathers with author and yoga educator; Sarah Ezrin, to unpack principles of parenting and delve into concepts of her book ‘The Yoga of Parenting: 10 Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with your Kids, and Be Kind to Yourself.’ 

On the episode we discuss:

• The structure and flow of her book – containing postures, breath breaks, 'parenting in practice' and from 'mat to family'
• Nervous system needs as a unique and variable experience 
• Modelling using the breath and children as observers 
• How to support parents in attending to themselves in challenging seasons
• Defining yoga properly; finding the way that aspects of yoga are already present in your day-to-day moments 
• Using the senses to anchor yourself in moments of struggle and being pulled in multiple directions  
• Global challenges in maternal mental health
• Navigating the need for villages of support and how to remember the connectedness that is possible; making eye contact, holding the door open, complimenting a stranger, checking in with your friends 
• Diving into Sarah’s holistic health as we chat about food, sleep, movement, mindset
• Sarah’s new 6 week-course launch; From Surviving to Thriving 

 Listen to the end and settle in for a nourishing gratitude meditation; pulling together all the compassion and warmth that we can all appreciate. 
 

Links:

Website:

https://sarahezrinyoga.com/

Link to Purchase Her Book:

https://yogaofparentingbook.com

Instagram:

@sarahezrinyoga

Sarah’s 6-week course ‘From Surviving to Thriving’ August 8, 2024

https://sarah-ezrin.mykajabi.com/beta-launch

On Episode 39, Matt is joined by guest Carrie Haynes who is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, group facilitator, podcaster, adjunct professor and mentor focusing on assisting clinicians and guides in leading impactful groups. Carrie is the host of the podcast- 'The Art of Groups' and has a wealth of experience in training and guiding fellow therapists in developing and integrating group work into their practices. 

On this episode we discuss:

• The benefits and efficacy of group therapy
• The business side of groups
• Integrating psychedelics and group work
• Bridging western psychology with ancient spiritual wisdom
• Different types of groups: process, psychoeducational, circle, open vs. closed groups
• Common mistakes when running groups
• Advice for new therapists and clinicians that want to run groups

To learn more about Carrie Haynes and how you work with her visit her WEBSITE and SOCIAL MEDIA

To find out more about the 'Art of Groups' podcast click HERE

To connect with Carrie Haynes you can contact her HERE

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On Episode 38, Matt is joined by guest Jerry Reynolds PhD, LSW, MSW who is an assistant professor in the Social Work department at Ball State University and is the current president of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS). Jerry has a doctorate in social work with 20 years of experience in the field and his experience as an athlete, coach, researcher, professor and social worker has led to a wealth of knowledge on social workers working in sports. 

On this episode we discuss:

• The creation and evolution of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS) 
• Jerry's journey as athlete, coach, social worker, professor, researcher and president of ASWIS 
• ASWIS partnerships with Sport Social Work Certificate Program + Sport Social Work Journal
• Viewing athletes as a vulnerable population
• The Athlete identity
• How social workers are equipped to work with athletes in a unique way
• Sport social work across the globe
• Spectator behaviours and negative parenting behaviors
• Social workers in sport scope of practice + the importance of collaboration
• Getting involved and the importance of a community in social work

To learn more about the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) and how you can become a member visit their WEBSITE and follow them on INSTAGRAM

To find out more about ASWIS's upcoming 10th Annual Social Workers in Sports Symposium click HERE

Check out ASWIS's- Social Workers in Sport Field Manual HERE

To connect with Jerry Reynolds you can contact him at [email protected]

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Episode 37, host Rachael Fowler explores the remarkable impact of therapeutic gardening for individuals with dementia alongside guest Rebekah Churchyard, MSW, RSW, PMP.  Join us as we delve into Green Care Farms Inc.'s mission to foster purpose, belonging, and vitality through sustainable, organic practices. Our guest, Rebekah Churchyard, shares her journey spearheading this initiative, which is driven by her extensive experience in social work and geriatric services. Rebekah's commitment to bringing Green Care Farms to every community in Canada reflects her passion for enhancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia. 

After spending more than 10 years in healthcare, policy, and social work, Rebekah's personal journey led her to realize the need for more creative solutions for older adults navigating cognitive decline outside of the public sector. This realization gave birth to Green Care Farms Inc. in Milton, Ontario, a social enterprise supporting community connection for people with dementia and their caregivers, providing a day program for people with dementia on a farm. 

Rebekah Churchyard holds a Master of Social Work in Gerontology and works in Specialized Geriatric Services. As a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Psychotherapist, Rebekah combines her expertise to advocate for the well-being of older adults everywhere! Rebekah's history of leadership, including her role as Vice President of the Toronto Council on Aging Board of Directors and her role as an Accountability Table member with the City of Toronto's Seniors Strategy, reflects her dedication to improving care for older adults and community services.

Join us in our exploration of resilience and innovation in healthcare and wellness. Discover how the therapeutic gardening program at Green Care Farms Inc. is not just reshaping, but blooming the landscape of dementia care in Canada, providing a vibrant and nurturing environment for individuals with dementia. 

On this episode we discuss: 

• Progressive models and approaches for dementia care
• Rebekah's journey in creating Green Care Farms Inc.
• Respite, programming and opportunities for caregivers and people with dementia
• Innovative healthcare practices
• Social Work & Gerontology 
• Bridging nature, gardening, horticulture & outdoor spaces into Social Work practices
• Community based initiatives and the importance of volunteering
• Tips for new social workers

Check out Green Care Farms in Milton, Ontario website HERE and follow on Instagram  for updates on events and how to get involved.

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Episode 36 Matt is joined by Clinical Psychologist- Dr. Elizabeth McMahon Ph.D. who has been practicing for over 40 years and is a pioneer in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for treating Anxiety, Fears and Phobias.

Elizabeth worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for 32 years and has since worked in private practice in San Francisco while also writing two treatment workbooks:

For Clients: Overcoming Anxiety and Panic- Interactive Guide
For Therapists: Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety- A Guide for Therapists

Elizabeth helps both clients and therapists utilize VR as a tool to overcome anxiety, fear and phobias. She has a BLOG on Psychology Today and is an advisor, consultant, trainer and author. She is currently offering a 6 hour training on PESI.com titled- Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment: A How To Guide to Using VR for More Practical, Rapid and Effective Exposure Therapy

On this episode we discuss:

• The evolution and future of VR for treating anxiety and phobias
• Preparation and setup when using VR for anxiety
• Breaking the cycle of anxiety
• Tech and VR apps
• Case examples and treating anxiety and phobias with VR
• Fear of flying, public speaking and common fears and phobias
• Tips for new therapists

To find out more about Elizabeth or to connect with her visit her WEBSITE

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

The time has come for a new season of the podcast!

Matt is back after a long hiatus with some updates on the show including new hosts, a quick snapshot of his 2 year absence and a reflection on how the show has impacted his life and career.

Stay tuned for more episodes coming for Season 5!

If you like the show- let us know, subscribe, give us a rating and check us out on INSTAGRAM

On Ep 35 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services in Sarnia, ON. 

Michele chats with Eric Corda who is a Registered Massage Therapist in Sarnia at the Sarnia Chiropractic and Performance Centre.  Michele and Eric do deep dive into the support experiences he has had with athletes locally and around the world. Eric’s expertise goes beyond the physical realm and into supporting the whole individual. 

Eric became a Registered Massage Therapist in 1999 after graduating from Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Eric has received further postgraduate training in a variety of courses that he combines to provide a comprehensive treatment for his patients. Some of the techniques Eric may apply include myofascial release, neurofunctional acupuncture, soft tissue release, K-Laser therapy, advanced sports massage and joint mobilization. Eric has worked with athletes from several different sports and at various levels of competition including local clubs, minor and junior hockey organizations, collegiate and university athletics as well as international sports competitions. Some of the outstanding teams and competitions Eric has been a part of include the Sarnia Sting (OHL), 2018 Commonwealth Games, 2018 U20 World Athletics Championships, OHL Gold Cup (Team Alliance), 2005 World Transplant Games, 2001 IAAF World Track and Field Championships. Eric is an active member of the Ontario Massage Therapists Association. Eric is also a Level II member of the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association.

On the episode we discuss:

•  His passion for working with athletes and teams  
• His experience travelling and supporting athletes locally and worldwide at several competitions 
• The Transplant Games
•  Experience of supporting athlete mental health when impacted by injury
• Discipline and drive 
• The monetization of the dream 
•  Working through mental blocks
• Athlete confidence in knowing their own bodies and articulating kinesthetic connections
• Setting boundaries around support staff and the community you are a part of
• Trusting your gut 

Links:

Eric Corda Bio & Contact at Sarnia Chiropractic and Performance Centre:

https://www.sarniasportschiro.com/eric-corda.html

On Ep 34 guest host- Michele McPherson is back with another episode in a mini series on mental performance and athlete mental health. You may recognize Michele from our first ever episode and again on Ep 14 where she discussed the use of EMDR and Yoga. Michele is a Social Worker, Yoga Instructor and program head of a Mental Performance Program called Perform through Southwest Counselling Services in Sarnia, ON. 

Michele sits down with Carolyne Prevost who was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada and who has had a lifetime of being an athlete. Sports and physical activity have always played a huge part in Carolyne's life and she has participated in gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, hockey, soccer, and CrossFit. 

Over the years, she has won multiple national championship titles in different sports as well as played on several National teams. Carolyne has experience training at both the individual and team level.

Currently Carolyne is a high-school teacher as well as professional hockey player in the PWHPA (Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association) on team Sonnet, while simultaneously training and competing in CrossFit. 

Carolyne is no stranger to maintaining a rigorous schedule and in our conversation, we talk about balancing training with life and how to support healthy mental health along the way. 

On the episode we discuss:

• Balancing her career as a teacher as well as professional athlete
• Overcoming challenges after injuries
• Importance of support networks
• Use of breathing techniques to help under pressure when competing 
• Food, sleep, movement, and mindset 
• Recovery and listening to your body
• Taking mental breaks between sports/seasons 
• Positive aspects of social media to promote athlete achievements
• Positive mentor – James Taylor, Tae Kwon Do coach 

Links:

CrossFit Stats:

https://games.crossfit.com/athlete/239148

Elite Prospects Hockey Stats:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/367158/carolyne-prevost

Instagram:

@cprevost27