Bloom Psychotherapy
20-850 King St., W. L1J8N5 Oshawa, ON, Canada

Is your brain running on overdrive? Do you feel like your brain just won’t shut off? No matter what you try, your thoughts overtake you and you get all caught up in them? ... Maybe it happens when: You’re lying in bed, desperately trying to fall asleep You’re looking at your to-do list and the tasks just keep adding up You’re trying to play with your kids and want desperately to be present, but can.not.stop.thinking. You’re with your partner and trying to connect, but you feel unfocused and are mentally creating a grocery list You might question what’s wrong with you. You might feel guilty, or just completely overwhelmed. This is anxiety. When the brain is overwhelmed, it has a hard time shutting down and attempts to take control of anxiety by preparing. Anxiety creeps in when we are focused on the future, and tricks us into believing that we just need to prepare more, and then we’ll feel better. Overwhelm is a sign that something needs to change. The best way to feel less anxious is to start small. Try ONE of the following suggestions. If it feels good, add in another! Pause, reflect, and prioritize only 3 things to do today. Pull out your journal for a thought dump and put all of your thoughts on paper and then put the paper away - better yet, destroy it! Spend 5 minutes just focusing on your breath. Get some exercise or movement - extra points if this can be done outside! Do one task that really fills you up. Can you do this task mindfully and try and engage all of your senses? Our brains aren’t wired to multitask and when we feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s natural for the brain to work differently. What will you try to do today to give your brain a little rest? Let us know in the comments below. See more

It’s been a year. If you are finding that your anxiety is high- you’re not alone. Rates of anxiety and low mood are skyrocketing. For some, is has become increasingly difficult to cope. There has been loss- such extreme loss- in many aspects of life. There has been trauma for some. Life has changed drastically and there is no end date. As we approach the end of 2020, you may feel a sense of relief and you may also feel trepidation about what 2021 will bring. Do you st...ill have benefits to use? This is the perfect time. We currently have some availability for new and returning clients throughout December. Your benefits don’t carry over, so don’t let 2020 take something else from you! Click on the link in our bio to book.

A couple of daytime appointments have become available this week. Book on Jane App! #teletherapy #cbt #anxiety #depressionhelp #overwhelmed #overwhelmedmom #ppd #anxietyrelief

Meet Carrie-Lynn! Carrie-Lynn supports women, men and their partners, who are experiencing infertility, pregnancy or infant loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, as well as individual or relationship concerns that may arise during these transitions. She has been a practicing therapist over the past 8 years and over the last 15 years has supported children, adolescents and parents with their mental wellbeing.... Through her own experience with pregnancy loss and postpartum anxiety, Carrie-Lynn understands that it can be difficult to share your experience. She strives to create a supportive and empathic space which allows you to share your struggles and to formulate strategies to increase balance and confidence, allowing you to feel empowered in all areas of your life. Click the link in our bio to book an appointment with Carrie-Lynn!

Virtual Therapy We’ve offered virtual therapy since pre-COVID, as we feel the benefits are enormous. Although some were hesitant when everything moved virtual, a large majority of clients now say they’ll never go back to in-person. But initiating therapy can be intimidating and doing it from your phone or computer might feel confusing or strange.... What does virtual therapy look like? When you book an appointment with us, we set you up in our online practice management system, so everything can be done from your phone or computer. The day of your scheduled session, you receive a notice email with a link to access your session. It’s that easy! You just need a quiet, private place to sit, a computer or mobile device, and a decent internet connection. Virtual therapy has many benefits: Increased confidentiality No travel, so it can fit better into your schedule. It’s location independent, so you can find a therapist who specializes in the issues you’re experiencing, without having to worry where they are located. No need for childcare You can be in a space that feels safe and comfortable to you. We love that we can connect with clients all over Ontario- and beyond! Any questions or want to learn more? Follow the link in our bio! #whitbymoms #momaf #parenting #momlife #momlifeisthebestlife #fourthtrimester #overdue #attachmentparenting #oshawamoms #pickeringmoms #torontomommies #durhamregionmoms #ttc #1in5 #postpartum #depressed #minimalistmoms #pregnancy #ajax #whitby #perinatalmentalhealth #momguilt #momsofboys #canadianmoms #motherhoodlife #mommyainteasy #torontomoms See more

What is Mindfulness? The goal of mindfulness is not to silence your mind or attempt to make it free of thoughts; it’s not to achieve a state of endless calm. Mindfulness has a much simpler goal: to bring your attention to the present moment as it is, without judgment. You are attempting to stop trying to control or change your thoughts and feelings, but to remain open to and curious about them... and allow them to come, stay or go as they please. Mindfulness helps you to act calmly and accept your feelings, no matter how upset, anxious, angry or stressed you are. The aim of mindfulness is to increase awareness so that you can respond to situations with choice rather than react automatically. I invite you to close your eyes and bring your awareness to your inner experience; then acknowledge it, and ask: What is my experience right now? What thoughts are going through your mind? Put them into words if it’s helpful. What emotions are here? When you acknowledge and name emotions, you remove some of their power. What body sensations are here right now? Scan your body to pick up any sensations and acknowledge them! Mindfulness is a return to observing the present moment as it is. Our minds often get carried away in thought, which can lead to anxiety. That’s why mindfulness is the practice of returning, again and again, to the present. Just remember - try not to judge the thoughts come up. Just practice recognizing when your mind has wandered off, and gently bring it back. Do you have a hard time being mindful? #mindfulmama #momhelp #momsupport #mommyrage #exhaustedmom #tiredmommy #exhaustedmommy #barriemoms #durhamregion #mommyandme #mommyneedsabreak #whitbymoms See more

Have you met Renata? She's Social Worker/Psychotherapist with Bloom Psychotherapy. When Renata became a mom for the first time, she found she was overwhelmed with the pressure of perfection, the influx of doubt and worry, and well intended advice of "it gets easier when they're older". She knew that she wanted it to be easier and more joyful now. Renata soon realized the key to her journey was finding her own balance, her own way, and her own joy, by conn...ecting to herself first and foremost. After working in the mental health field for over 8 years, Renata has a passion for connecting with others in their life's journey. With an eclectic style of different counselling modalities, she offers a variety of strategies that will help and support you in your own path. She believes that by connecting with ourselves, our values, and our loved ones, we can find an authentic and grounded path with many joyful moments to embrace during the unpredictable, demanding, and emotional journey of motherhood. Renata also speaks fluent Polish! Check out our website: www.bloompsychotherapy.ca to learn more about Renata! #socialworker #durhamregion #momlife #workingmom #workingfromhome #workfromhomemama #momhelp #sahmlife #whitbymoms #durhamregionmoms #oshawamoms #brooklinmoms #momquotes #momlifeisthebestlife #polishmommy #polishmom #therapy #torontomoms #1in5 #newmom #ppd #mentalhealthawareness See more

Looking for an addition to our team! You must be passionate about supporting women throughout the perinatal period and have extensive experience. Training and experience in working with couples is also required. As our work is virtual, you can be from anywhere in Ontario! ... Please feel free to share with those who may be interested. #psychotherapy #psychotherapist #ontariosocialworkersassociation #socialworker #cbt #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #postpartumsupportinternational #postpartumsupport #hiring #toronto #ontario #ontariocanada

Can you take a few moments this weekend to get outside in the and take a few deep breaths? If your week has been exhausting, overwhelming, depleting, excruciating or melancholy- we see you. Are you able to pause, connect to your breath and contemplate one thing you are grateful for? It can be tough to do when things are feeling so hard. Today, we are grateful for the great privilege we have to do the work we do. To hear your stories, to observe massive transformation. To be...ar witness to the journey . Can you take some space, a moment, a pause, this weekend, to feel the sun in your skin, to ground yourself, to connect with your breath, to find gratitude. Just one thing. If your week has been hard- we see you. #brooklinmoms #whitbymoms #oshawamoms #portperry #lakescugog #uxbridgemoms #bowmanvillemoms #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #barriemoms #ttc #ttccommunity #ppd #postpartum #postpartumdepression #pmdd #teletherapy #momlife #momofboys #momoftwo #momof3 #momofgirls #duein2020 #duein2021

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Each year, thousands of parents across Canada mourn the loss of their babies. All pregnancy and infant loss is significant, regardless of when the loss occurs. The grief is heavy and due to stigma, is often very isolating. Many parents are left feeling unable to talk about their babies and their grief. What can you do to support others? ... Help Break the Silence! Say their name- Remember babies with their parents to help keep their memory alive. Acknowledge their existence. Continue to show support- Just because someone returns to work or seems to be coping, doesn’t mean they still don’t need support. Light a candle- Simple gestures like this can show parents you care and want to support them. Remember that there is no right thing to say. If you don’t know what to say, this is natural. Be willing to show that you are there and willing to listen, even if you don’t know what words to use. Try : I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been through this. Also, try and consider the language you use when approaching individuals who have suffered such a loss. Please don’t try to find the silver lining. Being reminded that one can have another baby or that it wasn’t meant to be is not helpful. Allow each person to navigate their own grief journey, without judgment. For those who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, we see you. Your pain is real and valid and just know, you are not alone #durhamregionmoms #brooklinmoms #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #ihadamiscarriage #rainbowbaby #postpartum #babylossawareness #breakthesilence #postpartumsupport #grievingmother #griefandloss #whitbymoms #ttc #ttccommunity #ttcjourney #oshawamoms

How are you doing? We know this wasn’t what you planned. Maybe your fertility treatments were paused and now things are feeling delayed. ... Maybe you’re navigating changing/not yet know birth plans. Maybe you’re feeling more isolated and alone than ever. Maybe you’re feeling anxious. Like, really anxious. Maybe you’re exhausted and just so tired of doing it alone. Maybe the world is feeling extra heavy right now and you don’t know what to think or who to trust or believe. Wherever you are at, we see you. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It doesn’t need to feel this hard. What are you doing to take care of yourself today? Drop some ideas below or tag a friend who needs to hear some mental and emotional self-care suggestions #durhamregionmoms #whitbymoms #bowmanvillemoms #barriemoms #ottawamoms #selfcare #ttc #infertilitysucks #infertilityjourney #barriemoms #momofboys #momofgirls #overdue #dueindecember #dueinnovember #dueinjanuary #momlife #attachmentparenting #momlifebelike#momlifeisthebestlife #minimalistmom #tiredaf #mommy See more

Anxiety is real- anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in North America, and it is estimated that 1 in 3-5 women will experience an anxiety disorder in her lifetime. A 2018 poll of 1,500 Canadians found that 41% of those surveyed identified themselves as "someone who struggles with anxiety". One third had been diagnosed with anxiety. Anxiety levels are on the rise, and there are so many factors that influence this.#. Did you know: Multiple studies show tha...t psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in particular) is MORE effective in treating anxiety than medication? Please don't suffer alone. If you are feeling consumed with worry or fear, have interrupted sleep, feel unable to stay calm or still, experience headaches, stomachaches, nausea, heart palpitations/racing heart, weak, restless, tense, intense anger, low patience, or just don't feel "yourself"- reach out to your health care provider and a therapist. You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will get better. Click on the link in our bio to access support. #durhamregionmoms #durhamregionmom #durhamregion #durhammoms #oshawamoms #whitbymoms #whitbymom #brooklinmoms #ajaxmoms #pickeringmoms #portperrymoms #bowmanvillemoms #courticemoms #cbttherapy #hypnotherapy #maternalmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealthawareness #maternalmentalhealthmatters #ppd #pmdd #postpartum #perinatalmentalhealth #therapy See more

Needing to chat? If you’re an existing client and have been on the waitlist for an appointment, you have already been contacted. Email [email protected] to book.... #whitbymoms #oshawamoms #oshawa #pickeringmoms #ajaxmoms #amidwifehelpedmeout #bowmanvillemoms #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #portperry #uxbridge #teletherapy See more

Needing some support? Heather has openings for existing clients this week, and Renata has openings for new and existing clients. Contact us to book! #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #barriemoms #bowmanvillemoms #lakeridgehealth #worldmentalhealthday #octoberispregnancyandinfantlossawarenessmonth #postpartum

Today is #worldmentalhealthday and we wanted to use this opportunity to remind you that depression and anxiety are the number 1 postpartum complication. #1in5 women will experience a perinatal mood disorder and #1in3 women will experience a mental health issue in her lifetime. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Symptoms may include: ... Excessive Worrying Feeling Nervous, Irritable or on Edge Having an Increased Heart Rate Dizziness, Hot Flashes, Nausea Feeling Weak or Tired Difficulty Concentrating Having Trouble Sleeping Racing Thoughts Feeling Like Something Bad is Going to Happen Feeling Out of Control or Like you are Going Crazy The signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression differ for everyone, but these are some of the more common symptoms. Just know that anxiety is common during pregnancy and even more common postpartum, and is treatable. Anxiety doesn’t always look like we think it does- it can include any or all of the above-noted concerns, however many women experiencing anxiety say they just don’t feel like themselves. You may be having trouble with scary, intrusive thoughts, or worry about your baby. Anxiety is the most common concern we see in our practice, and it can affect anyone, even those without a history of depression or anxiety. Research has shown that talk therapy is an effective way to treat anxiety, so please don’t suffer alone. If you would like support to begin to understand and manage anxiety, please connect with us! Renata and Heather #brooklinmoms #oshawamoms #bowmanvillemoms #ottawamoms #whitbymoms #kingstonmoms #yorkregionmoms #barriemoms #durhamregionmoms #waterloomoms #guelphmoms #postpartum #momoftwo #momlife #attachmentparenting #perinataldepression #ppd #ppdawareness #depressionhelp #momaf

Why do we fail to prioritize ourselves? Do you place the needs of others before your own? Do you miss out on taking care of yourself because you’re so busy taking care of everybody else? It’s about time you put yourself first.... You might be thinking. How? I’m already so overwhelmed. Save this post for later. Create a daily ritual. This could be anything big, small or in between, that that you love and that fills you with joy. Some things you can incorporate: daily journal, making a delicious coffee, taking time to read a good book, slowly and gently brushing your hair. Embrace imperfect action. Sometimes, done is better than perfect. Acknowledge that there are times that your time and energy is better saved for elsewhere. Identify your time wasters. Mindless social media scrolling, daily grocery store runs (rather than weekly), checking your phone first thing in the morning. Limit these time wasters and use the ‘saved’ time for you. Remember, you can’t give what you don’t have. By making yourself a priority you’re setting an example and a standard for those around you. Tag a friend that needs to her this #brooklinmoms #bowmanvillemoms #fertility #infertility #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #minimalistmom #ttc #oshawamoms #pregnancy #momaf #adoption #family #parentingishard #selfcare #momlife #coffee #butfirstcoffee #torontomoms #4thtrimester #newborn #durhamregionmoms #whitbymoms #scugog #mindfulness #momming #bowmanvillemoms See more

Did you know your partner’s parenting style before you had kids? This would be ideal, but it very rarely happens. Don’t worry - it’s not too late to start. Talk about it... Share your parenting philosophies with each other. Talk about how you were parented and what you would do the same as or differently than your own parents. Talk about what reasonable discipline looks like, appropriate bedtimes, allowance, everything you can think of. Create rules together Nothing will set you up better for failure than having vague and differing house rules. Be open to ideas and suggestions your partner may have, but remember, it’s easier to enforce rules that everyone agrees on. Agree on consequences If your parenting styles conflict, you’ll need to make some compromises. Try to have an understanding of specific consequences for breaking certain rules. And finally Back each other up There’s no point in having a set of rules if one parent is going to consistently change the consequences. It’s tempting to let unhappy kids out of their consequences, but you’ll be sending the wrong message to your kids (that you can be divided and conquered). Are yours and your partner’s parenting styles so different that coming to an understanding feels out of reach? We can help. Click the link in our bio to make your appointment. #brooklinmoms #bowmanvillemoms #fertility #infertility #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #minimalistmom #ttc #oshawamoms #pregnancy #momaf #adoption #family #dadlife #parentingishard #4thtrimester #momoftwo #momofboys #momofgirls #torontomoms See more

This is what we did with our baby.. it worked for us, you should do it too If you have a baby, you’ve probably received unsolicited parenting advice. People who care about you and your baby feel like they can freely give advice. But, it’s your baby, and in the end, you will raise your child the way that you think is best. It’s rarely worth creating a war over a well-meaning person’s comments.... Here’s a phrase that you can use in response to almost any piece of advice: This may not be the right way for you, but it’s the right way for me. No matter how you raise your child(ren), you’ll hear about it. Having someone close to you criticize your parenting hurts, but even an offhand comment from a stranger can sting. Your best bet is to breathe through it, use the phrase above, or thank them for the advice. If you do decide to ask for advice, remember to clearly vocalize what kind of support you need and that your family is unique and not everything will work the same. Take what works and leave what doesn’t. And try not to read between the lines. Have a friend who needs to hear this? Tag them below #momtruths #momstruggles #mommemes #fourthtrimester #4thrrimester #momlifebelike #motherhoodlife #mamahood #postpartumlife #postprtummom #realmomlife #newmomstruggles #momconfessions #mommylife #scarymommy #mommyneedsabreak #honestmama #thisispostpartum #thisismotherhood #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #oshawa #bowmanville #whitby #ajaxmoms #brooklinmoms See more

I just want to be seen and heard. Have you ever been to a medical appointment and had this thought? Have you ever wanted to bring up a subject with your medical advisor but were too scared or felt like you were going to be judged by them? ... We know what that’s like. We’ve both had to speak up when it came to our health & wellness. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Here’s the thing. Self-advocacy does not mean that you have to wave a banner, give speeches or yell from the top of buildings. In the personal context, it means that you arm yourself with the tools and skills necessary to feel comfortable about asserting yourself and communicating clearly about your mental health care needs. It ultimately means that you are taking responsibility and assuming some control of your life circumstances and your mental health. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries before you find the right person who will listen without judgement, validate how you’re feeling and support your decisions. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about us, or send us a DM and we’d be happy to tell you more about us. And if we're not the right fit for you, no worries, sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find the right person. #momtruths #momstruggles #mommemes #fourthtrimester #4thtrimester #momlifebelike #motherhoodlife #mamahood #postpartumlife #postprtummom #realmomlife #newmomstruggles #momconfessions #mommylife #scarymommy #mommyneedsabreak #honestmama #thisispostpartum #thisismotherhood #durhamregion #durhamregionmoms #oshawa #bowmanville #whitby #ajax #ajaxmoms #brooklin #brooklinmoms #torontomoms See more

Last minute teletherapy appointments available! 3:00 and 5:00. Email: [email protected] to book. Specializing in working with prenatal and postpartum women and mothers throughout the parenting journey... #whitbymoms #oshawamoms #durhamregion #brooklinmoms #bowmanvillemoms #ajaxmoms #pickeringmoms #bramptonmoms #auroramoms #uxbridgemoms #portperrymoms

Feeling like you need to chat? Virtual sessions available this week and next with a Registered Social Worker. Specializing in working with women, particularly throughout the #perinatal period and #motherhood journey. Call us today to see if we might be able to help you. #durhamregion #simcoecounty #yorkregion #oshawamoms #whitbymoms #barriemoms #bradfordmoms #bowmanvillemoms #pickeringmoms #ajaxmoms #socialworker #counselling #torontomommies #mommylife #mommyandme #virtualtherapy #covid_19 #covidschooling #covidstyle #covidsucks #ppd #pmddawareness #postpartumdepression #newborn #dueinseptember #dueinnovember #dueinoctober

Disbelief, anger, sadness, guilt, blame, anxiety, and depression. The losses of infertility can create these powerful emotions. Infertility is an experience that can strike at the very core of who we are. Our sense of self, connection to others, values, roles, goals and dreams.... The ability to procreate can be considered one of the most basic of all human drives. This can move people toward a quest for fertility and family, yet it can be a journey that does not always happen as expected. When a person is struggling with infertility, it can impact many aspects of their life. Mostly, it brings up these powerful emotions that can be identified as grief. These feelings can be like a never-ending roller-coaster ride of emotions that go up and down and all around, without an end in sight. The ability to grieve the losses of infertility can also be challenged due to the nature of the experience. It is also made more difficult because it is a profound loss that is invisible to others and, in fact, feels like a gaping wound or hole that cannot be seen, or often understood, by the fertile world. Sometimes, the consequence is that couples end up experiencing intense emotions in isolation. If you are feeling these powerful emotions surrounding infertility, click the link in our bio to schedule a time to chat. Please don’t isolate. We see you. #infertilityawareness #ttc #durhamregion #infertility #surrogacy #simcoecounty #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #infertilityawareness #infertilitysucks #infertilitywarrior #infertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #pregnancylossawareness #pregnancyloss #pregnancylosssupport #ttcjourney #ttcsupport #durhamregionmoms #tryingtoconceive #tryingtostaypositive #stillbornstillloved See more