BEAUTIFUL BRAINS BLOG
We’re invested in your mental health and wellbeing. Our blog posts focus on topics related to ADHD, mental health, relationships, substance use and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.
Humour in Therapy: Regulating the Nervous System, One Laugh at a Time
Humour in therapy might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about mental health, but it holds a surprising power to transform moments of tension into connection. By exploring how laughter can signal safety to the nervous system and create an authentic bond between therapist and client, we uncover its profound role in fostering healing. Through this blog, we invite you to consider how integrating humour into the therapeutic process can build bridges of trust and ease, helping clients feel truly seen and supported on their journey.
Rediscovering the True "Self": A Deep Dive into Personal Wellness and Self-Care
Understanding the "Self" often starts by sifting through the early threads of our upbringing, sometimes confronting painful truths about the spaces we weren't allowed to explore freely. As we unpack and redefine Self-care, shedding the layers shaped by patriarchal and colonial narratives, we invite a broader, more authentic integration of self-care practices that resonates deeply with our true being. Through this blog, we endeavour to guide you in finding harmony across the eight domains of wellness, encouraging a holistic approach that aligns the physical, spiritual, emotional, and beyond, crafting a personal wellness journey that truly feels like your own.
How to Be a ‘Good Enough’ Queer Parent: Letting Go of Perfection
Explore how 'good enough parenting' can enhance connections in queer families by embracing imperfection and focusing on repair. Discover how releasing unrealistic expectations, particularly for queer and trans parents, nurtures authentic relationships with their children. Gain practical insights into supporting queerspawn, fostering open communication, and creating space for both parents and children to embrace their full, imperfect selves.
Observing Autistic Strengths in Neurodivergence Affirming Therapy
Discover how recognizing and harnessing autistic strengths can enhance the therapeutic process. Explore five key strengths—creative thinking, pattern recognition, a strong sense of justice, hyper-systemizing, and special interests—and learn how these can be leveraged to support clients in reaching their goals. This strengths-based approach not only aligns therapy with the individual's unique qualities but also fosters greater self-compassion and personal growth.
How I Use Internal Family Systems Therapy to Support Myself and My Clients
Explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy can enhance therapeutic relationships by recognizing and showing compassion towards different parts of oneself. Discover how this approach helps therapists maintain presence and avoid burnout by fostering Self energy, characterized by groundedness and calm. Learn practical steps to engage with IFS, such as specific training recommendations and ways to build connections with your own protective parts.
Easing Our Anxiety By Embracing Our Distress
Discover insights on managing anxiety by embracing it with compassion and acceptance. Learn how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can help decrease anxiety by recognizing and showing compassion towards different parts of yourself. Uncover opportunities for relief and personal growth within your distress.
Using Art and Creative Practices to Connect to Your Authentic Self
Discover the healing potential within yourself through art. Therapy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, and Expressive Arts Therapy can be a powerful means for self-care and understanding. Embrace self-expression, break free from societal norms, and discover the profound benefits of art and play.
ADHD and Sleep: Understanding the Connection
Sleep challenges frequently accompany ADHD, a shared struggle across all ages; this article explores the relationship between the two and offers strategies for better rest.
How to Embrace Change: The Benefits, the Fear and the Strategies
Discover insights on managing change, focusing on its inherent benefits, fears, and essential strategies. Learn to navigate transformations effectively, uncovering opportunities for growth and self-discovery within every change.
Preserving Friendships in Couples: The Playful Path to Lasting Love
Explore why prioritizing friendship and fun is essential for lasting love. Get practical tips to infuse joy into your relationship. Dive in now.
Trans allyship 101: 5 tips to get you started.
How to navigate relationships in a multicultural family.
Growing up in a multicultural family is simultaneously enriching and challenging. Here are some practical tips from relationship therapist Yasmin Dahleh on how to sustain and improve these relationships.
Is Covid-19 the New Relationship Incubator?
What can we learn about relationships from couples cohabitating together during COVID-19? Relationship researcher Mishele Kaplan shares how couples coped and used the pandemic as a catalyst to improve their relationships.
How to Find the Right Therapist: Considering their theory of change.
How to find the right therapist: Choosing a therapist for (and with) your parts.
“Listen to your inner wisdom as it emerges in feelings, sensations and knowings. Notice the tension in your body and how it responds to the words and presence of your would be mental health care provider. Listen to your inner protectors, are they creating distance or inviting closeness… Look for the parts of you that are longing for connection and healing. The parts that need to be seen, heard and felt. Do they feel safe in the presence of this prospective counsellor?”
Slowing Down Instead of Speeding Up: A guide to student mental health in September.
Student sits at a white table typing on a laptop computer with a cup of tea and plant. The book “the tipping point” sits to their right and a notebook and pen sit to their left.
A uniquely portable magic: Books as a tool to make the most out of therapy.
Books, an excellent tool in therapy and a uniquely portable magic. Offering our therapists favourite recommendations to help you get the most out of therapy.
Trans Day of Visibility: On being visible as a trans therapist.
“There are times I feel scared to be so open about my identity by my strength and motivation to share is refreshed when this openness allows me to connect more quickly and deeply with people”
Seeking Assessment and Treatment of Adult ADHD in Ontario
If you think you might have ADHD, read this quick primer on navigating access to an assessment, diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD in Ontario.
Beautiful Brains Blog
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