Fortitude Wellness Journey

04/06/2026

We’re excited to welcome to our team, a Masters level practitioner offering grounded, compassionate support for individuals, children, and families.

Cristen (she/her) is a Registered Social Service Worker and Early Childhood Educator, currently completing her Master of Social Work. Drawing on attachment theory and an eclectic blend of narrative therapy, CBT, and mindfulness, she supports individuals in exploring patterns, building self understanding, and navigating life transitions.

With experience supporting children, individuals, and families, she fosters a space grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and care, where meaningful, growth feels possible.

Cristen is a part of our Affordable Therapy Program, with limited pro bono and sliding scale spots available - bookings opening May 2026. If you feel Cristen could be a good fit, we invite you to reach out to connect.

🪴 www.fortitudewellnessjourney.com
📧 info@fortitudewellnessjourney.com
📞 705-770-1694

04/02/2026

Autism Acceptance Month can be a starting point, but the deeper invitation is ongoing: to listen more closely, to remain curious, and to expand our capacity to hold differences without judgement.

Because there is no single “right” way to think, feel, communicate, or exist. And when we begin to meet each other in that understanding, we create spaces where more people can show up as they are, not as who they’ve been taught they need to be.

April 2 is World Autism Day, with April being Autism Acceptance Month. April offers more than awareness, it opens a space for understanding, inclusion, and a deeper appreciation of neurodivergent ways of being. Click here to learn more!

03/26/2026

Not all thoughts need to be challenged.

Some thoughts want you to engage with them but the more you try, the louder they get. That’s often the difference between anxious thoughts and intrusive thoughts.

If “challenging the thought” hasn’t been helping, it might just be the wrong tool. Check out some tools you can try instead:

Noticing Without Engaging: “I’m having a thought that…” This creates a bit of space between you and the thought.
 
Allowing Instead of Fighting: Oddly enough, trying to push thoughts away often makes them stronger. Letting them exist (without reacting) reduces their intensity over time.

Letting Go of Meaning Making: Intrusive thoughts say nothing about your character, intentions, or values. They are mental noise, not messages.

Refocusing on the Present: Gently bring your attention back to what you’re doing, your body, or your environment.

03/08/2026

International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026 is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, socially, culturally, economically, and politically, while also recognizing the ongoing work toward gender equity and inclusion.

Whether you attend events in your community or join virtual celebrations, there are many ways to honour International Women’s Day beyond March 8:
🌱 Support women-owned businesses in your community
📘 Share stories and resources about gender equity
🛍 Donate or volunteer with local women’s organizations
💬 Have conversations with peers about inclusion and allyship
🫶🏻 Celebrate the women in your life

02/22/2026

For the 1 in 5.
For the parents carrying more than anyone can see.
For the families navigating fertility and perinatal mental health with courage and hope.

We’re honoured to support Oasis Fertility Support Network through Flora’s Walk.
Will you join us? 💛

02/22/2026

What’s especially unique about Flora’s Walk is that the majority of funds raised by teams stay in local communities. Organizations involved in perinatal mental health work in Canada (charities, non-profits, private) can apply to raise funds for local perinatal mental health programming and start their own team.

In continuing our commitment to perinatal mental health through Flora’s Walk, we are honoured to support Oasis Fertility Support Network and the incredible work their team does to provide specialized care and meaningful support to those facing fertility and perinatal mental health challenges.

Check out our blog below for more information and how to donate!

From now until May 31st, individuals and teams will raise funds for perinatal mental health programming across Canada. Did you know that less than 15% of individuals in Canada receive treatment, Canada does not have a national perinatal mental health strategy and 97% of health practitioners surveyed

02/17/2026

Family Day is about connection but it’s also okay if family feels complicated.

Families grow, change, and sometimes struggle. Conflict, stress, life transitions, or mental health challenges can impact the whole family system, not just one person.

Family therapy creates space to slow down, improve communication, and better understand one another. Every family is unique, and support can help you move forward together.

This Family Day, we celebrate connection and we also honour the courage it takes to seek support when your family needs it.

If you’re looking for guidance within your family dynamic, family therapy may be the right fit for you.

Family Day is about connection but it’s also okay if family feels complicated. Family therapy creates space to slow down, improve communication, and better understand one another. Every family is unique, and support can help you move forward together.

02/04/2026

Black History Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate but to educate and engage. It encourages us to learn from the past, amplify Black voices, and actively participate in creating a more equitable society. This work continues beyond February, reminding us that honoring Black history requires action, through education, advocacy, and challenging systems that perpetuate inequality.

As we reflect on Black history, let us celebrate the achievements, acknowledge the struggles, and commit ourselves to a future where equity and justice are not aspirations but realities.

Ways to celebrate & act:
📚 Read a book by a Black author
🎨 Support Black artists & creators
🤝 Amplify Black voices in your community
💡 Educate yourself on systemic inequities

01/28/2026

When exploring therapeutic options, individuals often consider whether individual or group therapy may be a better fit. Gaining a clear understanding of how group therapy works, and what it offers, can support informed decision-making based on one’s needs and goals.

When exploring therapeutic options, individuals often consider whether individual or group therapy may be a better fit. Gaining a clear understanding of how group therapy works, and what it offers, can support informed decision-making based on one’s needs and goals.

01/25/2026

A little late, but still something incredibly meaningful to us!

We wanted to take a moment to properly say thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for us. Being recognized by our own community means more than we can put into words. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our clients place in us and for the continued support from our community. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside you and support your wellness journey.

01/15/2026

Our Reconnecting with Your Authentic Self women’s group provides a space for reflection, healing, and growth. Together, we explore self-worth, boundaries, interpersonal relationships, and navigating life’s transitions with greater compassion and authenticity.

Reach out to learn more and see if this group would be a good fit for you!

🪴 www.fortitudewellnessjourney.com
📧 info@fortitudewellnessjourney.com
📞 705-770-1694

We offer teen & adult group counselling. Work through your mental health journey in a supportive and trusted group environment.

01/01/2026

You don’t need to reinvent yourself because the date changed. You don’t have to strive for a brand new identity, a total lifestyle shift, or a master plan for the next twelve months. Surviving the past year, learning, healing, growing, and simply showing up for yourself is more than enough.

If you do feel drawn to reflect or reset at this time of year, that’s okay too. We highlighted a few helpful ways below to approach change without feeling the pressure.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and happy New Year!

As the year shifts, it can bring up a lot of pressure to reinvent yourself - but growth doesn’t require becoming someone new. If you feel drawn to reflect or reset, Here are a few ways to approach change without pressure.