Transitions Counselling Services

12/28/2025

Out of office holiday notice. Expect slow responses. Thank you.

We are wishing a gentle and peaceful holiday season for all 🕊️ ✨

12/17/2025

Beautiful words of wisdom from Dr. Deborah MacNamara, PhD to support little ones over the holidays! 🎄

Gatherings are meant to be joyful. And they also change everything for children and teens.

When homes fill with people, routines shift and emotions rise — especially for younger children. They need adults to lead them through the day, orient them to what’s happening, and stay close when things wobble. Without that leadership, kids often take matters into their own hands — not out of defiance, but because they’re overwhelmed and out of their regular structure and routine.

A little prevention goes a long way. Anticipating hot spots, staying flexible, and keeping adults in the mix helps everyone enjoy being together — even when plans change or emotions spill over.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about leading with relationship when the house is full.

Save or share with the adults you gather with.

Happy holidays!

11/30/2025

November

11/21/2025

Another great CBTm class this evening!

Some great discussions, and out of them, a poem came to my mind. I wanted to share the wisdom of these words.

If I Had My Life to Live Over by the late Nadine Stair (age 85 at the time of writing the poem)

If I Had My Life to Live Over
I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd
have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly
and sanely hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments and if I had it to do over
again, I'd have more of them. In fact,
I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments.

One after another, instead of living so many
years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

_________________

Photo credit: https://www.fosters.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2018/07/12/could-walking-barefoot-on-grass-improve-your-health-some-science-suggests-it-can/11541724007/

11/21/2025

Another fantastic CBTm class this evening!

Some great discussions, and out of them, a poem came to my mind that I wanted to share. Enjoy it and the wisdom it holds.
__________

If I Had My Life to Live Over
by the late Nadine Stair of Louisville, Kentucky (who wrote it when she was 85 years old)

If I Had My Life to Live Over
I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd
have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly
and sanely hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments and if I had it to do over
again, I'd have more of them. In fact,
I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments.

One after another, instead of living so many
years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

If I had it to do again, I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

Photo credit: https://www.fosters.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2018/07/12/could-walking-barefoot-on-grass-improve-your-health-some-science-suggests-it-can/11541724007/

11/11/2025

We remember all those who lost precious time with loved ones to serve, those who came home forever changed and those who never returned. We honour and thank all veterans and military members, as well as their loved ones, for our peace and safety, and indeed for the lives we all get to live.

11/07/2025

What a fantastic first class this evening for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm)!

We are looking forward to the next 5 weeks, learning and applying the tools of CBTm together with a wonderful group.

Although registrations for this round of the 5 week course are now closed, you can reach out to get on the list for future offerings of this great course! To learn more about CBTm and how it could benefit you, email tsagle.transitions@gmail.com or call 705-632-9250

Special thanks to the Trent Hills Public Library for use of their beautiful space for the course!

11/05/2025

Great ideas to help children with separations. Sharing from Dr. Deborah MacNamara, PhD

When Saying Goodbye is Hard

For anyone with children struggling with separation during the day, here are 20 ways to bridge the gap between you.

Bridging is an attachment ritual that helps a child hold onto something that represents the relationship and the promise of a return.

I tried these all out with my kids, and they loved them. My favourite was the locket necklace with pictures of the family in it. I would load the locket up with never ending kisses in the morning. I knew they had a hard day when they said they "had to use all the kisses."

This infographic is available on my website.

11/02/2025

Excellent explanation of trauma responses. Thank you to the folks at The Creative Path Trauma and Wellness Centre❤️

10/26/2025

This is so very true❤️

09/30/2025

The impacts of colonialism continue and truth and reconciliation requires more than one day of recognition. That is why today and everyday, we honour Indigenous people and remember the children who never returned home, and the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
We learn from Indigenous communities. We look for any opportunity to be allies and supporters in Indigenous communities healing and thriving. 🧡

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. CASW honours the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism and recognize that truth and reconciliation require more than one day of recognition as it calls us to continue to learn, listen and take action. For social workers, this is a time of reflection, to examine our role in systems that have caused harm, to learn from Indigenous knowledge and leadership, and to consider how our practice can support healing, justice, and sovereignty.

CASW pauses today in remembrance, reflection, and commitment to fostering relationships rooted in respect and accountability.