Innova Therapy Inc.

11/25/2025

💜📣 Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the beginning of the of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to honour the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic, who were violently assassinated in 1960 for their political activism. Their legacy continues to inspire the global movement to end gender-based violence.

This year, we recognize the growing urgency of this work. Around the world, we are witnessing a troubling rollback of women’s rights and freedoms – from attacks on reproductive justice to the dismantling of safeguards for survivors of violence.

At YWCA Toronto, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting women, girls, and gender diverse people fleeing violence, and advocating for systemic change.

Over the next , we invite you to follow along on our social media platforms as we share a variety of content and resources to support your learning, and tools to take action.

Let us come together against violence, and for a world where everyone can live safely and freely.

11/25/2025

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

From November 25 to December 10, communities, organizations, governments, and partners across Canada join in confronting harmful norms, strengthen prevention, and create environments where everyone is safe and valued.

The urgency is clear.
🟣 Between 2018 and 2024, police-reported intimate partner violence (IPV) increased by 14%. In 2024, women and girls accounted for 78% of all IPV victims.
🟣 That same year, 42% of women who were killed died at the hands of a spouse or intimate partner, up from 32% in 2023.
🟣 Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate harm: 61% have experienced IPV in their lifetime, compared with 44% of non-Indigenous women.

These numbers are more than statistics—they reflect families, communities, and systems that need our collective support and action.

Preventing gender-based violence is foundational to a safer, healthier, and more equitable Canada.

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), supported by federal cabinet ministers and secretaries of state, issued the following statement:
https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/news/2025/11/the-government-of-canada-issues-statement-to-mark-the-beginning-of-the-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence.html

11/24/2025

Raising kids in today’s world can feel overwhelming, and if you’ve been wondering whether you’re doing enough, you’re definitely not alone.

Between constant digital noise, bigger-than-ever emotions, school pressures, social challenges, and the pace of everyday life, many children are struggling to stay emotionally steady.

And we as parents are often left feeling confused, worried, or even guilty for not knowing how to help.

If you’ve ever thought: “Why is my child having such a hard time?” or “I don’t know what to do in these moments,” you’re in the same place as so many other caring parents who just want their kids to feel safe, confident, and supported.

In our latest blog, we explore what emotional resilience actually looks like, easy ways to nurture it in your child’s day-to-day life, and gentle signs that counselling might help your family feel more grounded.

This isn’t about doing things perfectly.

It’s about understanding your child’s needs, supporting them through the tough moments, and knowing that you don’t have to navigate this alone.

https://innovatherapy.com/raising-emotionally-resilient-kids/

11/15/2025

Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize, and far too often, it is suffered in silence.

Most new parents experience the baby blues in the first week or two after birth: mood swings, tearfulness, and overwhelm. Those feelings usually fade with time.

But postpartum depression is different. It can last longer, feel heavier, and sometimes appear weeks or months after your baby arrives. It can affect how you feel about yourself, your baby, your relationships, and your day-to-day life.

If this sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone. So many parents go through this, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not failure.

If you ever need a safe, supportive space to talk, our Maple Ridge team is here for you whenever you are ready.

Read more about postpartum depression here. https://innovatherapy.com/postpartum-depression-counselling-maple-ridge/

10/30/2025

Have you ever noticed that as the days get shorter and the air grows colder, something in our rhythm changes too?

Maybe it’s a little harder to get moving in the morning, or we find ourselves with less energy, not just for daily tasks, but for each other.

We often hear about the “winter blues,” but what doesn’t get talked about as much is how the season can shape our relationships.

One couple we worked with noticed that when winter hits, evenings turned into silent screen time instead of conversation - not because they were upset, but because they were both simply more tired than usual.

Another couple realized that one was handling all the indoor chores while the other focused on work, leaving both feeling unseen. These small, everyday patterns are easy to fall into - and just as easy to overlook.

Over the years, we’ve seen how emotional resilience is about more than managing mood - it’s about learning to adapt together when life and seasons change.

Whether that means finding new ways to communicate, redistributing responsibilities, or rebuilding closeness during quieter months, growth often starts with noticing what’s shifting.

10/21/2025

Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most beautiful milestones – a moment filled with awe, love, and profound gratitude.

Along with that joy also comes one of the most significant transitions a couple can experience.

Life as two suddenly becomes life as three (or more!) - and even the strongest partnerships can feel shaken by the sheer intensity of it all.

Late-night feedings. Sleep deprivation. Constant attention. Feelings of helplessness when baby won't stop crying.

Yet, we as partners can learn to adapt consciously – by understanding each other’s needs and sharing the load.

It’s not just about surviving the early chaos. It’s about learning to love each other differently – with more patience, empathy, and teamwork.

10/03/2025

Sometimes life’s earliest wounds aren’t visible.

We might carry memories – or echoes – of childhood trauma or abuse, and even when the immediate threat is gone, the impact can remain.

For many adults, depression isn’t just about current stressors or mood – it is also about old pain that never got fully addressed.

Research and clinical experiences show that change is real, possible, and worth investing in.

Your past may have shaped many things – but it does not have to determine your future.

09/30/2025

09/24/2025

Maya is bright, creative, and full of potential. But between the pressure of school, shifting friendships, and the constant comparisons on social media, she feels like she’s barely keeping up.

At home, her parents notice she’s withdrawing - spending more time in her room, snapping at small things, and brushing off their concern with “I’m fine.”

They care deeply but feel powerless to reach her.

Stories like Maya's are all too common.

Research shows that the teenage brain is still developing well into the mid-20s, especially in areas that govern decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control.

Add to this the weight of modern life - academic expectations, social pressures, and big life transitions - and it’s no surprise that many teens feel overwhelmed.

Building resiliency in the teenage years is foundational for an emotionally healthy and stable adult life.

Reach out to Innova Therapy today.

09/17/2025

Parenting a teenager can sometimes feel like you’re walking a tightrope. We want to give them space to grow and become independent, but at the same time, we can’t help but worry about their safety and well-being.

Most families expect a few bumps during the teenage years—mood swings, arguments, and uncertainty about the future are all part of the journey.

But for some teens, those struggles run deeper. Anxiety, depression, self-harm, or emotional outbursts can leave parents feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsure how to truly help.

That’s where Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can make a real difference.

At Innova Therapy, we work with teens and their parents, teaching practical, evidence-based DBT tools that make day-to-day life a little easier and family connections a little stronger. Come and talk to us today.

09/16/2025

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to think your child might be hurting themselves. You’ve likely noticed something seems off — emotional ups and downs, pulling away, changes in behaviour or mood. Maybe you've found marks on them you can’t explain, or something your teen said has stuck with you. Your instincts are telling you something’s not right.

And you're right to trust them.

Self-harm - often called non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) - is more common than many parents realize. It’s when a teen deliberately hurts themselves (usually through cutting, scratching, or burning) as a way to cope with intense emotional pain. It’s not about being dramatic, attention-seeking, or suicidal - it’s about trying to manage emotions they don’t yet know how to express in a healthy way.

It’s estimated that 1 in 5 teens will self-harm at least once. That number is sobering - but it also means your child is far from alone, and help is available.

If your teen is self-harming, it doesn't mean you've failed as a parent. It means they’re struggling and need support - and the good news is, with the right help, things can get better.

At Innova Therapy, our compassionate therapists are experienced and trained to work with teens and families through these difficult moments. We create a safe, non-judgmental space where your child can open up, learn healthier coping tools, and begin to heal - and where you, as a parent, can also receive the guidance and support you need.

If you're worried about your teen, trust that instinct, and reach out.

We are here to walk this path with you.

09/09/2025

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. We all experience worry or nervousness before a big exam, a presentation or a difficult conversation.

But what happens when that feeling doesn’t go away?

What if the “on” switch for your anxiety gets stuck?

This is the reality of chronic anxiety. It is not just occasional stress; it is a persistent state of high alert that can last for months or even years.

Living in this constant state of fight-or-flight doesn’t just feel exhausting – it can set off a domino effect, leading to a range of other serious mental health challenges.

Know that help is available. Give us a call for a 15-min free consult with a registered counsellor, and let's see how we can work together to help you.