Therapy by Miss Jane

05/02/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month 💜 | May
At Ingersoll Wellness Hub, we believe that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Mental health is just as important as physical health....and having the right support can make all the difference. Whether it’s a child learning to express big emotions, a teen finding their identity, an adult managing stress, or a couple working through challenges....support creates space for healing, growth, and connection.
Reaching out can feel hard, but it’s also incredibly brave. When we feel seen, heard, and understood, we begin to build resilience and strength from within.
✨ This May, we invite you to prioritize your well-being
✨ Check in with yourself...and with those around you
✨ Remember that support is not a weakness, it’s a foundation for growth
At Ingersoll Wellness Hub, we are proud to offer an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming space for children, youth, adults, and couples.
📍 163 Thames St., Ingersoll, Ontario
📞 226-698-7873
📧 info@ingersollwellness.ca
🌐 ingersollwellness.ca
Compassionate care. Stronger together.
SupportAndHealing

05/01/2026

As the school year winds down, many children are running on empty emotionally, mentally, and physically.

The last couple of months of school can feel incredibly heavy for kids ….increased expectations, transitions, social stress, testing, changes in routine, and pure exhaustion can all show up in ways adults don’t always recognize right away.

Sometimes what looks like:• irritability• shutting down• forgetfulness• perfectionism• “attitude”• lack of motivation• tummy aches or headaches

…is actually a child trying to communicate:“I’m overwhelmed.”“I don’t feel good enough.”“I’m anxious.”“I’m exhausted.”“I need support.”

As parents and caregivers, it can help to shift from:“What’s wrong with my child?”to“What is this behaviour trying to tell me?”

Children often don’t have the words to explain stress, anxiety, or emotional burnout ….so their behaviour speaks first.

These signs don’t mean you’re failing as a parent, and they don’t mean your child is “bad.” They may simply be signs your child needs a little more connection, understanding, rest, reassurance, or support during this season.

You noticing is the first step. 🤍

Therapy by Miss Jane Martin and Amanda McCooeye

05/01/2026

04/24/2026

Amanda McCooeye - amanda@ingersollwellness.ca Miss Jane - jane@ingersollwellness.ca

04/21/2026

A teen therapists' perspective.

Our teens aren’t trying to shut us out — they’re trying to figure out who they are.

It can feel like they’re pulling away, needing more space, wanting more independence… and that’s hard as a parent. But the truth is, they don’t need us less during these years — they need us differently.

They still look to us for guidance, support, and stability — just not in the same ways as when they were little.

What keeps the door open isn’t more rules or tighter control… it’s connection.

Listening without jumping in.
Showing up without pushing.
Being a safe place instead of a constant authority.

Independence doesn’t mean disconnection.
If we lead with connection, they’re far more likely to keep letting us in. 💛

Amanda McCooeye, RSW amanda@ingersollwellness.ca
Miss Jane, RP jane@ingersollwellness.ca

04/17/2026

Words matter—especially for children.
From a child therapist’s perspective, everyday phrases like “calm down,” “you’re fine,” “stop crying,” or “you’re being bad” can have a lasting impact, even when said in frustration or with good intentions.
When a child is overwhelmed, these statements can unintentionally minimize what they’re feeling or make them feel like their emotions are wrong. Instead of learning how to manage big feelings, children may learn to shut them down, hide them, or feel ashamed for having them.
Over time, this can affect how they express emotions, how they seek help, and even how they view themselves.
A more supportive approach is to focus on what’s happening underneath the behaviour and to guide rather than dismiss:
“I can see you’re really upset right now.”
“Let’s take a breath together.”
“That was a hard moment—I’m here with you.”
This helps children feel seen and safe, while also teaching them that emotions are manageable and temporary.
When we shift our language, we don’t just change the moment—we help shape how a child learns to understand themselves for life. amanda@ingersollwellness.ca jane@ingersollwellness.ca

04/14/2026

✨ Grounding Techniques for Teens & Adults ✨

When anxiety starts to rise, your body can feel like it’s on high alert — like your brain’s alarm system is going off 🔥

The good news? You can gently guide it back to calm 💛

Try this:
🖐️ Trace your hand while breathing in and out
🦋 Do a butterfly hug and tap your shoulders
🧠 Imagine your amygdala “turning down” instead of fully firing

These simple techniques help your nervous system slow down and remind your body that you’re safe 🌿

You don’t have to fight anxiety — you can learn to soothe it 🤍

If this resonates with you or someone you love, save it or share it 💫

04/10/2026

April is a gentle reminder to slow down and check in with yourself.
As a therapist, I often see how easy it is to put everyone else first — especially during busy seasons. This month, consider focusing on small, consistent self-care habits that support your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Small steps, done consistently, can make a meaningful difference.
What’s one small thing you can do for yourself today?
BeKindToYourself

04/05/2026

03/20/2026

As child and youth therapists, one of the most important things We see every day is this:
kids aren’t trying to give us a hard time.....they’re trying to tell us something.
Behaviour is communication.
When a child is melting down, shutting down, or acting out, there’s often a feeling underneath they don’t yet have the words for.
What children need most in those moments isn’t more control… it’s connection.
Your calm presence helps their nervous system settle. Your understanding helps them feel safe. And when kids feel safe, that’s when real growth can happen.
It’s not about being a perfect parent.
It’s about being a present one.
Pause. Get curious. Stay close. 💛
Amanda McCooeye , RSW - amanda@ingersollwellness.ca
Miss Jane RP - jane@ingersollwellness.ca