Rooted Thistle Counselling

10/06/2025

Win your spot! Calling all moms!

We are so excited about this offering coming your way on Oct 24 in Cambridge. Body image is such an important topic, especially in motherhood. It is something we all feel the impacts of, but rarely are given space to process. Join us as we dive deeper into this space in community with one another. To enter:

1) Follow and

2) Tag a friend. Every tag is an additional entry.

The winner will be announced Oct 17 on Instagram. If you have already registered or are planning to register, feel free to enter anyways. If you win we will refund you the cost. Sliding scale pricing is also available for those in need. Good luck!

10/05/2025

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. So many moms are hurting in silence as they grapple with the changes their bodies have experienced.

Join us on Oct 24 as we explore all of the ways your body has changed since having kids. Here we will say NO to bounce back culture and YES to self-compassion. Together we will have meaningful discussions and learn new ways to support your wellness while being a busy mom. It is time to dig deep. Are you ready?

Register: info@rootedthistlecounselling.com
Link in bio

09/08/2025

Moms night out! 📢📢 Claim your spot!

Join us for an evening of connection and learning as we take a deep dive into body image after having kids. As moms, our bodies go through so much. You may look in the mirror and wonder who is staring back at you.

There is so much pressure to 'bounce back' in our society. This mixed with diet culture has created the ultimate cocktail of shame, especially for millennial moms. Rarely do we approach our bodies with compassion. Many of us have learned to judge and punish ourselves as we aim for an ideal that can never be obtained. The truth is, motherhood has changed you. There is no going back, only forward.

Julie Keta (Registered Dietitian) and myself, Rochelle Kaikai (Registered Social Worker) specialize in supporting moms like you in their wellness journeys. We hope to kick bounce back culture to the curb and give you some helpful strategies and insights to consider.

If you would like to learn more about this workshop, please follow the link below:

https://forms.gle/WJa268LYdLPas4pU7

Register by Sept. 30 to take advantage of early bird pricing. This workshop will be hosted on Fri Oct 24 at Fireside Haven Studio in Cambridge (conveniently located close to KW, Guelph & Surrounding Areas, off of the 401).

www.rootedthistlecounselling.com
www.flourishtrue.com

05/01/2025

If you are a parent of twins or triplets, you know how hard things can be. This is particularly noticable in the first year.

Just getting out of the door can be an insurmountable task most days. Even when you finally do, you must deal with constant stares, comments, and questions from strangers...some of which are not very encouraging. Attending parent and baby groups can feel intimidating, as everything you need to do with your babies takes at least twice as long. Some are even completely inaccessible due to location, registration limitations, cost, and more. There are so many places where you may not feel like you fit in.

On top of this, parents of multiples often deal with intense emotional fatigue as they try to meet the needs of all of their babies. They may worry about their children being seen as individuals, or that they are getting enough 1 on 1 time. Many babies born as twins/triplets experience medical or developmental concerns from premature birth and other factors. This further adds to the load of caring for multiples. Common challenges new parents face such as sleep deprivation, financial strain, lack of a 'village', and mental health issues are magnified for parents of multiples.

Despite all of these challenges, any parent of multiples will tell you what an honour it is to be part of this special club. Catching a knowing glance from another parent of multiples out in the wild is so comforting. We love our children AND struggle with the weight of it all sometimes. There is value in knowing you are not alone in your struggles. Some days are really hard.

If you are a parent of multiples looking for mental health support, I encourage you to reach out. Having the right kind of support can make all of the difference. From one twin mom to another; I see you. Please know you are not alone.

https://www.rootedthistlecounselling.com/services/parentsofmultiplestwinstriplets

Info@rootedthistlecounselling.com

❤️

04/19/2025

How is group therapy different from any other mom group? Keep reading.

Group therapy gives new moms a safe space to share openly with one another. The group is facilitated by a therapist who is able to set group norms, guide discussion, share information, and teach valuable skills to support your mental health. This gives group members a chance to really dig deep into how they are experiencing motherhood and all of its challenges.

When you have a baby it can feel like your life is turned upside down. Many moms are left to figure out things on their own after their 6 week postpartum check up. The postpartum period is MUCH longer than 6 weeks, yet this is when our society has decided to stop checking in on moms. The truth is, moms need support in ALL stages of motherhood. We can't do this alone and we were never meant to.

If you are a mom that has been feeling isolated, I encourage you to reach out. The thought of joining a group can feel really scary, but there is so much potential for meaningful connection if you do.

www.rootedthistlecounselling.com/services/group-therapy

Are you a new mom in Cambridge, ON? I will be facilitating a group in your area starting May 29, 2025. Check out the details here (link in bio):

https://forms.gle/sjFSGLydTkr2QHyz6

04/16/2025

If you've recently had a baby you're probably noticing some major changes in your life. These changes often come with turbulence as you try to make sense of who you are now that you're a mom. Our society tends to encourage moms to "bounce back" and try to be the same as they were before. The only problem with this is...you are NOT the same as before. Motherhood has changed you in ways you probably aren't even aware of yet. If we constantly have our gaze set on the past, it is really hard to find a way forward and embrace our new identity. This causes many moms to feel alone and deeply impacts mental health.

Join me and other moms as we read the book Mothershift by Jessie Harrold. This book provides a roadmap for moms to follow as they navigate these changes. We will use the book as a jumping off point for meaningful reflection in community with one another. Hearing other mom's stories and learning new skills to support mental health is so powerful. You won't want to miss this one! The group will be held in-person at Fireside Haven Studio in Cambridge. Babies are welcome to join.

To win your spot in the group:

1) Like this post
2) Follow
3) Share in your stories and tag a friend!

BONUS entries: Tag extra friends for more entries AND come and visit me at the on May 4!

Email or follow this link to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_y2VuX7gmtQbySr_oR4I8rmgv0smP66wA-yzA7jO4Az26eg/viewform

Info@rootedthistlecounselling.com

Note: If you are the lucky winner and have already registered, your deposit will be reimbursed. Spots are limited so register soon!

04/11/2025

I am a 3x c-section mama.

Birth is birth, no matter how it happens. Let's honour the experiences of all birthing parents so they can get the support and encouragement they deserve. There are so many myths out there about cesarean births. One of the big ones is that it is the "easy way out". As a mom who has had 3 c-section births, I can confidently bust that myth. These myths are damaging and cause parents who have given birth by c-section to feel less than and shamed. The truth is, birth is birth and you are one amazing human for going through it!

What other myths have you heard about c-sections? Drop them below in the coments👇

03/24/2025

We are so excited to meet all of the parents at the North Perth Baby Show! We have a lot to share about all things mental health so be sure to stop by our booth and say hi!

Vendor SPOTLIGHT
Rooted Thistle Counselling will be at our Baby Show on May 25th!

Rooted Thistle Counselling
"We live in a world where expectations are high and support is low, especially for parents. We specialize in supporting moms and dads as they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. You matter and so does your mental health. Reach out today to learn more about how our mom therapists can support you."

01/05/2025

The joy of motherhood: Seeing the world through my child's eyes.

I am so grateful to be able to play and have fun with my kids. They remind me what true joy is. Watching them help each other up the hill, laugh with glee as they slide down...wow what a great reminder of this gift called motherhood. There are many parts of being a parent that are hard. Parents often feel the pressure of high expectations and low support. It is easy to lose sight of the joy parenthood brings in the hard moments. It is important to notice the good moments too...because there are many.

I hope you got a chance to laugh with your kids at some point over the holiday break. It is pure joy 🤍❄️

07/03/2024

Divided by two...

Over the last month or so I have been reminded of a familiar feeling I have felt before. That feeling of being torn, or divided by two. I remember feeling this way when my second son was born. Suddenly I needed to learn how to meet his needs and the needs of my toddler. I often felt torn, like I could meet neither. I was hard on myself in those days. I learned it got better over time. Eventually we fell into a routine and I came to understand the power of giving myself grace in the hard moments. I learned how to prioritize and triage with efficiency. Slowly my confidence grew until one day I didn't feel so divided.

Today I am noticing this feeling has returned as I navigate how to care for newborn twins. This territory is unfamiliar, yet familiar at the same time. I know I cannot be in two places at once, or grow an extra pair of hands. In the tough moments all I can do is breathe and try my best. I know at the end of the day all of my children will be cared for and loved.

Have you ever felt divided by two? Perhaps pulled between the needs of your children, or the need to care for yourself while caring for another. You may ask yourself "Do I do the dishes or play with my kids?". Motherhood is full of division and decisions. At times it can be overwhelming. Know that you are not alone and we all feel this way in some moments. It is normal, it is OK. Just incase no one told you today...you are doing a great job.

-Rochelle Kaikai, MSW, RSW
www.rootedthistlecounselling.com

06/14/2024

Motherhood can feel messy and hard. Ever wonder why?

Now more than ever moms are overloaded with information and strategies about how to parent their children. Although information can be very helpful, it can also be overwhelming. The more information we consume, the higher our expectations seem to become. Remembering the perfect parenting script, curating colourful healthy lunches, attempting to stay regulated 100% of the time- it is all SO overwhelming.

If you find yourself doubting your decisions as a mom, know you are not alone. Our culture of intensive mothering places unrealistic expectations on moms, which ultimately impacts mental health.

Start the process of unpacking your motherhood journey by meeting with a mom therapist who gets it. Discover who you are, what you value most, and how to move forward with confidence.

www.rootedthistlecounselling.com
226-400-8910
Ontario, Canada

RTC supports parents and individuals in all stages, including pregnancy, postpartum & beyond. Find an experienced postpartum therapist who gets it. Reach out today for a free consultation.

05/01/2024

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day. So why does this matter?

The impact of untreated mental health conditions in mothers extends far beyond the mother herself. Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) impact us ALL. When one or more parent is not well, the entire well-being of the family is effected. We are stronger as a community when we care for everyone, especially mothers.

Days like this help spread awareness and let mothers know they are not alone. Studies show 1 in 5 mothers will develop a PMAD (and this is only the cases that are reported!). We all need to do our part in supporting mothers who are pregnant or have young children. Changes need to be made on both macro and micro levels. So what can you do to raise awareness and make change? Here are a few ideas:

1) Check in on the mothers in your life and ask them how they are really doing. Don't wait for them to ask for help. Show you care by visiting them, cooking them a warm meal, and helping with tasks around the house.

2) Share social media posts like this to help spread awareness and decrease stigma.

3) Take part in events in your community that support the mental health of families. Some examples include Climb Out of the Darkness and Flora's Walk.

4) Know the signs and symptoms of PMADs so you know what to look for in yourself or other parents in your life. More info can be found here: https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/

Although there are many ways to make a difference, hopefully these ideas will give you a place to start. If you or someone you know is looking for perinatal mental health support please know you are not alone and we are here to help. Reach out anytime.

www.rootedthistlecounselling.com
info@rootedthistlecounselling.com