Uprise Psychology & Wellness

10/08/2025

This time of year, food guilt gets wrapped in tradition but that doesn’t make it any less toxic.

When we label foods as “good” or “bad,” we’re reinforcing one of the deepest roots of body shame: the idea that our worth depends on how we control ourselves.

Comments like “I’m being bad” or “I’ll work this off tomorrow” might sound casual, but they communicate fear, fear of losing control, fear of judgment, fear of taking up space. And that fear spreads, especially to kids and teens listening quietly at the table.

Healing your relationship with food means unlearning that morality. It means reclaiming meals as nourishment, connection, and comfort, not tests of discipline.

So this Thanksgiving, I hope you taste everything you love without apology. Because peace around food isn’t about what’s on your plate it’s about finally feeling safe in your own body.

🧡 Save this for a reminder before your next holiday dinner.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.

10/01/2025

🎃 Why do we love getting scared? Every October, haunted houses, horror films, and eerie pumpkin patches captivate us—but fear isn’t just for fun. As a psychologist, I see our fascination with spooky things as more than seasonal entertainment. Research shows that enjoying a little fright can help us manage stress, build resilience, and even strengthen social connections.

Curious about the science behind our love of the spooky? Read more in our latest blog post:

Why We Love Spooky Things: A Psychologist’s Perspective by uprisepsychology | Sep 25, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments By Dr. Melisa Arias-Valenzuela, C. Psych. Every October, haunted houses fill up, scary movies dominate streaming platforms, and pumpkin patches transform into eerie landscapes. B...

09/30/2025

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never made it home. 🧡 This day is a reminder to listen, learn, and reflect on the truths of our history while committing to building a more compassionate and just future. Every Child Matters.

09/24/2025

📱 Our phones make life easier, but sometimes the line between healthy use and overuse gets blurry. If you’re noticing habits like constant scrolling, late-night checking, or feeling anxious without your phone, it might be a sign to pause and reflect.

🌿 Finding balance doesn’t mean giving up your phone, it means using it more intentionally. Try small shifts like phone-free meals, turning off non-urgent notifications, or keeping your phone out of the bedroom. These little changes can help you feel more present, rested, and connected to what really matters.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.

09/19/2025

As parents, it’s easy to put yourself last. But the truth is, when you care for your mental health, you’re also caring for your child’s wellbeing. Therapy, rest, and support aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials for raising resilient kids.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.

09/18/2025

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but the right support makes all the difference. Beth, Liv, and Riley each bring a warm and compassionate approach to help you navigate life’s challenges. 🌿 Take this opportunity to connect with one of them and see if it’s the right fit for you.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.

09/12/2025

🍂 Fall is nature’s reminder that change can be both beautiful and necessary. As the season shifts, it’s the perfect time to pause, reset, and realign with what feels grounding. Whether it’s letting go of old habits, creating cozy rituals, or simply breathing in the crisp air, give yourself permission to slow down and care for your mental health this season.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.

09/09/2025

Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if your therapist is “just starting out.” But here’s the secret: working with a newer therapist might be one of the most supportive, affordable, and effective decisions you make.

✨ **Double the care**: you get your therapist’s attention *plus* the expertise of a licensed supervisor.
✨ **Affordable access**: high-quality therapy at a fraction of the usual cost.
✨ **Fresh perspective**: curiosity, flexibility, and up-to-date training in evidence-based practices.
✨ **Passion & investment**: newer therapists are motivated, attentive, and deeply committed to growth.

A “newbie” might just be the perfect fit.
👉 Read more here: The Hidden Benefits of Working With a Newbie Therapist

https://uprisepsychology.com/2025/09/the-hidden-benefits-of-working-with-a-newbie-therapist/

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The Hidden Benefits of Working With a Newbie Therapist by uprisepsychology | Sep 8, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments Why Affordable Therapy With a Student Therapist Might Be the Right Choice for You If you’ve been looking for affordable therapy options, you may have come across the term “studen...

09/07/2025

🎉 Welcoming New Therapists to Uprise Psychology & Wellness! 🧠✨

We’re thrilled to introduce Olivia (Liv) Lazimbat, Riley Desmarais and Beth Pentland, new therapists joining our practice—each bringing unique backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of expertise, but all united in their commitment to psychologically safe, inclusive, and evidence-based care.

Whether newly entering the field or bringing years of experience, our therapists are grounded in Uprise’s values:
🟡 Trauma-informed
🟡 Compassionate
🟡 Anti-Oppressive
🟡 Client-centred
🟡 Rooted in current, research-backed approaches

Our team supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, eating and body image concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions.
We also offer low-cost therapy options through our student and early-career clinician, ensuring access to high-quality care for more people in our community.

📞 Now accepting new clients and offering free consultations
🌐 uprisepsychology.com
📍 Virtual & in-person sessions available

We’re proud to keep growing a team that meets people where they are—with empathy, integrity, and real support for change.

09/07/2025

September has a reputation for reinvention—but what if that fresh-start energy leaves you overwhelmed instead? If you’ve been feeling restless, scattered, or simply not “back-to-normal” after summer’s laid-back rhythm, you're far from alone. In our latest post, we unpack the surprising roots of “September Anxiety”—from sudden routine shifts to seasonal changes—and help you reclaim calm with five practical, gentle strategies:

• Ease into new routines (no need to leap all at once)
• Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset—progress in small steps
• Schedule moments of joy—don’t let fun fall by the wayside
• Ground yourself each day—mindful breathing, meditating, or just stretching
• Reach out if you need help—therapy is here, and you're not alone

Feeling off-kilter this September? Give yourself the break you deserve—and read on to feel more grounded than ever.

Feeling Anxious This September? Here’s Why (and What to Do About It) by uprisepsychology | Aug 18, 2025 | Uncategorized By Dr. Melisa Arias-Valenzuela, C. Psych. September can be a tricky month for mental health. After the slower pace of summer, life suddenly speeds up. Kids go back to school, wor...

09/05/2025

Therapy doesn’t have to look a certain way.
Sometimes healing starts with something as simple as listening to your favourite song, building something with your hands, having a snack, or just lying on the floor.

These moments create comfort, safety, and connection because therapy is about finding what works best for you.

If you need some extra help with your mental health, send us a DM or email at info@uprisepsychology.com
Follow Uprise for everyday mental wellness 🏡

Disclaimer: My social media accounts are for educational purposes only and should not be considered psychotherapy or medical care.