Two Doves Psychotherapy

07/22/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Kathy Wlodarczyk, alongside her colleagues and co-authors Monique Somma and Margo Shuttleworth, have received the 2024 Book Prize Award from Exceptionality Education International for their book, Teaching Inclusive Education Through Life Story Inquiry.

The award was presented at the annual Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) conference, recognizing outstanding books in the field of special education. It is a peer-reviewed award presented by the journal Exceptionality Education International. The award supports the professional learning of educators and leaders in inclusive education.

Please join us in congratulating Kathy and her co-authors on this incredible honour! 👏🎉

06/26/2025

Big news! 🎉
Lina Somma is now a Registered Psychotherapist (RP)! That’s right … she’s officially dropped the “Q” from her RP(Q) designation, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Becoming an RP is a MAJOR milestone because it reflects years of focused study, clinical training, and unwavering dedication to the academic and therapeutic journey. Lina has fulfilled the rigorous requirements of 1200+ supervised clinical hours. Prior to this formal training she has almost two decades of expericene in various capacities supporting individuals with their mental health.

Lina brings seasoned clinical skill set and passion for lifelong learning, as she continues to develop her professional journey to bring new techniques and approaches to the therapy room. We can't leave out her profound level of compassion, curiosity, and care. Her growth as a therapist has been inspiring to witness, and this achievement is so well deserved!

Please join us in celebrating Lina as she takes this exciting next step in her career. We’re so lucky to have her as part of the flock, and even luckier are the clients who get to work with her. 💙

06/17/2025

A year ago, Jovana joined our team as a student therapist, bringing her passion and dedication to every session. Building on her relevant experience, she spent countless hours observing, facilitating sessions, and growing alongside our clients. We are deeply grateful to those who welcomed her into their therapeutic journeys, allowing her to learn and grow.

We’re thrilled to announce that Jovana has graduated, earning her Master of Science in Psychotherapy degree and is now a Registered Psychotherapist-Qualifying (RP-Q)! 📣 And the good news doesn't stop there! We're even happier to share that Jovana will be staying on board with the Two Doves team!

Jovana, your commitment to learning, your empathy, and your unwavering support for our clients have been truly inspiring. We're so proud of you and excited to see the incredible work you'll continue to do! Here's to continued growth and the beautiful journey ahead. 🕊️

06/15/2025

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures who offer a strong foundation with deep roots to nourish the family tree.

We see your strength, guidance, and love. Your role in shaping lives and families is immeasurable. Today, we celebrate you and the profound impact you have. 💙

06/14/2025

Happy 3rd Birthday to our beloved Artemis! 💞 🐾

Whether he’s greeting clients at the door, lounging in sunbeams, or simply offering his quiet companionship, Artemis reminds us daily that healing often comes in the softest forms.

Here’s to another year of making hearts feel a little lighter. 💞

05/28/2025

We're excited to introduce Taylor Fidler as our newest Student Therapist! 👋

Taylor is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Psychotherapy at McMaster University, building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University. Her academic journey is complemented by her experience as a Crisis Specialist and her volunteer work supporting young burn survivors across Ontario. These roles have deepened her understanding of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.

Taylor's areas of interest include trauma, ADHD, grief, depression, and anxiety. She is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their challenges and work towards healing.

During her time with us, Taylor will be sitting in, facilitating, and supporting select clients. We are confident that her warmth, empathy, and dedication will make a positive impact on those she works with.

To learn more about Taylor, visit her full bio here: twodoves.ca/meet-taylor

05/22/2025

Life happens. We get it. But when appointments are missed without notice, it affects more than just the schedule - it impacts the care we can provide to others.

At Two Doves, we’ve implemented a $40 fee for missed appointments or cancellations within 5 hours of the scheduled time. This isn't about penalizing the client; it's about ensuring fairness, maintaining accessibility, and upholding the integrity of our practice.

💡 Why the fee?

1️⃣ Fairness to our time and practice. Unfilled slots mean lost opportunities to serve others.

2️⃣ Encouraging accountability. A reminder to prioritize your mental health journey.

3️⃣ Charging everyone, every time prevents dual relationships and aligns with our professional standards to maintain ethical boundaries.

We understand that emergencies happen. If something comes up, we encourage our clients to reach out, and be honest. We're here to support!

​Curious about our missed appointment fee? It's not just about missed sessions - it's about fairness, accountability, and maintaining the quality of care we provide. In this blog, we delve into why this policy exists and how it benefits both our clients and our practice.

05/11/2025

To the mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the women who nurture, guide, and love - whether by birth, choice, or circumstance. To those who have lost, those who long to mother, and those who mother in ways both seen and unseen. To the women who step into the role of mom, mama, mommy, or mama bear - today is for you.

But, today isn’t just for honouring the roles mothers play, but for celebrating the incredible individuals they are. 🌸 Their hearts, their souls, their irreplaceable presence - each brings something uniquely beautiful to the world.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💕

04/22/2025

Happy Earth Day! 🌍 Take a moment today to appreciate your surroundings - slow down and smell the roses. 🌹

Spending time in nature has been proven to lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which improves our mood, helps us sleep better, and increases focus. Even brief moments in green spaces can make a significant difference. So, step outside, breathe deeply, and let nature nurture your well-being.

04/20/2025

As we welcome the season of renewal and joy, we wanted to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your Easter be filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of treats! 🐰

Happy Easter from all of us at Two Doves Psychotherapy Services!

04/07/2025

Today is World Health Day, and this year’s theme, highlights the importance of prioritizing maternal and newborn health.

Maternal mental health represents one of the earliest influences on a child’s development. The emotional bond between mother and child shapes not only the child’s mental and emotional health but also lays the foundation for a healthier future for both. Understanding the emotional ties between mothers and children is key to fostering healthy futures for both!

🤱 Symptoms to watch for in mothers:

▶ Persistent Sadness or Mood Swings
Frequent crying, feelings of hopelessness, or unexplained mood changes.

▶ Fatigue and Sleep Issues
Insomnia or sleeping too much, and feeling exhausted despite adequate rest.

▶ Irritability or Anger
Increased frustration or anger over minor issues.

▶ Social Withdrawal
Loss of interest in activities or avoiding social interactions.

▶ Changes in Appetite
Significant weight loss or gain due to eating more or less than usual.

▶ Difficulty Bonding with the Child
Struggles to connect emotionally with the child.

▶ Anxiety or Overwhelm
Constant worry, racing thoughts, or feelings of being overwhelmed.

▶ Substance Abuse
Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.


🧒 Symptoms to watch for in children

▶ Behavioral Changes
Increased aggression, withdrawal, or drastic changes in behavior.

▶ Emotional Outbursts
Frequent temper tantrums, crying, or heightened sensitivity.

▶ Academic Decline
Falling grades or loss of interest in schoolwork and activities.

▶ Physical Complaints
Regular headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical symptoms.

▶ Sleep Disturbances
Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or fatigue despite sufficient sleep.

▶ Low Self-Esteem
Negative self-talk, lack of confidence, or seeking excessive reassurance.

▶ Social Withdrawal
Avoidance of friends, family, or social activities they previously enjoyed.

▶ Difficulty Concentration
Trouble focusing on tasks or following instructions.

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Reference:
Lowthian et al., 2023

03/14/2025

The real question is: Why are we procrastinating dinner, exercise, and online chatting with our tribe?

🌙 Life is chaotic. Let’s monitor and manage how we spend our daily time, making time for important and nourishing activities earlier in the day.

🌙 Let’s disengage from technology before and while in bed.

🌙 Routine, routine, routine! We can do this self-regulation/self-control thing. Stick to the routine, and trust the process.

Are you guilty of bedtime procrastination? What will you do differently to regain self-control and self-monitoring? 💬