Olivia Stymiest: LCT-C, CCC, Art Therapist

05/01/2026

May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month in New Brunswick.

It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness, increasing education, and creating safer spaces for people to speak about experiences that are often held in silence.

Often this work happens quietly: in one-on-one conversations and environments where people feel safe enough to reach out.

Sexual violence is often underreported, as it is often shaped by stigma, fear, and uncertainty about how this information will be received.

Which is why prevention isn’t only about awareness campaigns. It's also about how we respond when someone shares their experience. It's about how we we understand consent and power. And how we create spaces where people feel believed and supported.

04/15/2026

and I attended the Human Trafficking Awareness & Community Safety Night last night. Organized by Loblaws, Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, Crime Stoppers, and , we learned about what human trafficking looks like locally and in today’s age, and heard a firsthand account from the amazing Roxanne McCarthy 🩷

I am still absorbing everything but some of the takeaways I gathered are:

-It happens here and at an increasing rate

-Exploitation starts with connection, not violence. Human trafficking often isn’t the movie villain swooping girls up off of the street at random. It starts with compliments, gifts, grand promises and other “lovebombing” techniques combined with problematic actions to confuse and muddle our sense of personal safety slowly and methodically.

-Connection before correction. Children (and the adults they become) who are lacking emotional connection at home are more susceptible to the tactics noted above. Parents can help protect their children from manipulation by listening, validating, and prioritizing their wellbeing above and before correcting or criticizing.

-Human trafficking predominantly affects women and girls, with the highest risk age range being 14-24. While education and resources to protect girls are SO needed, we also need to focus on providing the supports necessary for young boys to prevent them from becoming men who harm.

Thank you so much to all of the organizers and speakers for putting together such an important evening!

02/06/2026

We're always willing to spread awareness and recognize the dedicated work of our friends at the Saint John Su***de Prevention Committee. Help is all around. Community Matters.

10/21/2025

Thanks to a group of awesome Dads who told us what they need help navigating and a partnership with FACE - Anglophone South we are able to launch ! This is an exciting opportunity for parenting dads to participate in a four week program learn more about parenting techniques, communication, education, and making time for their own mental health.

Are you a Dad who could use a safe space to come and connect with other dads? Are you an agency who has a client who could use some skills in parenting and child development?

Register today by sending an email to Info@firststepsnb.com or calling 506-693-2229 spaces are limited.

>Supper provided
>Need help with childcare for the sessions? Just ask!
>Need help with transportation to the sessions? Let us know!

FACE - Anglophone South

03/18/2025

Can’t wait to be back at UYM ✨✨✨

10/16/2024

Last night at the forum speaking on childhood sexual violence.

and I presented on behalf of , alongside reps from the RCMP and the Child and Youth Advocate’s Office. We were able share perspectives on supporting survivors during disclosure, talk about resources, and open the floor for discussion.

Community-based initiatives are SO important to building a better world and I could not be more honoured to have been invited to participate. 🩵

10/11/2024

10/09/2024

On Tuesday, October 15th at 7PM, I Believe You NB is hosting an important discussion on supporting survivors of childhood sexual assault. This in-person event will feature a presentation and an open conversation with insightful mental health and law enforcement professionals.

Our counsellors, Kaeli and Olivia, will be participating in the event.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Brundage Pt River Centre, Grand-Bay Westfield
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: 7PM Tuesday, October 15th
This event is free to attend and open to all!

"The 𝗜 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 is a safe space to raise awareness, discuss, and learn how to respond compassionately to disclosures of childhood sexual assault. Together, let's create a community that believes and supports survivors."

04/19/2024

01/20/2024

Today marks the first ever wellness retreat hosted at The Cove Healing in collaboration with Rising Tides Healing Centre
✨🌲🎨🤍🌊

It was a day full of relaxation, yoga, meditation, EDMR tools, great food, and of course, group art therapy! These jars were repurposed to represent intentions/affirmations chosen by participants to help shine a little extra light into 2024.

I was so honoured to participate in facilitating and am looking forward to more events like this one! 🥰

12/15/2023

As we near the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a safe, warm, and restful holidays ✨

If you are hurting in any capacity during this time, I am thinking of you. Make sure to check on your loved ones and most importantly, show care to yourself ❤️

Check out this short guide to using creativity to foster a happy and healthy holiday season 🎁

11/02/2023

Looking for something to listen to on your way home from work this evening? Make sure to check out our podcast “Talking to Trauma”. ✨

In this podcast, we share the stories of people who have been impacted by trauma. We are grateful for their willingness to share their healing journeys in order to help others. We are also curious to learn more about what helped them get through their difficult times. There are so many ways to heal. Our listeners will hear directly from people who have been impacted by trauma, gaining insight into the lessons and discoveries they have made in their own healing process.

We’ll also be sharing the experiences of the helpers, those who have dedicated their work to helping others heal from trauma. We all benefit from deepening our understanding of the impact trauma has on individuals, families and communities.

We currently have TWO seasons ready for you to listen to, reflect on, and learn from! 🎧⬇️

https://open.spotify.com/show/7keUdGgshpdo6U5kDzt6bC?si=MZQcyrDFQVCLOYNZZ3pa8A