Finding Joy Therapy

03/15/2025

‘What iffing’ can take us to dark places.
💜 this reminder from

‘what if’ narratives can feel compelling (‘true’). But they focus on only a tiny aspect of much bigger narratives.

I like to respond with ‘AND…’ It’s a reminder to pull in more of the story:
…and, I’m prepared;
…and, I’ve managed this in the past;
…and, I am safe in this moment
…and I have good people who love me.
💜

03/10/2025

Our nervous systems adapt to protect us in early life. For instance, if an important person in our lives can’t meet our needs, we may adapt to be ‘low maintenance’. But fast forward to today, and adaptations can become ‘default modes’ that no longer serve us.

Wondering if this is showing up for you? I look for cues like « I should » in place of « I want to ». Or take a curious moment to ask, when was the earliest time I felt this way? How would it have been helpful then?

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01/11/2025

Sharing this on behalf of Naomi Reesor. For more info connect with

11/01/2024

💜 for this 💜when worry thoughts show up to yoga class - that’s ok. Keep doing your thing.

They may get loud, they may get quiet, they may invite new friends. just keep doing what brings you joy.

09/07/2022

First, why talk to a professional about grief? By telling our story over and over, we begin to make sense of what happened. Friends, family, even colleagues can be great supports. They may also be uncomfortable talking about death, or give unhelpful advice. Or, you may feel you don’t want to burden them.

A grief counsellor can provide a safe and supportive place to express your emotions. And to validate that grief is not only an emotional experience – it affects concentration, memory, health, energy, confidence and social functioning.

So, if you decide reach out to a grief counsellor, how will you know if the connection is right for you?

Here are 5 things to consider:
✅ What expertise do they have supporting people in similar situations? This might be an experience of losing a spouse at a young age, or the death of both parents at the same time, or the grief of infertility and infant loss.
✅ What’s your goal – to be heard and feel validated? To trace the history of this relationship to understand why particular feelings are showing up? What else?
✅ Can they help with tools to manage feelings like anger, sadness, and guilt?
✅ What’s the format of sessions? Do you prefer virtual (phone, video), in-person, or group? Will someone (spouse, child, sibling, friend) join you in sessions?
✅ Your grief is unique to you, how will sessions be tailored to your needs?

A major part of the value of counselling is in the relationship, so be sure to schedule a consult with the person, to make sure the connection feels good.

Want to learn more? If you’re looking for grief counselling, I provide a safe, supportive and compassionate space. To learn more and to book a free 20-minute phone consultation:
✨ visit www.findingjoytherapy.ca or
✨ email me: connect@findingjoytherapy.ca

image credit: Dee Boswell-Buck


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09/04/2022

Hi, I'm Susan. Welcome to Finding Joy Therapy!

I'm a Social Worker and Psychotherapist working with people across Ontario who are experiencing , , stress, and workplace stress, among other things.

My goal is to make difficult conversations feel comfortable... even joyful! Like talking about feeling burned out as a caregiver, or when anxiety is getting in the way of your relationships, or that anger is showing up during grief.

Part of my love of counselling comes from learning to find the right supports for my own struggles. My work as a community social worker, health care researcher and teacher also shape my approach.

In my practice, your agenda is the priority. I will hold space for you to explore what’s creating distress, help you find fresh perspectives, and share evidence-based tools.

Not sure if this is the right place for you? I offer free phone consultations. Just click the link in my bio, or email me at connect@findingjoytherapy.ca

image credit: Dee Boswell-Buck

09/01/2022