Balanced Mind and Wellness Inc.

07/17/2025

Navigating relationship conflicts can be challenging. Look out for these common communication pitfalls identified by relationship expert John Gottman in your relationships and try out the tips to help resolve them.

If you are looking for individual therapy options to navigate through relationship concerns or looking for couples therapy options, reach out to us via email at info@balancedmindandwellness.com. We have virtual and in person options available throughout the weekdays and weekend!

07/14/2025

Welcome Nigel to the Balanced Mind and Wellness Team! Nigel offers clients an eclectic, flexible and open-minded approach to therapy. He is trained in a variety of therapies including Emotional Focused Therapy for couples, Grief and Loss and Trauma-informed Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Nigel is available for individual and couples counselling, both in-person and virtually. To learn more about Nigel or book a consultation, visit the link in our bio.
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07/14/2025

Welcome Olivia to the Balanced Mind and Wellness Team! Olivia offers a caring and compassionate approach to clients and is trained in a variety of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Olivia is available for individual and couples counselling, both in-person and virtually. To learn more about Olivia or book a consultation, visit the link in our bio.
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05/13/2025

Learn about Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based psychotherapy modality.

Interested in trying a session with an IFS-trained therapist? Our talented team members are available for bookings. Reach out to us via email at info@balancedmindandwellness.com to inquire further. We are here to help ❤️

To learn more about the IFS approach and its beliefs and development, you can visit the IFS Institute website at https://ifs-institute.com/

05/10/2025

Take a look at some ideas that you can incorporate that can help you avoid burnout in the workplace.

If you are having difficulty with burnout, reach out to us via email at info@balancedmindandwellness.com. We are here to help 💙

05/08/2025

Savouring is an awareness of pleasure that involves intentionally focusing on and delighting in the sensation of pleasure. Do you know the 4 different types of savouring? Swipe to see more and learn a few quick ways to help boost your mood.

10/22/2024

Please help us welcome Jacqueline Pizzimenti, a Registered Social Worker at BMAW. Jacqueline works with kids (6+), teens, families, and adults. She is currently available for virtual and in-person appointments at our 3269 Bloor Street West location.

Jacqueline works with anxiety, emotion regulation, family conflict, self-esteem and more. She is educated on multiple therapy modalities including, but not limited to: children’s therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, attachment theory, CBT and more.

To book with Jacqueline, call or book online (info in bio).

08/17/2024

Please help us welcome Ksenia Voitchenko, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at BMAW. She is an individual therapist, offering both virtual sessions and in person therapy sessions at our 3269 Bloor Street West location.

Ksenia offers therapy sessions at a lower cost.

Ksenia works with abuse, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex-PTSD and more. She is educated on multiple therapy modalities including, but not limited to: ACT, CBT, DBT, EFS IFS, and Trauma Focused therapy.

To book with Ksenia, call or book online (info in bio).

05/22/2024

Please help us welcome Kelly-Ann Barrett, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at BMAW. Kelly-Ann is an individual and relational therapist. She is currently available for virtual and in-person appointments at our 3269 Bloor Street West location.

Kelly-Ann works with racial identity, LGBTQ+, family transitions, maternal mental health, parenting, postpartum and more. She is educated on multiple therapy modalities including, but not limited to: ACT, CBT, and Solution-Focused.

To book with Kelly-Ann, call or book online (info in bio).

03/23/2024

Take a look at these 8 simple ways to build a sense of safety when stuck in survival mode

1. Breath & Body: See if you can breathe a little slower and let the brace in your body soften. Check in with the jaw, shoulders, and belly particularly. This stimulates the vagus nerve and helps your brain understand that you are not under threat.

2. Choices: Allow yourself to change your mind, giving yourself choices reduces the feeling of threat in your nervous system and prioritizing yourself without guilt can reinforce safety signals even further.

3. Senses: Take a walk and notice colours, textures, smells and sounds around you. Your eye gaze, senses engagements and forward motion makes the brain feel safer and helps dissipate stress energy.

4. Music: Crank your favourite tunes, move intuitively and sing or hum the words or melody. Music can have a dramatic effect on our mood and state. Dancing sends safety signals whilst vibration in your vocal cords stimulates the vagus nerve.

5. Needs: Ask yourself what you need. Maybe it is a long comforting hug, some encouraging advice, an ice cream cone, or a warm blanket while watching a comfort show.

6. Sensations: Find or create a pleasant sensation in your body. Massage your scalp, lay your hands over your heart and breathe into their warmth, or simply focus on the quality of air coming in and out of your nose.

7. Connection: Talk to or visualize the face of someone that loves and supports you. Receiving encouragement or just being witnessed without judgement can generate one of the greatest feelings of safety you can experience.

8. Self-Support: Remind yourself that all feelings are temporary. Reassure yourself that you have your own back no matter what. Understand that other peoples emotions do not have to be yours. Self-compassion is the seat of safety.

If you are looking for a therapist, reach out to us. We are here to help ❤️

03/06/2024

01/28/2024

Swipe to our next 📷 for a few ideas for a small, but effective, boost!
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Several hormones play a role in regulating mood and contributing to feelings of happiness. Some of the key hormones associated with happiness include:

* Serotonin: Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin contributes to mood stabilization and feelings of well-being. Imbalances in serotonin levels are linked to mood disorders like depression.

* Dopamine: Known as the “reward” neurotransmitter, dopamine is associated with pleasure and reinforcement. It plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system and is linked to motivation and positive reinforcement.

* Endorphins: These are natural chemicals produced by the body in response to stress and pain. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and are also associated with the “runner’s high” or the feeling of euphoria after exercise.

* Oxytocin: Often called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone,” oxytocin is released during social bonding activities, like hugging or spending time with loved ones. It contributes to feelings of trust, empathy, and connection.

* Cortisol: While cortisol is typically associated with stress, it plays a role in regulating mood and the sleep-wake cycle. Maintaining a balanced cortisol level is important for overall well-being.

Balancing these hormones through activities such as exercise, socializing, adequate sleep, and engaging in activities that bring joy can contribute to a positive and happy mood.
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