When do I need therapy?

Some clues that the time is right to seek the help of a therapist..

Very often the feelings of thinking you might need therapy happen long before the appointment is actually made, Sometimes it isn't really clear if our situations and feelings warrant a visit with a therapist . Here are some clues that it might be time to get some support:

1) You are experiencing a major (or seemingly minor) life event

Divorce, infidelity, death, loss, and grief are all big life stressors and major traumas They are also more obvious in their call for support. Often these events are in the distant past, but continuing to have an effect in the present. But what if life events are simply a change or not as obviously turbulent. Events like a move, children being added to or leaving your home, a change in health status, and getting married or cohabitating with someone can also trigger certain feelings . If you have considerable stress or even just concerns around these events, it might be time to see a therapist

2) Your feelings and personal habits have changed in a way that interfering with your best self.

If you are fatigued, sad, feeling overwhelmed, struggling in your life roles, sleeping/eating less or more than usual, uninterested in things that you used to enjoy and find yourself socially isolating, it might be time to see a therapist

3) You are unable to regulate your internal environment

You may find yourself unable to focus, are over-scheduled, are overly emotional in certain situations, distracted by technology or are emotionally flat, While these behaviors are not as overt as some signs of mental distress, they could signal an inner discomfort that should be addressed. it might be time to see a therapist.

4) You have some family patterns that you want to disrupt in your own life

Families are where we first learn about the world and ourselves. They can be our greatest source of security and support however, they also have the ability to create pain . People pleasing, lack of boundaries, negative self talk, emotional shut-down, self-esteem can all have their roots in our family systems. Patterns of communication, boundaries, distribution of labor, can all be friction points. Understanding this important system and fostering the type of environment we desire often requires support.. If you are concerned your current family dynamics, it might be time to see a therapist

5) You are getting in your own way consistently:

Do you have a habit of wanting to show up for yourself in some way, but you are having trouble following through? Do you interact with situations or people in a way that is not good for you? Do you have trouble doing what you know is right for you? It is so common to show up for everything and everyone else at the expense of oneself . This is not only unsustainable, but it has more and It might be time to see a therapist...

If any of those resonated with you and you would like seek support, we are here to help.

Book your appointment below or contact us to schedule a free 15min private consultation.

Be sure to check our blog for more tips on how to choose a therapist and what to expect....

Book appointment here

Leaky Gut-What is it and how it link to common health issues..

by Dr. Ana Freire ND

LEAKY GUT could YOU have it?

Intestinal hyperpermeability. It is everywhere. The gastrointestinal condition commonly known as “leaky gut syndrome” has been gaining momentum throughout the medical community. More and more research is beginning to link the occurrence of many chronic diseases and other health issues with this syndrome.

Leaky Gut – Sounds Awful!

SO, what is it? Simply put, leaky gut happens when the structural integrity of the intestines is altered. Specifically, the intestinal tight junctions are not working as they should. The tight junctions, essentially, function as border control, between what can pass between the intestines and the bloodstream. The unusually large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of foreign material into the circulation such as toxins and microbes. When leaky gut occurs, inflammation throughout the body will ensue, leading to a slew of health concerns.

Inflammation and Leaky Gut

Inflammation is also a key trigger to enlarging the spaces between the cells in the gut. Protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance of being broken down appropriately, and so are much larger than they should be. Our immune system will then think of them as foreign (and so potentially dangerous), thus mounting an attack via antibodies against these molecules. In essence, the immune system becomes overly stimulated and therefore over-reacts to substances that are in other respects harmless. The antibodies that are created by this process can then get into various tissues in our body and consequently trigger an inflammatory reaction. Depending on where this inflammation is located, various disease states will manifest.

Common Causes of Leaky Gut-

Infections-Dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut microbiome)-

Toxin burden-Use of antibiotics and NSAIDs (ex. aspirin, ibuprofen)-

Chronic stress-Poor diet (highly processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption)

Signs of Leaky Gut

In addition to the appearance of certain autoimmune diseases1 , the following can also be clues to a potentially underlying leaky gut:

• Malabsorption and other digestive concerns

As one can imagine, if your gut is not working well, various nutritional deficiencies can result. From B12 to key enzymes that help digest food, these deficiencies can be traced to leaky gut in certain individuals. Often people will experience bloating, gas, and changes to bowel movements.

• Food Sensitivities

Individuals with various food sensitivities will often find that leaky gut is the main culprit. Due to the assault of the toxins that enter the circulation, the immune system of these individuals is on high alert producing huge amounts of antibodies. Consequently, this will lead to these individuals being more susceptible to other proteins found in different foods (especially gluten and dairy).

• IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Recently, research has pointed to the observation of leaky gut in people with irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. In addition, one other study suggests that in individuals with Crohn’s, leaky gut can be present in a majority of cases.2

• Thyroid Disorders

Of the thyroid disorders, leaky gut has been linked to Hashimoto’s disease. This disorder can lead to hypothyroidism, which in turn can impair metabolism. Hypothyroidism can manifest for example as fatigue, depression, weight gain, and various changes to skin, hair, and nails.

• Inflammatory Skin Conditions

As discussed, leaky gut causes both systemic and local inflammation, which in turn contributes to skin disease. Of particular mention in this category is acne and psoriasis.

• Mood Issues and Autism

The theory behind the connection between leaky gut and mood goes back to the inflammatory response which is characteristic of leaky gut. This response triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that induce depression.3,4 In relation to other disorders such as autism, research has suggested that in a specific subset of patients, leaky gut could be a contributing factor, having found a high percentage of abnormal intestinal permeability values in 36.7% of patients with autism.5 If you think you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, be sure to check with your naturopath and get assessed for leaky gut. As you work to repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation, leaky gut can be reversed!

If any of this resonates with you. book a consultation with our naturopath so we can move forward towards a healthier you

Click here to book an appointment

References1. Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012;42(1):71-8.

2. Arrieta MC, Bistritz L, Meddings JB. Alterations in intestinal permeability. Gut. 2006; 55(10): 1512–1520.

3. Galland L. The Gut Microbiome and the Brain. J Med Food. 2014; 17(12): 1261–1272.

4. Maes M, Kubera M, Leunis JC. The gut-brain barrier in major depression: intestinal mucosal dysfunction with an increased translocation of LPS from gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) plays a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008;29(1):117-24.

Better Outcomes-Why We Chose to Focus on the Women's Health and Wellness

There is nothing wrong with you'

It was my last year of massage therapy school and I was under a lot of stress. That was nothing new. What was new was my hair loss, 40 pound weight gain, and missing periods. It took considerable time and effort to get to my doctors office for an appointment and to get the testing that was ordered. I waited in a state of full- fledged anxiety to hear some answers about what was going wrong, only to be told that it was all in my head. I was furious.... This experience (among many others that I experienced or that were shared with me) laid the foundation of my future mission as a health care provider and business owner. I know that this experience is all too common for women and a change has to be made. For everyone's sake.....

Women continue to experience many issues when seeking care for health issues and often experience disparities in health outcomes for several reasons. Women face numerous disparities in healthcare that can significantly impact their health outcomes. These disparities arise from a combination of socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic factors. Here are some key reasons why these disparities manifest for us :

1. Bias and Discrimination: Women, especially women of color, often experience bias and discrimination in healthcare settings. This can result in their symptoms being dismissed or not taken seriously, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

2. Social Roles: Women are more likely to be caregivers for family members, which can negatively impact their own health and access to care.

3. Underrepresentation in Studies: Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on men. Women were often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about hormonal fluctuations and potential impacts on pregnancy. This has led to a lack of data on how various conditions and treatments specifically affect women.

4. Male-Dominated Medical Models: Many medical models and treatment protocols were developed based on male physiology, leading to gaps in understanding female-specific health issues.

Many of our clients express how a lack of understanding and effective treatments impacts their overall health. It can be daunting to try and navigate a system that does not have a full picture of how women differ in their needs and treatment. But yet, the same system relies heavily on the expertise and knowledge of women. Women take on the roles of maintaining and improving health outcomes. We play a crucial role in impacting the health of others in various ways, including through caregiving, education, and community leadership. Our influence spans across family, community, and societal levels, contributing significantly to the overall health and well-being of those around us. Here are some key ways in which women impact the health of others:

Family Health : Women often serve as the primary caregivers for children, elderly family members, and other dependents. They manage health appointments, medication schedules, and day-to-day care, ensuring that their family members receive necessary medical attention and support.

Women also frequently make decisions about meal planning and nutrition for their families. By promoting healthy eating habits and providing balanced meals, they contribute to the long-term health of their family members.

Health Education: Women often play a key role in health education within their families and communities. They pass on important health knowledge, wellness strategies, where to seek services and how to access community resources

Economic Impact: Women’s health significantly impacts their economic productivity and stability. Healthy women can contribute more effectively to the workforce, supporting their families financially and ensuring better access to healthcare and education for their children. By managing their own health and that of their families, women help to reduce healthcare costs associated with preventable diseases and conditions, benefiting the broader healthcare system.

Community Building: Women often engage in community-building activities that address social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and social services. Their efforts can create healthier environments and improve overall community health.

When we look at what women provide in terms of health supports for others, it just made sense for us to provide services for the people who impact the health of individuals and community in such a profound way. It is also clear to us that there is a clear need for focused, comprehensive and compassionate care that truly listens and supports the unsung heroes of health.

In my situation, it took a referral for an appointment with a OB/GYN that never got booked, a family doctor change, 6 months, and a mental rabbit hole to discover that I had a benign brain tumor that was impacting my hormones. I felt lucky to finally have answers, but I was angry. My hope is that the services that we provide can be useful to someone to help their health picture to come in to focus sooner and with more clarity..

Best Wishes in Health

.