Bracken Path Therapy

It's been a while, so its time for a re-introduction.

Hi! I'm Nancy, a Registered Social Worker with 27 years in my field, 18 of those years in high stress, high conflict, essential service roles. I recently returned to Ontario from PEI, where I lived for 9 years.

I offer both in person therapy in Mid-Town Toronto and virtual therapy across Ontario and Prince Edward Island.

I work with high-functioning adults dealing with burnout, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, workplace toxicity, separation and divorce and co-parenting. I'm also a private adoption practitioner and a Clinician with the Office of the Children's Lawyer.

Whether you're here for mental health tips, resources, or a bit of sarcasm, welcome I'm glad you're here!

https://brackenpaththerapy.substack.com/p/welcome-to-bracken-path-therapy

Welcome to Bracken Path Therapy I’m glad you’re here!

It's official! Bracken Path Therapy is now offering in-person sessions, not just virtual.

I'm so excited to now provide in person sessions. We're located in the Yonge-Eglinton area, a short walk from the Eglinton subway.

DM or email to book.

You’ve done therapy before. It didn’t work. Here’s why.

Most therapy teaches you to “feel your feelings.” That’s step one. It’s not the finish line.

Feeling validated is great, but if nothing is changing in your real life, you’re not healing. You’re attending a vent session.

We don’t need permission to be stressed. We need patterns named that are keeping us stuck.

If you’re ready for therapy that actually moves, reach out. Offering in person sessions in Toronto, virtual in Ontario and PEI.

Today is a reminder that su***de prevention isn’t just about knowing the right words when someone is in crisis.

It’s about noticing.

The person who has pulled away.

The colleague who seems unusually withdrawn.

The friend who keeps saying, “I’m fine”, but doesn’t seem fine.

The person who is functioning, working, parenting, and showing up, while struggling privately.

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is slow down and ask, “how are you really doing?” Then actually listen. Help those connect with appropriate support when they need it.

Today, and everyday, let’s make it a little easier for people to talk about what they’re carrying.

Notice. Ask. Listen. Connect.

***depreventionday ***deprevention

It’s been a while, so with a new month let’s get to know me and my team.

Meet Lance (aka Sir Lancelot or Lancie). Self-appointed CEO. I just work here.

A few real things about me:

⭐️ coffee is a necessity
⭐️ I’m a recovering overthinker, over worker, and perfectionist. Cute coming from a therapist, I know.
⭐️ I’m an introvert, but I love real human connection, just not all the small talk
⭐️ give me a DIY project, a free weekend, and a 60% belief I can do it and I’m offline
⭐️ comedy reruns are my jam

Lance didn’t help me write this post, but he insists that he did.

It's rarely one big thing. It's the years of being the reliable one, the one who doesn't need checking in on, the one who just handles it.

And then something small happens. A missed email. A negative comment. It cracks the whole thing open.

If you're the one who everyone leans on and no one checks in on you, this is for you.

Some things I have been sharing in my sessions with men whose partners are in perimenopause.
This is not personal, even though it feels like it. The mood shifts have a physiological driver, not just a relational one.
“What can I do” is a better opening than, “What’s wrong with you?” One invites her in, the other puts her on edge.
You’re allowed your own reactions to this. You’re allowed to be confused, angry, sad, frustrated. That doesn’t make you the villain of this story.

I call myself at times the menopausal therapist half-jokingly. I mean it.