When you’re grieving, the merriment of the holiday season feel painfully out of place with your inner world. Coping with grief over the holidays doesn’t mean forcing cheer. Instead, you can find gentle ways to honour your feelings by creating space for both sorrow and moments of comfort.
Narcissistic traits go well beyond vanity and large egos. It manifest in both personal and professional relationship settings as consistent behaviours like lying, manipulating, controlling narratives, avoiding accountability, and having no scruples.
Despite growing awareness about mental health, the stigma surrounding ADHD remains pervasive and deeply rooted in misunderstanding.
Here is a valuable list of resources that help students – yes, even International Students – maintain their mental well-being. Take advantage of them because your mental health matters.
School avoidance and back-to-school anxiety are growing trends in Canada. According to Anxiety Canada, more than 25% of youth will engage in some form of school avoidance during their education.
While summer brings the promise of sunshine, rest, and quality time with family, it is also when tensions can rise between couples. Summertime marital strife is more common than one would believe.
Many queer East Asians have had to hide their true self to maintain harmony in the family because East Asian culture emphasizes conformation, collectivism and filial obedience.
If you’re an international student in high school, college, or university, you may not realize how courageous your journey is. Here’s what we have learnt from others like you who were not born in Canada.
The Good Girl Archetype is a culturally embedded trauma response and survival strategy of past generations inherited by young South Asian women of today. Blind obedience, emotional suppression, perfectionism and self-sacrifice shape their lives creating chronic anxiety, people-pleasing, shame and guilt. Healing from this type of intergenerational trauma is possible, and it starts with accepting that your worth does not depend on self-sacrifice.
Psychotherapists often use the analogy of a three-legged stool to help clients dealing with anxiety understand the neuroscience. Each leg represents a separate aspect of anxiety: the thinking mind, the physical body, and the emotional system. Managing anxiety requires addressing all three. Consequently, understanding the interconnectedness of the legs can provide effective and empowering strategies for dealing with anxiety.
Cancer affects your mental health and seeking support for your mental wellness through this journey is not just a nice-to-have. It can be crucial for the best possible outcome. We have ample evidence indicating how our bodies and minds support each other. A healthy body promotes mental wellness, and robust emotional well-being can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and offer resilience to stressors.
In families where healthy boundaries don’t exist, introducing your own can feel like cutting off a limb off of your family’s whole. People may protest, accuse you of being difficult, or even downplay the pain you’ve experienced. But here’s the truth: nobody ever wants to set a boundary. It’s never the first choice, and it’s almost always uncomfortable.
Men’s mental health is often shaped by silence. Many men are taught to “push through,” stay strong, or handle things on their own, even when something feels heavy inside.
Struggling doesn’t mean you’re weak. Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, irritable, or exhausted doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
Mental health support isn’t about fixing you, it’s about having space to speak honestly, at your own pace, without judgment.
Therapy support is available for men who want a supportive space to talk. Reach out to connect with Michael Chu, our men’s mental health expert for a free 20 minute consultation using the link in our bio or on our website - it’s okay to talk about it.
#mentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #mensmentalhealth #maletherapist
Therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of what’s beneath the surface.
Michael Chu, Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying), works with adults (18+), with a focus on men’s mental health. His work supports clients navigating anxiety, self-confidence, relationships, cultural identity, and life transitions.
Michael brings a thoughtful, psychodynamic approach—helping clients explore patterns, emotions, and deeper self-understanding at their own pace. 💬🌱
book a free 20-minute consultation using the link in our bio or on our website to learn more and see if working with michael feels like a good fit.
#shantipsychotherapy #mensmentalhealth #psychodynamictherapy #adulttherapy #torontotherapy #mentalhealthsupport #therapyjourney
We’re excited to welcome Michael Chu to the Shanti team 🤍
Michael supports adults—especially men—through anxiety, mood concerns, self-esteem, relationship struggles, work stress, and cultural or life transitions. He offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore patterns, emotions, and growth at your own pace. ✨
Check out our website or the link in our bio to book a free 20 minute consultation with Michael!
#newtherapist #mensmentalhealth #psychotherapy #torontotherapy #adulttherapy #mentalhealthsupport #healingjourney
Winter in Canada can feel magical, but if you’re an international student, it can also feel isolating and overwhelming.
From layering up on budget, to getting daylight, staying active and connected, and noticing the small moments of joy ✨ these are simple habits to help you enjoy the season and protect your mental health.
You don’t have to go through it alone.
#winterblues #SADsupport #torontotherapy #internationalexperiencecanada #internationstudents #studenttherapy
“Narcissist” is often misused, but true narcissism goes far beyond confidence or selfies. It’s a consistent pattern of entitlement, low empathy, and a need for admiration — not just occasional traits.
Experts identify 7 types of narcissism, each showing up differently. That’s why understanding the difference between traits and a true disorder matters; overusing labels can cause harm.
If you’re navigating confusing dynamics or healing from narcissistic behavior, therapy can offer clarity, boundaries, and compassionate support.
Learn more on our blog 🫶🏼
#narcissismrecovery #narcissisticbehavior #narcissismtherapist #torontotherapy
Talking to your parents about therapy can feel intimidating—but it’s an important step toward caring for your mental health. 💬
The stigma around mental health can make these conversations tough, but honesty, preparation, and patience can help you have a supportive discussion.
Remember: therapy is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and well-being.
Taking that first step shows courage. 🌿
#torontopsychotherapist #torontotherapy #torontotherapist #southasianparents #therapyforteens
We’re so proud to celebrate Angie, who was recognized for one of the Laadliyan in Leadership Awards, honouring South Asian daughters leading the way in their communities, careers, and lives. 🫶🏼
This award is especially meaningful because it reflects the kind of leadership we hold close at Shanti Psychotherapy, the everyday acts of care, advocacy, and connection that build stronger, more compassionate communities. 🫱🏽🫲🏾
At Shanti, we believe leadership isn’t just about titles or accolades, it’s about showing up, creating space for healing, and supporting others in their journeys. This recognition reminds us that collective care and community support are powerful forms of leadership, too.
A heartfelt thank you to @laadliyan for this beautiful honour and for your continued partnership in uplifting South Asian women and gender-diverse folks. Together, we rise. 💕
#communitycare #collectivehealing #southasianwomen #togetherwerise
Grounding techniques are tools that help regulate your nervous system by engaging your senses. When anxiety takes over, your body may go into “fight, flight, or freeze.”
Bringing awareness to your surroundings helps signal to your brain that you are safe in this moment.
Try this 5-4-3-2-1 method:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Slow your breath between each one and allow your body to settle. ✨✨✨
#grounding #anxietyrelief #mindfulness #mentalhealth #selfcare #mentalwellness #stressrelief #calm #therapytools #mindfulmoment #presentmoment #mentalhealthawareness #selfregulation
ADHD isn’t about laziness or lack of effort, it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, planning, motivation, and emotion.
It can show up as being easily distracted, restless, or both, but with the right tools and understanding, living with ADHD can become more manageable and empowering.
If you’re from a BIPOC or immigrant community, it’s especially important to seek culturally responsive support, stigma, language, or cost can add extra layers to the journey.
Understanding your brain is the first step to working with it, not against it. Reach out to learn more or read more on our blog 🧠🫶🏼
#adhdawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #inclusivetherapy #mentalhealthmatters #adhdcommunity #adhdhelp #adhdcanada #shantipsychotherapy
University life is full of new experiences, exciting challenges, and sometimes significant overwhelm. Between deadlines, transitions, and expectations, it’s easy for mental health to take a backseat. 💭💫
Our latest blog shares practical ways students can access mental health care, from campus counselling and peer programs to private therapy and insurance coverage tips.
Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment or managing ongoing stress, support is available, and you don’t have to do it alone. 💙
Read it on our website: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/blog/
#studentwellness #mentalhealthmatters #campussupport #therapyresources #youarenotalone #studentlife #mentalhealthawareness
If mornings have become battles, you’re not alone ✨
School avoidance is often anxiety’s way of saying, “I’m scared.”
With empathy, structure, and small steps, children can rebuild confidence.
#ParentingSupport #AnxietyAwareness #BackToSchool #TherapyWorks #CulturallyResponsiveCare
We’re hiring a Social Media Assistant (Student Position)!
Are you a student who loves creating engaging content, designing on Canva, and finding creative ways to connect with online communities?
This is your chance to grow your digital skills while contributing to meaningful work in mental health care.
At Shanti Psychotherapy, we believe in culturally-sensitive, inclusive therapy and we’re looking for someone who shares our values to help us bring this vision to life online.
✨ Part-time & remote
✨ Mentorship from experienced therapists
✨ A supportive space to grow your creativity and communication skills
📩 Send your resume to intake.shantipsychotherapy@gmail.com and join us in making a difference.
#hiring #studentopportunity #socialmediaassistant #torontojobs #canadastudents #mentalhealthawareness #therapypractice
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