Outside The Therapy Room

In this episode, we sit down with Arsh to explore the complex and often misunderstood experience of masking within the neurodivergent community. Together, we unpack what masking really means—how individuals consciously or unconsciously hide parts of their authentic selves to fit into neurotypical expectations. We’ll discuss the emotional toll masking can take, its connection to burnout, identity,...

When we think of meditation, we often picture adults sitting in silence — but children can benefit from mindfulness just as deeply, if not more. In this episode, I sit down with Shefali Bhalla our administrative assistant at NMC, and a Developmental Psychology Research student, to explore how meditation can nurture emotional regulation, focus, and calm in children. Together, we discuss how to make...

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Rhonda Chamberlain, registered physiotherapist and pelvic health specialist, to unpack the overwhelming pressure many women face to “bounce back” after pregnancy — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Rhonda and I share our experience of the pressure of "bouncing back" after our pregnancies, and the realities of postpartum recovery, shedding...

What if moving your eyes back and forth could help heal old wounds? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Moore, a certified EMDR therapist, to break down Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a way that’s relatable, hopeful, and myth-busting. Sarah shares how EMDR works, who it helps, and why it’s more than just a therapy for trauma survivors. Whether you’re curious about start...

Why are so many of us drawn to “spicy” romance novels with powerful, dominant male leads—and what does that do to our expectations of our partners? In this episode we dig into the surge of steamy books, the psychology behind alpha-male characters, and the thin line between passionate fantasy and problematic behavior. Our guest Ashley Mariani joins us to unpack: Why dominant characters are so appea...

What’s the difference between gender identity and sexual identity — and how do we figure it all out? In this episode, Dakota joins us for an open, honest, and uplifting conversation about how teens explore who they are, why adolescence is such a powerful time for identity, and how today’s adults are also re-examining gender and sexuality with more openness than before. We’ll talk about personal st...

This week we’re diving into a topic that so many experience but few openly talk about—PMS, mental health, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) . I’m joined by Olivia Carvalho, the Menstral Coach,  for a real and honest conversation about what the menstal cycles are and how our cycles can impact mood, emotions, and daily life in ways that often go unseen or misunderstood. Together, we unpack...

In this inspiring episode, I fangirl over the one and only Lacey Heels, author, poet and wonderful human, to talk about her brand-new book, The Rebirth Rituals . Lacey shares how writing and poetry became powerful tools in her own journey of processing emotions, navigating family dynamics, people-pleasing and creating space for growth and healing. Together, we explore the ways writing can help us...

Season 2 of Outside The Therapy Room kicks off with one of the biggest transitions of the year—back to school. In this episode, I’m sharing how to spot the signs of school anxiety in kids (and teens), simple ways to help them process those big feelings, and practical coping tools that actually work. Plus, I’ll walk you through how I get my own family back into routines before the first bell rings—...

In this final episode of Season 1, Ivonne opens up about the hidden toll of always being "the strong one." As a therapist, business owner, and caretaker, Ivonne shares her recent personal experience of navigating life while holding it all together for everyone else — and what happens when even the strong feel like they’re falling apart. We explore the emotional cost of being the reliable...

In this episode, we explore the surprising challenges many of us face when it comes to simply resting . From the guilt that creeps in when we slow down to the cultural pressure to stay busy. Bethany is back and together, we unpack why rest often feels out of reach—and why it's more essential than ever.  Join us for a compassionate conversation about recognizing burnout, and reclaiming rest as...

This week we are joined by Aleta Wilson! She is a registered social worker and has an amazing new program called Nice Girls Club starting May 14th. In this episode, we dive into the hidden challenges women face when caught in the cycle of being the "nice girl" — always accommodating, always saying yes, and constantly putting others' needs ahead of their own. Aleta shares tools to he...

Melissa Pyne is BACK, and ready to take a deep dive into the world of psychedelic-assisted therapy. In this episode, we're breaking down what psychedelic therapy actually looks like. Melissa shares the three main types of psychedelic medicines used in therapy today—psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine—how they work, what they’re used for, and why people are turning to them for mental health breakth...

Sudden injuries can be painful, scary and a tough mental battle. Chris Michael is an Registered Massage Therapist, and he joins the podcast to share his story of recovering from knee surgery, after not being able to locate his knee cap!  Chris gets real about the mental side of his recovery: the depression, anxiety and identity loss; and how he shifted his mindset and made space for his emotions t...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and suicidality briefly. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. In this episode, we explore an anti-carceral approach to suicidality—an alternative to the traditional criminalizing and institutionalizing responses to those struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  Kaitlin Baldwin joins us, as we delve into how...

In this candid and fruitful episode of Outside The Therapy Room, Ashley Mariani joins us as we explore the intricate dynamics of sex and relationships, offering insight and advice for creating deeper emotional and physical connections with your partner. Whether you're navigating the early stages of a relationship or working through long-term challenges, this episode covers everything you need...

In this episode of Outside The Therapy Room , Bethany and Ivonne dive into the topic of the inner critic — that nagging, self-doubting voice we all experience. They explore how it shapes our thoughts, impacts our confidence, and share practical tips for managing it. Whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth, learn how to befriend and quiet that inner critic and embrace a...

In this insightful podcast episode, Destinee opens up about her personal journey with gender disappointment during pregnancy. She shares her raw and honest feelings, providing listeners with a relatable and empathetic perspective on navigating the complexities of expectations and emotions surrounding the sex of a baby. Whether you're a parent-to-be or simply seeking to understand this often-o...

Tonya is back to bust some of the myths we hear about couples therapy, like couples therapy is only if you're about to break up; the therapist is always taking a side; and couples therapy is only beneficial when you plan on staying together.  As two couples therapists, we know how communicating to your partner that you want to go to couples therapy, isn't always received in the best way....

Did you know there are 7 different types of rest!? It’s true; while the most commonly known is physical rest, there can be times where we are chilling on the couch, watching a movie or we wake up in the morning after a long sleep, but don't feel well rested. This may be because we are only engaging in one type of rest. Destinee is back to talk about the different types of rest, how we can rec...

You've heard about validating yours and others emotions, but what the heck does that even mean? Sarah, our registered social worker, joins us to discuss what validation is, why its important and share some examples of validation. Follow us on social media: @outisdethetherapyroompod If you're looking for a therapist and live in Ontario, feel free to visit our website here or contact us at...

Lisette Weber is a Postpartum Doula - a sidekick really, and she joins us to talk all things maternal mental health. Lisette explains what a Doula is, what her work focuses on and shares her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety. We share resources on how to support a loved one who has just had a child, while validating and normalizing the challenges a new mother goes through physi...

Reality TV is everywhere, its either our not-so-guilty Guilty Pleasure, our coping show, or the thing that connects you to friends and family. Bethany is back, and we are joined by Alicia (our registered social worker), to talk all about Reality TV and how it can impact our mental health. We also discuss reality stars and the impact of being documented has on their mental health. Follow us on soci...

Jenni is back to talk about conflict. We answer the question "is conflict bad", and we discuss what happens to our bodies and brain when we are in conflict, survival cues (flight, fight, freeze and fawn) and the window of tollerance; as well as the different conflict types we might take on. We provide support and suggestions to help you the next time you find yourself in a place of confl...

This is a fun one! Our favourite nerd, Destinee is back to talk about video games and mental health. In this episode we talk about the negative impacts of video games, and all of the benefits and positive impacts video games can have on our mental, physical and emotional health. We talk about female gamers, the sense of community that can come from gaming, using video games as a tool to relieve an...