Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, school stress, or life transitions, we’re here to help them (and you) navigate these experiences with compassion and confidence.

You're not alone

Who I Help

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Therapy for Kids,
Teens & Parents

At Wellstead Child & Family Therapy, we believe that mental health care should feel personal, professional, and rooted in community. Located in the heart of Wellesley Township, we provide specialized therapy for children, teens, and families, helping young people grow, heal, and thrive - right here at home.

We understand that families in rural areas often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health support. That’s why our practice is built on the values of connection, accessibility, and trust. We offer evidence-based care in a welcoming environment, so families don’t have to travel far to find the help they need.

Our approach is grounded in warmth, professionalism, and respect. We take time to understand each child’s story - celebrating their strengths, supporting their challenges, and working together with parents and caregivers to foster lasting well-being.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, school stress, or life transitions, we’re here to help them (and you) navigate these experiences with compassion and confidence.

At Wellstead, you’ll find small-town care with professional expertise - a place where families are known, supported, and empowered to build healthier futures.

Every September, our feeds are flooded with tips and hacks for coping with the chaos of back-to-school. Pack the lunches ahead of time, colour-code the calendar, get the bedtime routine on track. And while all of those strategies can be helpful, I want to pause and share something I’ve noticed after 20 years of working in the field with kids, teens and families.

The stress of going back to school isn’t just about the busy mornings, homework or sports schedules. What I’ve seen, time and time again, is that kids and teens mental health often takes the biggest hit when school starts back up again.

It makes sense—school is where young people spend the majority of their time. They’re navigating academic pressures, social dynamics, changes in friendships and sometimes uncertainty about where they “fit”. These stressors don’t just stay in the classroom; they show up in their mood at home, their sleep, their motivation and even their sense of self-worth.

So while routines, snacks and organizational tips matter (and make things smoother for parents too), I encourage you to look a little deeper this September. Ask yourself:

💭 How is my child really feeling about being back to school?

💭What supports do they need emotionally, not just logistically?

💭How can I create space at home for them to share their worries, frustrations and wins?

Back to school is more than just a season of change—it’s a mental health checkpoint. Let’s not miss the chance to really tune in. 💙

#BackToSchool #ParentingLife #Parenting Support #ChildrensMentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #BigFeelings

🌞➡️📚 Parenting Through the Summer-to-School Transition

The shift from long summer days to structured school routines can be a big adjustment for kids and parents. While some children are excited to reunite with friends and dive into learning, others may feel anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed by the change.

Here are a few gentle reminders for parents during this transition:

✨ Acknowledge Feelings
Kids may grieve the end of summer freedom or feel nervous about new teachers, classrooms, or expectations. Make space for those emotions. A simple, “I can see you’re nervous about school starting, that makes sense,” can go a long way.

✨ Ease Back Into Routines
Shift bedtime, wake-up times, and morning routines gradually rather than overnight. This helps children’s bodies and minds adjust without added stress.

✨ Create Connection Points
Transitions are smoother when children feel secure. Build in small rituals—a morning hug, a note in the lunchbox, or a quick check-in after school—that remind them they’re supported.

✨ Model Calm & Flexibility
Your child takes cues from you. If you approach the season with flexibility and reassurance (instead of pressure for perfection), they’ll learn to trust the process too.

✨ Keep Summer Alive in Small Ways
Just because school starts doesn’t mean fun ends! Plan little things to look forward to—like a Friday night picnic, a family walk, or reading a favorite book together.

Remember: this is a transition for the whole family. Give yourself compassion too—you’re navigating schedules, school lists, and shifting emotions right alongside your kids.

Here’s to a season of fresh starts, growth, and new routines 🌱.

#ParentingTips #ParentingSupport #MindfulParenting #PositiveParenting #FamilyLife #BackToSchool2025 #SchoolTransition #EndOfSummer #BackToSchoolSeason #ParentingThroughChange

We’re moving! 🎉 I’m excited to share that my therapy practice is transitioning from my cozy home office to a beautiful new professional space at 1235 Queen’s Bush Road, Wellesley, Ontario. This move marks a big step forward and reflects the growth of the practice—and there’s more to come!

Stay tuned for some exciting updates on what’s ahead 🌱

One Year Later 💫

A year ago, I made the leap—from hospital-based mental health care to launching my own private therapy practice. It’s hard to put into words how much this year has meant to me.

Leaving a system I knew so well was both exciting and terrifying. I wasn’t just changing jobs—I was stepping into a vision I had carried quietly for years. A space where therapy could feel more grounded, more personal, more me.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside incredible clients and watching this practice grow into something that feels deeply aligned with who I am and how I want to support others.

And here’s the fun part: something new is on the horizon. In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing an exciting update that’s been in the works for a while now. I can’t wait to bring you along.

Stay tuned 💚

This week, we celebrate the heart and soul of healthcare--our nurses.

To the incredible nurses I've had the privilege of working with professionally, and to the amazing nurses I know personally: thank you. Your compassion, resilience and dedication inspire everyone around you, including me.

Your care doesn't just heal bodies--it comforts minds and hearts, often in the toughest moments. You are seen, appreciated and deeply valued.

Happy #NursesWeekCanada

With gratitude,
Catrina

#NursesWeekCanada #NursesWeek #ThankYouNurses #NurseAppreciation #SupportNurses #NursingStrong #HealthCareHeroes #CanadianNurses

Feeing wired after a long shift?
You cared for others all day — don’t forget to care for yourself too.

Here are 10 gentle ways to wind down, de-stress, and reconnect with yourself after a demanding shift or rotation. 🤍

Swipe for tips ➡️

#healthcarewellness #shiftwork #nurselife #burnoutsupport #selfcareforhelpers

Dear Officers,

The uniform doesn’t make you invincible - and it was never meant to.

You carry others’ emergencies, trauma and expectations. But who holds yours?

You’re not weak for needing support. You’re human. Your mental health matters too.

DM me if you’re ready for a space where you don’t have to hold it all alone.

#FirstResponderWellness #PoliceMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #CatrinaClarkCounselling #MentalHealthSupport #BehindTheBadge

Ever feel like you’re just winging it and someone is about to find you out?

That’s not truth - it’s imposter syndrome talking.

So let them think you’re unsure.
Let them assume you got lucky.
Let them underestimate you.

You know the work you’ve put in. You belong here.

DM me if you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling grounded again.

#LetThemTheory #ImposterSyndrome #TherapistLife #HelpingProfessionals #YouBelongHere

✨ Just start. ✨
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to wait for the “right time.”
You don’t need to feel “bad enough.”

Therapy is a space to begin—with small steps, quiet shifts, and steady support.
And those small steps? They add up to big, meaningful change. 🌱

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, consider this your sign. You’re not alone. 💬💛

#MentalHealthMatters #TherapyIsForEveryone #SmallStepsBigChange #StartTherapy #EmotionalWellbeing #OntarioPsychotherapist

We all go through tough times, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout or just feeling overwhelmed, acknowledging what you’re going through is the first step towards healing.

At Catrina Clark Counselling, I offer a supportive space to explore what’s really going on and find the tools you need to move forward. Together, we can work through your challenges and restore your sense of balance.

You don’t have to keep pretending. DM me to get started with a free 15-minute consultation call or follow the link in my bio.

#MentalHealthAwareness #TherapyForAll #YouAreNotAlone #CatrinaClarkCounselling #OntarioTherapist

Hi, I’m Catrina Clark and I specialize in therapy for those who dedicate their lives to helping others — first responders, healthcare professionals and educators. I understand the unique challenges of these roles and the toll they can take on your mental and emotional health.

Through personalized, compassionate support, I work with you to navigate stress, prevent burnout and heal from trauma, so you can continue your important work while taking care of yourself.

You don’t have to carry the weight alone — seeking help is a powerful step toward better well-being. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to support you. Let’s connect.

#FirstResponderSupport #HealthcareHeroes #EducatorWellness #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyForHelpers #StressManagement #BurnoutPrevention #CounsellingSupport #WellnessJourney #EMDR

Healthcare workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, but they often face unique challenges when it comes to their own mental heath. Here are 5 key reasons why healthcare professionals don’t seek the support they deserve. Let’s break the stigma and start prioritizing mental wellbeing for those who give so much of themselves.

#healthcareprofessional #healthcareheroes #healthcareburnout #stressawareness #mentalhealthmatters #breakthestigma #ontariotherapy #waterlooregion #perthcounty #ontariohealthcare

Take a moment to thank an essential worker for showing up, even on a snow day.

#essentialworkers #frontlineworkers #nodaysoff #whatsnowday #healthcare #healthcareheroes #firstresponders #snowplowdrivers #truckdrivers #keepingussafe #therewhenyouneedus

8-months ago, I left my job in hospital leadership. I was there for almost 15-years working in a highly acute inpatient mental health setting with patients of all ages. For the last 5 years at the hospital, I was further away from frontline patient care, but I kept my skills sharp providing support to the 100+ staff that reported to me during a global pandemic. By the end, I was burnt out and determined to make a change. I am so grateful for the success, relief, joy and most importantly, balance I have found while opening my own therapy practice. I now realize how much I have truly missed clinical work - which is what got me into this field in the first place. ❤️‍🩹

#privatepractice #psychotherapy #therapy #traumatherapist #workplacestress #recovery #mentalhealthrecovery #cbt #dbt #traumatherapy #emdr #ontariotherapy #waterlooregion #workfromhome #self employed

I’m so excited to announce that I am now offering EMDR Therapy as part of my practice! 🎉
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful tool that helps people process and heal from past trauma, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience.
If you're struggling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, or stress, EMDR can help you move forward in a safe and supportive environment. 🙌
If you or someone you know might benefit, reach out today to learn more or schedule a consultation. I’m here to support you on your journey to healing! 🌿

#TherapyForFirstResponders
#BookYourTherapist
#VirtualTherapyCanada
#FrontlineWellness
#WellesleyTherapyServices
#TherapyThatCares
#MentalHealthHelpNow
#TherapistNearMe
#SupportForHelpers
#StressManagementTools #emdrtherapy #emdrtherapist

Being married to or in a relationship with a first responder comes with unique challenges. While the role of a first responder can be incredibly rewarding, it is also often demanding, emotionally taxing, and sometimes even dangerous. For spouses, this can mean long hours of waiting, managing household stress alone, and coping with the emotional burden of knowing your loved one faces life-threatening situations regularly.

As a spouse, you may find yourself navigating feelings of anxiety, isolation, and even resentment, particularly if the stress of your partner’s job takes a toll on your relationship. It's important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid, and seeking help is a positive and proactive step toward supporting your own mental and emotional health.

Book a 15-minute complementary consult to see if therapy might be a good fit for you:

catrinaclarkcounselling.janeapp.com

#firstresponders #firstresponderspouse #compassionfatigue #trauma #behindthebadge #vicarioustrauma #anxiety #depression #stress #healthyrelationships #ontario #waterlooregion #therapy #psychotherapy #CBT #ACT #EMDR

I have noticed a shift with first responders. More seem to be reaching out before things get really bad. In preparation for the worst case scenario.

They aren’t waiting until they respond to that one call that rocks them unexpectedly.

They aren’t holding out until they finish that shift they can’t process on their own.

They aren’t postponing until the sleepless nights after their rotation.

They aren’t putting it off until they can’t get the images out of their head.

They aren’t prolonging because someone else they work with has experienced worse.

They are reaching out now to make sure they have support when they need it. To make sure they have someone they can relate to and feels like a good fit. To make sure they have a professional they can trust and be vulnerable with when times get rough.

Let’s be real, in this line of work something bad is always happening.

DM me if you have any questions about therapy or how to get started.

#firstresponder #frontlineworkers #workplacestress #trauma #traumainformed #ontariopolice #ems #fire #therapy #ontariopsychotherapist #waterlooregion #recovery #emdr #act #cbt #traumatherapy

Thank you to everyone who celebrates on a different day or misses gathering with family because you are working Christmas this year. We are truly grateful knowing you are there if we need you.
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#firstresponders #healthcare #police #ems #fire

When we are talking about trauma, it isn’t the event that caused the wound – trauma is the wound itself. This is a relief because if the event was the wound, we would not be able to heal from it; we cannot go back and change what happened. However, we know that we can heal wounds and that makes psychological trauma available to be healed at any time.

I find it always helps to understand mental health when we compare it to a physical injury. For example, we could experience trauma to our lower leg – it doesn’t necessary matter what caused the injury, there could be countless different scenarios. But thankfully, it can be healed by combining various interventions like surgery, a cast, medication or physiotherapy to name a few. Similarly, to heal from a psychological injury regardless of the cause, there are several treatments that are proven to be effective. This includes evidence-based talk therapies such as CBT, ACT or EMDR to name a few. We wouldn’t let our leg trauma go untreated, so why not get the necessary care and attention for our psychological wounds?
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#trauma #traumarecovery #recovery #psychotherapy #CBT #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #emdr #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #workplacetrauma #highstresswork #worklifebalance #lawenforcement #ems #firefighter #woundhealing #ontariotherapist #ontariopsychotherapy #privatepracticetherapist

🌿You finish your rotation and all you want is to turn off your thoughts about work but it slowly creeps in when you have time to think. Images replay as you stare at the ceiling unable to settle down and fall to sleep. You are so tired from flipping from days to nights but your brain isn't able to signal to your body that it's time to rest.

🌿You wake up a couple of hours later feeling like you didn't sleep at all. The kids come home and the chaos begins. Your partner asks when you are going to get up and shovel the snow. Your friend texts and asks you to reply to a message they sent last week. You are instantly irritated and lash out in a sarcastic and hurtful way. They react with a similar response and you know you will not be talking the rest of the night. The damage is done, you are left feeling overwhelmed with remorse and regret.

🌿This might sound familiar but it doesn't have to continue. By adding evidence-based talk therapy to your time off, you will learn how to keep your emotions regulated especially when you are with those you love the most.

DM me so we can make a plan to get started!
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#workplacestress #occupationalstress #trauma #traumarecovery #ptsd #stress #sleephygeine #anxiety #depression #burnout #recovery #cbt #cbttherapy #psychotherapy #emdr #ontariopolice #ontariohealthcare #ontarioteachers

This past weekend I had the privilege of going on a ride along with members of WRPS on a night shift. I learned a lot and have a fresh perspective on how fast-paced, complex and dynamic a shift on the road can be. I was also reminded of how grateful I am for the officers in our Region, thank you all for your service!💙
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#lawenforcement #lawenforcementofficer #gratitude #workplacewellness #posttramaticstress #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #therapy #cbt #psychotherapy #wrps

After my last post about difficulties falling to sleep, I realize this is a topic many of you are interested in.💤

With the time change looming this weekend, here are some of my favourite tips to set you up for sleep success! 🕑
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#timechange #daylightsavings #ontario #therapy #psychotherapy #sleephygeine #fallingtosleep #sleepimportance

👉Typically, when someone begins therapy, we start by scheduling sessions every 1-2 weeks for the first little while and eventually we work to stretch it out to monthly sessions. If you haven’t already accessed your employee benefits that cover mental health counselling, why not use them up for more frequent sessions before the end of 2024? We are entering one of the busiest seasons in this profession as the holidays can be a difficult time for many. Book now before my caseload fills up:
catrinaclarkcounselling.com
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#ontariotherapist #psychotherapy #evidencebasedtalktherapy #CBT #dbt #traumacenteredpsychotherapy #frontline #frontlineworkers #essentialworkers #recovery #therapyiscool #traumatherapy #workplacestress #burnout

Grounding techniques are practices that help to refocus on the present moment and distract yourself from anxious thoughts. In this case, this strategy helps to bring your thoughts back to your bedroom where you are meant to be sleeping so you can be a rested version of your best self the following day.💤
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#frontlineworkers #essentialworkers #cbt #mindfulnesspractice #groundingtechniques #hereandnow #psychotherapy #ontariopsychotherapy #sleephygeine #sleepmatters

🔒Many years ago, we were taught you need time to establish a relationship with a client before you can get into the nitty gritty of therapy, especially when it comes to trauma. We were told that if we weren’t careful, we could re-traumatize someone by having them dig up old memories when talking about what happened to them in the past.

💡My instructor this week had a different take. She used the analogy of someone going to the doctor with a lump. The doctor isn’t going say let’s meet a few more times to establish a therapeutic relationship before they send you for a biopsy or other tests. They are addressing the lump immediately in that first appointment.

⏳Trauma is the lump. When someone starts therapy to work through their past experiences, we need to face it head on and not put it off until we are ready. They will not be re-traumatized from talking about what happened, it's quite the opposite. They will find relief from their pain after finally having someone just as concerned about the lump as they have been.
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#firstresponders #essentialworkers #workplacestress #traumarecovery #healingfromtrauma #recovery #traumacenteredpsychotherapy #ontariohealthcare #ontariopolice #ontarioteachers #ontariopsychotherapy #ontariocounselling #psychotherapy #mentalhealthcounselling

Exciting day over here! 🎉🎉🎉

My website is live and it’s starting to feel a little more official! All of the pieces are coming together and I couldn’t be more happy with the results.👌🏻

Check it out: catrinaclarkcounselling.com

#psychotherapy #cbt #traumarecovery #frontlineworkers #ptsd #healthcareworkers #ontariopolice #ontarioteacher #workplacestress #therapy #counseling #counselling #mentalhealth #mentalhealthrecovery

By definition, burnout is a state of emotional, mental and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged and repeated stress. Though it's most often caused by problems at work, it can also appear in other areas of life, such as parenting, caretaking or romantic relationships.

Compassion fatigue can affect the most dedicated workers -- people who continue to help by working extra shifts or foregoing days off, or neglecting their own self-care. This can result from exposer to a single case of trauma, or from years of accumulated emotional residue.

By talking about traumatic experiences from your work as a helping professional, you can begin to let the air out of your balloon, before it pops. If you are experiencing these signs of compassion fatigue, please reach out to see how I can help.
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#compassionfatigue #workplaceburnout #traumarecovery #trauma #cbt #act #traumatherapy #firstresponders #ontario #psychotherapy #healthcareworkers #healthcareheroes #lawenforcement #lawenforcementfamily #mentalhealth #ontariomentalhealth

🍂 Fall can be a busy time of year. Things are ramping up again at work, kids are back to school and sports/activities schedules are hectic. If you have been thinking about connecting with a counsellor for your own mental health, I have recently transitioned from hospital-based care to my own practice where I specialize in supporting essential workers in healthcare, law enforcement and education. Contact me if you would like to schedule a complementary 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit or you can book here:
https://catrinaclarkcounselling.janeapp.com
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#healthcareworkers #police #educators #ontariohealthcare #ontariohealthcareworkers #OntarioPolice #ontarioeducators #ontarioteacher #psychotherapy #psychotherapyonline #essentialworkers #frontlineworkers #postpandemicrecovery #mentalhealthmatters #workplacestress #worklifebalance #overwhelmed #CBT #cbttherapist #acttherapy #MBCT

✨When I worked on the mental health crisis team of the hospital's emergency department, we would see patients in their most acute state, sometimes described as their absolute rock bottom. People avoided accessing help and this happened more over the course of the pandemic because we were told to stay at home. So when they finally did arrive, some had already lost it all -- relationships, homes, jobs, ect.

✨Too often, people suffer in silence because they were told to suck it up, forget about it and move on. If only it were that easy. If there is one thing I learned working on the frontline it was that you cannot do this work alone, at least not for a long time. You need support, you need someone who understands what you've been through. One psychiatrist told me that everyone working in a helping profession needs a good therapist to talk through what they have seen and heard, that's how he has avoided burnout after all of these years.

✨Sometimes the signs are small, having difficulty falling asleep because you are replaying the events from your shift in your head, coming home and eating another full meal after already consuming your 3 meals you packed for the day or drinking more alcohol than you used to after finishing up the fourth shift of your rotation. We know that people have better outcomes when they access help early. When they don't wait until their situation is no longer bearable. When they talk through their difficult experiences. If you have been thinking it may be time to reach out to a professional, don't put it off any longer.

#privatepracticetherapist #therapy #ontariotherapist #healthcareworkers #police #recovery #workplacestress #ontariocounsellor #cbt #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #support #frontline #frontlineworkers #frontlineheroes #OntarioPolice #psychotherapy #psychotherapyonline #ontarioeducation #ontarioteacher #essentialworkers #postpandemicrecovery #LifeAfterPandemic

A lot of people get tripped up by their own perceptions about others who see a therapist. These are some common concerns I've heard over the years, let's break them down:

🎭 Client/Therapist Connection: Typically, therapists will offer a complementary 15-minute consultation so you can briefly meet and see if your goals for therapy align with their style and modalities. This way the pressure is off when you do book that first session.

⏱ We are trained to get you to talk! In general, we run out of time because there is so much to cover in a one-hour session, however, I always have an agenda to help keep us on track. It's not only about venting about what's stressing you out, we do lots of learning as well.

👩‍💻 Lots of people attend therapy when their mental health is stable. It is often used as a way of preventing a relapse or maintaining good mental wellness. We just never know what life will throw our way so it is best to be prepared.

💡 Can talking actually help? Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is proven and backed by evidence, it's science! If you were to go to your doctor, CBT is very likely to be the first recommended treatment for low mood or increased anxiety. If it doesn't help, that's when they might add a medication in addition to talk-therapy.

#privatepracticetherapist #therapy #ontariotherapist #healthcareworkers #police #recovery #workplacestress #ontariocounsellor #cbt #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #support #frontline #frontlineworkers #frontlineheroes #OntarioPolice #psychotherapy #psychotherapyonline #ontarioeducation #ontarioteacher #essentialworkers #postpandemicrecovery #LifeAfterPandemic

Thank you for following along from the beginning -- the clinic is open and accepting new clients!

~Catrina

#privatepracticetherapist #therapy #ontariotherapist #healthcareworkers #police #recovery #workplacestress #ontariocounsellor #cbt #support #frontline #frontlineworkers #frontlineheroes #psychotherapy #psychotherapyonline

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Who I Help

Therapy for Kids,
Teens & Parents

Follow me on Instagram

Child Therapy

Teen & Adolescent Therapy

Group Therapy & Workshops

Who I Help

Therapy for Kids, Teens & Parents

​

Follow me on Instagram

Child Therapy

Teen & Adolescent Therapy

Group Therapy & Workshops

Therapy for Kids,
Teens & Parents