Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC)

This World Mental Health Day we invite you to check in with your friends and family to see how they are doing. Creating space for dialogue around mental health can not only help to break the stigma but can create an opportunity to encourage a loved one to seek help if needed.

#mentalhealthmatters #therapy

Depressed and sad are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Sadness is a normal emotion tied to specific events in your daily life, while depression is a persistent and debilitating mental health condition. If you are experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, speak to a loved one or mental healthcare provider.

#Mentalhealthmatters #therapy #psychotherapy

On this day, we have an opportunity to engage with the painful yet vital truths about the history of colonization and its ongoing impact on the mental health of Indigenous peoples. It`s a moment to pause and reflect on how we, as practitioners, can contribute to repairing the harm caused by systemic inequities and cultural erasure. Educating ourselves about the history of residential schools and the intergenerational trauma they’ve inflicted is a key part of this process. Reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those relating to health and mental health, is one way to begin deepening our understanding.

Honoring this day also means ensuring that our clinical practice is culturally informed and sensitive to the unique experiences of Indigenous clients. Acknowledging their histories and incorporating their cultural perspectives into the therapeutic space can foster greater trust and healing. It’s about recognizing that Indigenous worldviews, traditions, and healing methods are essential aspects of mental health care for these communities. By embracing this knowledge, we can be more supportive and effective in our work.

One of the most powerful things we can do today, and every day, is to listen. Listening to the voices of Indigenous individuals and communities with respect and humility allows us to better understand their needs, their strengths, and their stories of resilience. Whether it’s through engaging in community events, hearing survivors’ testimonies, or simply providing space for our clients to be heard, this act of listening is a profound way to honor their experiences.

It’s also a time for us to reflect on our own roles and responsibilities in the systems we work within. As mental health professionals, we hold a certain degree of power and privilege, and it’s crucial to consider how this plays out in therapeutic relationships. By acknowledging these dynamics, we can strive to make our practices more inclusive and empowering for Indigenous individuals.

#NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation #EveryChildMatters

Understanding ableism is key to creating inclusive environments and fostering respect. Beyond educating ourselves it is important to be mindful of our actions and avoid microaggressions. Ableism may be conscious or unconscious, so it is important to continue to work your biases.

We proudly present our upcoming live open house for the 2025-2026 school year. We will discuss the application process and provide more details about our program. To register, please email us with the subject line "Live Open House Registration."

We can`t wait to see you there! 🌟

#OpenHouse

Coping with stress involves focusing on what you can control, managing your emotions, and seeking support when needed. Taking gradual steps to deal with the stressor will not only help manage it but will avoid creating a larger problem. Remember, it`s okay to ask for help from loved ones or professionals for support.

#mentalhealthmatters

This week is Bisexual+ Awareness Week, and the goal of this week is to promote cultural acceptance and advocate for bisexual rights. As mental health care professionals, educating ourselves on the experiences of our LGBTQIA+ clients can improve the level of care we provide.

#Biweek #mentalhealthmatters