Whitehouse Psychotherapy

Co-dependency in a relationship (whether platonic or romantic) is characterized by the pair’s inability to develop trust with and independence from each other. These relationships are often quite toxic, and end up deteriorating one or both members of the relationship over time. Individuals who have been in these relationships often describe a loss of self, boundaries, and happiness. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Change is hard, uncomfortable, and has the capacity to be very painful. This is why many people avoid it throughout their lives. However, without change, we can see very little progress. Growth and change go hand in hand, so while hard, the results are worth it! What have you been wanting to change in your life? #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

You will never be able to please everyone! Once you learn this, you can begin investing your time in the people who love you for who you are. These are the people who value you as you are, and who you don’t have to change for. Seek these people out in your life as often as possible. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

It is a fact of life that other people will hurt us, and that we in turn will hurt others. In an ideal scenario, these feelings get discussed, and apologies are made and accepted. Some people however, are too deep in their own pain to recognize that they have hurt you, and will therefore not be able to apologize. When this person happens to be someone you care about, this can hurt very deeply. It is important to note that sometimes in life, you will not get the apology you want or even deserve from these people. Learn to live without these apologies, and you will live a more full and happy life. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

In therapy, we see this often. Pain of the parents get inherited by the children directly or indirectly, and it causes generational pain and disconnect. When parenting children, take the time to assess your personal trauma. How do these traumas cause you to react to triggers, and how in turn does that reflect on your children? Being self-aware can be the beginning of ending these cross-generation traumas. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Fall seven times, get up eight. As a culture, humans are obsessed with strength both mental and physical. We push ourselves constantly to be better, and to achieve more. However, we rarely think of the damage this style of thought can have on children. Children, with their limited life experience and dependency on adults, look to us to provide safety and emotional support. By forcing a child into a scenario where they feel unsafe or scared, we risk shaking their trust and well-being to the very core. Consider discussing fears with your child and creating a plan of action that they are comfortable with Strength does not need to be built in one day. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Mary Engelbreit, the famous illustrator who popularised the phrase Life is just a bowl of cherries began pursuing her dreams in grade two when she got her first pair of glasses. This quote along with the idea of seeing the world through a new pair of glasses, really resonates with me. I catch myself thinking, change the way you think about it more often now. Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Change #Think

With the new year here, it can be difficult not to feel like you have to somehow change or improve your lifestyle. With dieting and exercise ads at an all-time high, people posting their own goals, and the pressure of a new year’s promise, remember to be kind to yourself! It’s always okay to set goals for yourself, but do so with love and compassion for your body and soul in mind. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Just because we have grown past something does not mean that we will never have to face it again. When facing old lessons, call upon your knowledge and emotional intelligence to review the situation. How have you handled this before? How could you have handled it better the last time? Is this something you can avoid in the future, and if so then how? Learning is a constant process, and will continue your whole life Take that as an opportunity! #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Is fear and anxiety holding you back? Do you believe that dreams are not meant to come true for you? Sometimes the reason we don’t chase our dreams is because something deep inside makes us feel like we don’t deserve them. If anyone deserves to realize success from your own time and effort, it's definitely you!... Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #BuildYourDreams #Dreams

If you’ve ever had an experience that feels incredibly stressful and overwhelming, it tends to appear that we are doomed and stuck doesn't it? I've noticed that often, when we get through the other side and have some space from it, we can notice the benefits that came from this situation. Life goes on and sometimes with a more positive outcome than we originally imagined.... Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Life #LifeLessons

Maybe there is a day that we don’t dress up to our usual standards, maybe we feel judged or self-conscious. Remember, nothing is more beautiful than a smile, nothing warms the heart as instantly and completely as a genuine smile. Today is Saturday, let’s get our smiles on! Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Smile #Beauty

Some problems are really really hard, impossible even. We’ve all had them as children and somehow we got through them. Here we are as adults and we still have to get through them, but we can and sometimes it does take a little help. That’s okay. Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #TheBestWay #TheBestWayOut

Be the reason someone feels good today. Giving words of encouragement is not hard, and costs nothing! #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

I wonder how many of us, at some point in our lives, jumped from a swing on the playground to see how far we could go. We may have gotten hurt after flying through the air or we have gotten back on to try again. Either way, the risk made it a daring adventure. We can achieve anything we really commit to doing Sometimes the first step is jumping off of the swing.... Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Adventure #Life

Sometimes this is unbearably hard, but it is important. Love yourself despite whatever you may be feeling about yourself on a particular day. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

After having children, it takes a little while for life to feel normal again. What we experience and the needs we have for ourselves as parents are not always obvious. Our children have a way of triggering our own unmet needs and sometimes it's helpful to talk about this. Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Neighbor #Babysit

You might have realized by now that not every day is a great one. Accepting less than ideal days for what they are, and promising to do better is a healthy way to cope with these days. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

In Madonna’s intended Spirit, What’s your experiment or work of art? This could be defined as a personal brand, mission statement, self-identity or declaration to the world. Everyone is their own experiment and unique piece of art. Please share yours in the comment below. Learn more at shelleywhitehouse.com #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist #Experiment #Workofart

Social anxiety, much like regular anxiety, can be crippling. People with this condition find crowds or outings to be overwhelming at times, and can sometimes come across as anti-social or agitated. If you find someone attempting to be a wall-flower, never try and push them into the centre of attention they may just be trying to overcome social anxiety. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Creating boundaries for ourselves is an incredibly important part of caring for our mental health. Distancing yourself from people who steal your energy is an important part of this process. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Allowing yourself to release control over every minute detail can make more room for happiness. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Recognizing that not everyone is meant to be in your life forever can be a difficult but important lesson. If you feel yourself shrinking around someone; whether it be emotionally, physically, or in joy, maybe it’s time to distance yourself. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

At some point in society, gender roles were developed based on society’s norms and the roles that gender played within them. Today, we know that a diverse myriad of roles exists outside of the basic male and female gender types, and that these gender roles no longer fit the mold of society. In the past, men were expected to be the rugged, emotionless, tough guys who provided for their families. Today, we recognize that men have always been sensitive and open human beings who deserve to feel heard. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Always try to find the reasons for joy beyond your current struggle. If you look, there will always be a reason to continue to hope for better days. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Acknowledging our histories as part of our current selves is an important part of loving ourselves. Learn to accept every part of your journey as a valid and loveable, even as you struggle. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

In this fast-moving world, it is easy to become side-tracked. When spending your hard-earned time and effort, always ask yourself whether what you’re doing will ultimately make you a happier person, or bring you closer to the life that you want to live. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

If you begin to think about your time as currency, you can decide what is worth spending it on. Would you prefer to spend two hours of your hard-earned time with people you enjoy being with, or exhausting yourself with people who do not treat you the way that you deserve? #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

You are worthy, your opinions matter, you are allowed to take up space in this world. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

When the world is in turmoil, it can feel like we will never do enough to make it better. Remembering that every bit of joy we infuse into the world makes a difference to someone can be helpful during these times. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Throughout our lives, we will encounter people, situations, and things that drain our energy. An important lesson to learn is that we are allowed to distance ourselves from those things temporarily or even permanently. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Anxiety can sometimes feel all-encompassing and as though it has swallowed you whole. In times like this, remember that you are stronger than whatever is challenging you in the moment. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

A person who has healthy boundaries with themselves, will also demand respect and love from the people around them. Strive to receive love from both yourself as well as the loved ones you keep around you. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Always look on the bright side seems like a sun-shiney way to view the world. While optimism and perseverance are important parts of life; there is another secret that I’d like to share with you today. Feeling sad, disappointed, or angry are also valid ways to react to life’s harder days. Not being okay is okay! Grief and anger are big teachers in our life, and it’s ok to feel them as powerfully as you would joy on a good day. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. Today, we want to promote the concept that mental health is a critical part of our well-being. While the negative connotation around treating mental health has improved, we still have lots of work to do before the stigma around mental illness and treating it is gone forever. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Whoever you are, and at whatever stage in your life you are currently you are perfectly yourself! As long as you are being true to yourself, you cannot fail. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Sometimes we do not get closure from people or events that hurt us in the past. Allowing yourself to acknowledge the hurt while also recognizing that the past cannot change, can be a gateway to forgiveness. This does not mean that you have to allow that person back in your life, but it makes space for your heart to heal. #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist

Have you done anything lately to help someone else? How did it make you feel? Helping others can be an amazing way to make both yourself and others feel amazing! #Psychotherapy #Therapy #MentalHealth #MentalHealthawareness #Toronto #TorontoTherapy #Therapist