Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Sarah, a Registered Psychotherapist offering somatic and talk therapy at my Roncesvalles and Junction offices in Toronto's west end, and online across Canada. This is where I share what I'm noticing in my work, with practical Tend to It Tuesday posts and reflective Friday Field Notes. Take what's useful, and leave the rest. Learn more about me
For education only, not a substitute for therapy or medical advice.
Why You Feel Most Tired Right Before Spring
If you’re feeling "done" with winter but don't quite have the energy for spring, you aren't failing. You are likely experiencing cumulative burnout.
The Spring Thaw: Navigating the Sudden Energy Shift
While this burst of energy is a welcome change from the winter slump, it can also be a bit of a trap for your nervous system. Moving from "hibernation" to "high-speed" too quickly can lead to a crash.
Lessons on Heart, Health, and Staying Grounded
As February comes to a close, often recognized as Heart Month, it’s a natural time to reflect on the link between our emotional well-being and our physical "heart" health. In the therapy room, we often talk about the heart not just as a pump, but as a central player in our nervous system.
Teen Stress in the Junction: Helping Your Teen Navigate the Mid-Winter Slump
By late February, the pressure of the school year is in full swing for Toronto teens. Between midterms, social dynamics, and the lack of sunlight, many adolescents hit a "winter wall." As a parent, it’s hard to watch your teen withdraw, get irritable, or struggle with the "blahs."
From the Therapist’s Chair: How Your Body "Speaks" Before You Do
In my practice here in the Junction, I often see people who feel "blindsided" by their own emotions. They might experience a sudden burst of anger, a wave of anxiety, or a total collapse into exhaustion without seeing it coming.
The Post-Celebration Reset: From Lunar New Year to Family Day Recovery
This week in Ontario, we are navigating a unique intersection of events. For many, the Family Day long weekend was followed immediately by the start of Lunar New Year festivities. While these moments bring connection and celebration, they also demand a significant amount of "social energy."
The Myth of the Perfect Family—Why "Repair" is the Real
When families come into my Junction office, there is often a lot of pressure to "fix" things so that arguments stop happening entirely. We have this cultural idea that a healthy family is one that is always in sync. But in reality, life is messy, especially in the middle of a cold Toronto winter when everyone is a bit more irritable and cooped up indoors.
Low-Energy Connection: Supporting Your Partner When You’re Both Drained
By the time February 10th rolls around, the pressure of Valentine’s Day is everywhere. We are told that "romance" requires high-energy gestures: fancy dinners, elaborate gifts, or deep, marathon conversations. But in the middle of a Toronto winter, many couples find themselves in a state of shared exhaustion.
From the Therapist’s Chair: The Difference Between Solitude and Loneliness
In the middle of a cold Toronto winter, we spend a lot of time indoors and, often, a lot of time alone. In my practice, I frequently hear people struggle to figure out if they are enjoying their own company or if they are slipping into a state of loneliness.
Noticing the Mid-Winter Wall: Winter Fatigue & Nervous System Capacity
For many of us in the Junction, February can be the hardest month. The novelty of winter has often faded, the wind feels a bit sharper, and we might find ourselves hitting a metaphorical wall.
While the instinct is often to "push through," we might find that fighting our capacity only leads to more exhaustion. At interocare, we often explore what happens when we listen to that "wall" instead of trying to climb it.