Private Matters Psychotherapy-Burlington

 

Jordan Best

Reduced Fee Therapy Program

Affordable Therapy by our supervised Student Therapists.

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Our reduced-fee program offers high-quality therapy at an accessible rate, provided by supervised graduate students training to become registered therapists. All our students are supervised by Clinical Supervisors. Sessions are tailored to your needs and guided by evidence-based methods

Last year through The Women's Centre of Halton I was very lucky to have met Jordan who was offering an 8 week ACT on Anxiety Program (individually) to some women at the centre. 

I was blown away to find out she was a student as I truly felt it was her practice!

Jordan was beyond professional, extremely passionate and very knowledgeable. 

I highly recommend checking her out. 

She does offer Reduced Fee Therapy for anyone interested.

I must say Jordan was a great listener, a great therapist and very well spoken as she explained ACT to me. 

I felt at ease and so very comfortable talking and sharing my life experiences with Jordan. 

I know I cried a lot and Jordan was always supportive, non-judgemental and above all simply showed how much she cared.

I do truly miss our sessions together and her great hugs!

I did really like the vibe and the overall atmosphere at Private Matters Psychotherapy here in Burlington. 

It is in my opinion, an extremely calming and a very inviting environment.

Thanks again Jordan and everyone else who so graciously volunteered and gave of their time to several of us at the WC. 

I left feeling like I have more tools to add to to my toolbox of self-care/love.

Here is more info on the one and only and phenomenal Jordan Best:

https://www.pmptherapy.com/team-member/jordan-best/

This is the link to learn more about this Therapy Group:

https://privatematterspsychotherapy.janeapp.com/?utm_source=sendfox&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=monthly-mental-health-matters-in-march-whats-happening-at-private-matters-psychotherapy#/emdr-therapy

Get In Touch With Us

Start with a free 20 minute phone consultation

We offer a free phone consultation with one of our intake coordinators to answer questions and match you with a therapist

You can book here or reach us at

Email: info@pmptherapy.com

Website: www.pmptherapy.com

Phone: 905.681.7359

I saw this recently posted on Facebook. 

It really resonated with me. 

I think there are many of you out here who would benefit from hearing this. 

Please take a moment to watch this powerful video

Soooooo powerful.

Please watch:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/921150430006678

Peer support for those affected by mental health conditions and their friends and families

links

Bipolar Caregivers

a guide for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder   pdf format

 

one-link

OTMH - Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

Mental Health Services

 

a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient & outreach services to adults, as well as, inpatient services to children & adolescents. For most services, you must reside in Oakville, Milton, Georgetown or Clarkson and be referred by your family physician or psychiatrist. Although services are Oakville-based, guidelines are in place for the safe and timely transfer of medically stable patients from the Milton or Georgetown hospitals. 905-338-4630

Oakville Distress Centre

supports people in our community to better cope with crisis, loneliness and emotional stress. We listen, we empathize and we're non-judgemental. We can help you to brainstorm ideas or just chat.  905 849-4541

one-link

 

 

Regular hours of operation

. Monday through Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

. Friday & Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

Please contact us at 905-338-4123 or

toll-free at 1-844-216-7411 if you have questions about a referral or local resources.

 

CMHA - Canadian Mental Health Assoc - Halton Region

COAST Crisis Outreach & Support Team Program

provides 24/7 telephone support and mobile intervention to persons who are in crisis and have a mental health concern. Mental health professionals and specially trained, plain-clothed police officers assess and assist individuals. COAST supports people to remain safely in their own environment and connect with ongoing care.  1-877-825-9011

CAMH

Centre for Addiction & Mental Health

1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4

416 596-7775

 

referral form

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Brain Sciences: Mood & Anxiety Disorders

416-480-4070

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

formerly known as NARSAD, a private, not-for-profit public charity. It is the largest donor-supported organization that supports research on the brain and behavior disorders

 

depression         bipolar disorder

Resources in Hamilton

 CMHA Hamilton

Canadian Mental Health Association, Hamilton

131 John St. S., Hamilton, ON   L8N 2C3

 

Tel:  (905) 521-0090, ext. 269

Fax: (905) 521-0211

Email:  mivanco@cmhahamilton.ca

Web:  www.cmhahamilton.ca

 

CMHA HAMILTON IS NOT A CRISIS RESPONSE SERVICE.  

If you have an emergency or crisis and require help immediately, please consider:

·        Calling 911

·        Calling 9-8-8 Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline

·        Calling COAST Hamilton at 905-972-8338, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week

·        Calling the Barrett Centre for Crisis Support: 905 529 7878 (Toll-Free 1 844 777 3571)

·        Visiting Emergency Psychiatric Services at St. Joseph's Hospital (at 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton) or you may go to the nearest Emergency Department for assistance

·        ConnexOntario is available 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600

 

Self Care -You Always Matter and are Enough

 

Rewire Your Mindset & Thrive-Mindful Gnome Wellness

 

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Midlife Journey Is your mindset helping or holding you back? Learn how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can open new doors to confidence, wellness, and purpose—no matter how old or set in your ways you are. The Power of Mindset We’ve all experienced moments where we remind ourselves to believe that change is possible. Whether it’s in our health, relationships, or career, we instinctively know that mindset plays a powerful role in shaping our experiences. Yet, “mindset” has become one of those overused words in the self-help world—often tossed around as a quick fix. But in reality, it’s much deeper. Our mindset influences not only how we see ourselves but also how we navigate challenges, setbacks, and growth opportunities. You’ve probably met people who seem to move through life with unwavering confidence. They believe in themselves, and that belief alone propels them forward. Sometimes, even without exceptional skills, they achieve success simply because they trust that they can. This is why mindset matters. It isn’t just a cliché—it’s a fundamental part of how we experience midlife and beyond. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Two Different Approaches Research highlights two distinct mindsets that influence how we engage with life: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. Let’s explore what each one looks like and how they might be showing up in your life. The Fixed Mindset: Stuck in Limitation A fixed mindset operates from a place of limitation. It’s the belief that our abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone—unchangeable, no matter what we do. For example, if you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good at technology” or “I’ll never be flexible enough for yoga” and never tried to improve because of that belief, you’re experiencing a fixed mindset. This mindset keeps us in our comfort zone, focusing only on what we already know we’re good at. It makes us resistant to trying new things, especially when failure is a possibility. And let’s be honest—midlife can already feel like a vulnerable time, making it tempting to stick with what feels safe. If you recognize this pattern in yourself, pause and ask: Where did this belief come from? Was it something I was told growing up? Have I internalized limitations that aren’t actually true? The good news? Your mindset isn’t permanent. You can shift it. The Growth Mindset: Embracing Possibility A growth mindset thrives on learning, curiosity, and resilience. It embraces mistakes—not as failures, but as feedback. When you have a growth mindset, you understand that your abilities are not fixed; they can evolve with effort and persistence. You see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than threats to avoid. Instead of saying, “I’m bad at this,” a growth mindset says, “I’m still learning this.” Midlife is an ideal time to embrace this way of thinking. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try strength training, start a meditation practice, or change careers—but fear of “not being good enough” has held you back. The truth is, growth happens in the small, consistent steps we take outside our comfort zones.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Midlife Journey Is your mindset helping or holding you back? Learn how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can open new doors to confidence, wellness, and purpose—no matter how old or set in your ways you are. The Power of Mindset We’ve all experienced moments where we remind ourselves to believe that change is possible. Whether it’s in our health, relationships, or career, we instinctively know that mindset plays a powerful role in shaping our experiences. Yet, “mindset” has become one of those overused words in the self-help world—often tossed around as a quick fix. But in reality, it’s much deeper. Our mindset influences not only how we see ourselves but also how we navigate challenges, setbacks, and growth opportunities. You’ve probably met people who seem to move through life with unwavering confidence. They believe in themselves, and that belief alone propels them forward. Sometimes, even without exceptional skills, they achieve success simply because they trust that they can. This is why mindset matters. It isn’t just a cliché—it’s a fundamental part of how we experience midlife and beyond. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Two Different Approaches Research highlights two distinct mindsets that influence how we engage with life: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. Let’s explore what each one looks like and how they might be showing up in your life. The Fixed Mindset: Stuck in Limitation A fixed mindset operates from a place of limitation. It’s the belief that our abilities, intelligence, and talents are set in stone—unchangeable, no matter what we do. For example, if you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good at technology” or “I’ll never be flexible enough for yoga” and never tried to improve because of that belief, you’re experiencing a fixed mindset. This mindset keeps us in our comfort zone, focusing only on what we already know we’re good at. It makes us resistant to trying new things, especially when failure is a possibility. And let’s be honest—midlife can already feel like a vulnerable time, making it tempting to stick with what feels safe. If you recognize this pattern in yourself, pause and ask: Where did this belief come from? Was it something I was told growing up? Have I internalized limitations that aren’t actually true? The good news? Your mindset isn’t permanent. You can shift it. The Growth Mindset: Embracing Possibility A growth mindset thrives on learning, curiosity, and resilience. It embraces mistakes—not as failures, but as feedback. When you have a growth mindset, you understand that your abilities are not fixed; they can evolve with effort and persistence. You see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than threats to avoid. Instead of saying, “I’m bad at this,” a growth mindset says, “I’m still learning this.” Midlife is an ideal time to embrace this way of thinking. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try strength training, start a meditation practice, or change careers—but fear of “not being good enough” has held you back. The truth is, growth happens in the small, consistent steps we take outside our comfort zones. Finding the Balance It’s important to remember that having a fixed mindset in some areas isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on what you already excel at. The key is to avoid letting limiting beliefs hold you back from trying new things. At this stage of life, you get to decide how you show up. You can embrace new challenges without fear of failure defining you. You can reframe setbacks as part of the learning process. You can choose a mindset that supports the life you want to create. Your Mindset, Your Choice So, where do you see yourself? Do you tend to stay in the comfort of a fixed mindset, or are you leaning into growth? A great way to explore this is by seeking feedback. Ask yourself: What stories am I telling myself about what I can and can’t do? Where am I limiting myself unnecessarily? How can I reframe failure as part of my growth process? The most important takeaway? Mindset is a choice. And at midlife, you have the wisdom and experience to make powerful choices that align with your well-being, growth, and fulfillment. So go ahead—choose growth. Your future self will thank you.

Yung Puebo

 

The Butterfly Technique For Nervous System Regulation

 

Click below to learn about this technique:

https://holistichealingfair.com/2025/02/19/the-butterfly-technique-for-nervous-system-regulation/

Inner Child

 

The Physical Language of Distress: How Unpleasant Emotions Speak Through Your Body-Karma Gaia

 

We often think of emotions as abstract mental states, but they have profound physical manifestations. When we experience difficult feelings like anger, fear, or sadness, our bodies respond with their own distinct vocabulary of sensations.

Anxiety: The Body on High Alert

Anxiety doesn't just live in worried thoughts—it courses through your entire system. Your heart races, pumping blood to your limbs in preparation for fight or flight. Your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, sometimes leading to the sensation of suffocation. Your muscles tense, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and jaw, creating a suit of armor that leaves you exhausted. In the gut, anxiety manifests as butterflies, nausea, or digestive distress—a reminder of the intimate connection between our enteric nervous system and emotional state.

Grief: The Weighted Body

Grief weighs us down quite literally. Those experiencing profound loss often describe a heaviness in the chest, as though a stone sits atop their sternum. Limbs feel leaden, making even simple movements require extraordinary effort. Fatigue becomes a constant companion, not just from disturbed sleep but from the energy demands of processing loss. The throat tightens, creating the sensation of being choked by unshed tears.

Shame: The Shrinking Body

Shame creates a distinct physical signature—a desire to become smaller and less visible. The shoulders curl inward, the gaze drops to the floor, and blood rushes to the face in a telling blush. The stomach knots while the chest hollows. There's a peculiar sensation of the skin becoming hypersensitive, as though everyone can see through to our perceived failings.

The Wisdom in Discomfort

These physical manifestations aren't merely inconvenient side effects—they contain valuable information. Our bodies often recognize emotional truths before our conscious minds catch up. That tightness in your throat might flag an important boundary being crossed. The heaviness in your chest signals that something meaningful has been lost and needs to be honored.

By developing a more nuanced awareness of how emotions manifest physically, we gain another dimension of emotional intelligence. Sensations become signposts, guiding us toward what needs attention, processing, or expression. The body's language of distress, when properly interpreted, becomes not just a source of discomfort but a pathway to deeper understanding and eventual release.

CHIME-CMHA

 

Beyond Coping: Building a Life That Supports Presence and Connection-Karma Gaia

 

In the journey of managing dissociation, we often focus on immediate coping strategies—the grounding techniques and crisis interventions that help us return to the present moment when we've drifted away. While these tools are essential, they represent only one piece of a larger puzzle. What if we could create lives where dissociation happens less frequently in the first place? Where our daily existence naturally fosters presence rather than escape?

The Environment as Medicine

Our physical surroundings speak to our nervous systems in ways we rarely consciously register. Spaces that feel safe, organized, and sensory-rich can anchor us to the present moment, while chaotic, overstimulating, or triggering environments can push us toward disconnection.

Consider creating a home environment that serves as a sanctuary for your nervous system. This might mean:

Designating technology-free zones where you can fully engage with your immediate experience Incorporating meaningful sensory elements—the texture of a favorite blanket, the scent of essential oils, or plants that require your attention and care Reducing visual clutter, which can overwhelm an already taxed nervous system Creating physical reminders of safety and connection, such as photos of loved ones or objects that hold positive memories

Rhythms Over Routines

While establishing routines is frequently recommended for those who dissociate, rigid schedules can sometimes become another form of disconnection—a checklist we move through without presence. Instead, consider cultivating rhythms: flexible patterns that honor your body's needs while providing necessary structure.

These rhythms might include:

Regular moments of checking in with your body throughout the day Meal times that encourage slowness and sensory awareness Transition rituals between activities that help you remain present during shifts in attention Sleep patterns that respect your body's need for rest and recovery

Relationships as Anchors

Perhaps nothing keeps us more firmly rooted in reality than authentic human connection. When we build relationships characterized by safety, transparency, and mutual understanding, we create external systems that can help us remain present.

Consider:

Educating trusted friends or family members about your dissociative experiences Creating "reality check" agreements with loved ones who can gently help you reconnect Participating in communities centered around embodied activities like dance, sports, or gardening Prioritizing relationships that make you feel seen, accepted, and securely attached

Purpose as Presence

When we engage in activities that feel meaningful and connected to our values, we naturally become more present. The state of flow—that immersive experience of being fully engaged in a challenging but manageable task—is often the opposite of dissociation.

Explore:

Creative pursuits that require sensory engagement and focused attention Service to others, which can help us maintain connection to our shared humanity Work or volunteer activities aligned with your core values Learning opportunities that challenge you while remaining within your window of tolerance

The Courage to Feel

At its core, dissociation often represents an unconscious attempt to avoid difficult feelings or sensations. Building a life of presence means gradually developing the capacity to experience a wider range of emotions with curiosity rather than fear.

This might involve:

Working with a trauma-informed therapist to safely process underlying experiences Practicing mindfulness of emotions without immediate attempts to change them Developing a vocabulary for subtle emotional states that helps you recognize early signs of disconnection Celebrating the courage it takes to stay present, even when uncomfortable

The path toward consistent presence isn't about perfection or eliminating dissociation entirely. Rather, it's about creating conditions where your natural state becomes increasingly one of embodied awareness. With patience and intentionality, you can build not just coping strategies but a life where connection becomes your default setting rather than a constant struggle.