Finding Healing in the Room: My Journey as a Helper by Goodness Anthony

Discover therapist Goodness Anthony’s reflections on healing, courage, and connection in the therapy room. Learn how Parker Psychotherapy supports clients through trauma, grief, anxiety, and self-discovery.

Pet Loss and Disenfranchised Grief: Why It Hurts So Much—And What Helps by Shari Glenn

Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member. Yet, this kind of grief is often overlooked or minimized by others, leaving pet owners feeling isolated in their pain. In this gentle and informative post, we explore why pet bereavement can be so profound, what makes it a form of disenfranchised grief, and how therapy can support individuals through this deeply personal loss.

Learn how rituals, validation, and compassionate counselling can help process feelings of guilt, sadness, or loneliness—and why grieving the loss of a pet is a real and valid experience that deserves care. Read More….

Learn how emotional regulation can transform parent-teen conflict into deeper connection. Rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this article explores why staying calm helps parents model resilience, create emotional safety, and navigate tough moments with greater empathy. Includes practical grounding techniques like 4-4-6 breathing and mindfulness check-ins to stay present and connected. Read more from Alice…

At Parker Psychotherapy, we know that not all trauma looks the same—and not all pain feels the same. An experience that one person moves through with resilience might deeply impact another. Why? Because trauma isn't defined by the event itself, but by how it is experienced in the body, mind, and nervous system. Goodness Anthony explains more….

The Science and Serenity of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) by Shari Glenn

In a fast-paced world filled with screens and stress, forest bathing—or Shinrin-yoku—offers a simple, grounding way to reconnect with ourselves and nature. Originating in Japan, this mindfulness-based practice involves slow, intentional time in a forested environment, using all five senses to foster presence and calm.

Evidence shows forest bathing supports mental health by lowering cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure, while boosting mood, focus, and immune function. It’s been linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue, with increased serotonin and natural killer cell activity. Whether in a quiet city park or deep woods, just 20–30 minutes outdoors can shift your physiology and mindset.

Forest bathing aligns with Parker Psychotherapy’s values of accessibility, faith-integrated care, and compassionate healing. It’s a gentle practice we often suggest to clients navigating burnout, overwhelm, or emotional fatigue.

Read more about the science and simplicity behind Shinrin-yoku in our latest blog post.

Facing Life’s Transitions: Living Aligned with Your Values by Fang (Alice) Wei

Feeling overwhelmed by change? Discover how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and faith-based values can help you navigate life transitions—like immigration or identity shifts—with clarity, compassion, and purpose. From Parker Psychotherapy, Ontario, Fang Wei