Transitions Counselling Services

09/11/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day - a day to remind ourselves that talking about su***de should never be something we are afraid or ashamed to do.

A simple question like, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to an important conversation. You don’t need to have the perfect words or know exactly what to say. Sometimes, listening, being present and letting someone know you care is what matters most.

Let’s break the silence around su***de. Let’s create spaces where people feel safe to speak honestly about what they’re going through and comfortable reaching out for support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 in Canada, 24/7, for su***de crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

08/27/2026

10 ways to be more Dolly ❤️ 🦋 🎶

TEN WAYS TO BE MORE DOLLY

1. Chase butterflies and rainbows and remember that success is only success if you make space for the aforementioned chasing.

2. Be so wildly yourself that those around you are encouraged, inspired and magnetically drawn to do the same.

3. Let those who will, judge and mock, whilst you crack on with whatever it is that brings you and those you love, joy.

4. Be remarkably unafraid to be seen as cheesy, cringey or too-much because you know that is actually the very best way to exist in this life.

5. Make kindness your top priority. Make it weird. Make it big. Make it contagious.

6. Create, in the unique way you’ve been created to create. In the way that only you can do so. Do so.

7. Give. Give freely. Give back. Give out. Give in (to the flow). Don’t ever give up.

8. Accept every single soul exactly as they are and show this to be true by accepting yourself in that courageous way, too.

9. Throw love around - let the entire world know you are loving them simply because it’s what each and every soul deserves.

10. Seek and gather all the good stuff along the way. Notice it. Share it around. Let it ripple. Those ripples are your legacy. You might not see it but best believe it matters.

🩷🩷🩷

Donna Ashworth

I can’t stop writing about Dolly today (it’s how I cope) but isn’t that exactly what inspirational souls do whilst they walk with us and long after they take their leave. Inspire. Encourage. Affect.

Love to all who this hits hard,

You’re not alone.

Donna

08/20/2026

This sounds like a great workshop! Check it out!

If you struggle with:
• stress and anxiety
• racing thoughts at night
• burnout and emotional exhaustion
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• restless or unrefreshing sleep
• feeling tired but unable to relax..then this free workshop in Hastings is for you! Email [email protected] to register.

08/07/2026

New Contact Alert! We have a new phone number: 705-653-8408.

This number can receive calls, texts and confidential voicemail. Communication will be responded to during the hours of 9 AM - 5 PM on working days (typically Wednesday-Fridays). Please note we are not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988.

Check out these pictures of our new(ish) spaces and therapy tools/toys as well!

05/21/2026

The Road Ahead is CMHA HKPR’s Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic, delivering a full range of mental health and addictions services to individuals in rural and remote communities who face barriers to accessing care.

Starting May 2026, the clinic will be in Hastings every Wednesday, offering:

Counselling and therapy
Support with addictions and substance use
Health and mental health education
Medication support
Access to other supports including psychiatry

To book an appointment, use the website link in the post above or call 705‑991‑3551.

04/18/2026

It’s time again for the fantastic Trenton Quadzillas wheelchair rugby tournament! Check out all details attached. You won’t want to miss this nail-biting, fun and inclusive event! See you there 🏉 🦽 🔥

Your 2026 EASTERN SHOWDOWN schedule and teams below! We are excited to bring thrilling matchups to the Quinte area. Come cheer on the Quadzillas and support adaptive athletes.

04/13/2026

Big emotions aren’t just something children experience, they’re part of being human.

The difference is that most of us were never taught how to move through them in a regulated way, so when your child is overwhelmed and you feel yourself getting activated too, it can quickly turn into a moment where both nervous systems are dysregulated at the same time.

What actually helps in those moments isn’t better phrasing or stricter control, it’s regulation. When the nervous system is activated, the brain shifts into survival mode, which makes it much harder to access logic, reasoning, and cooperation. This is true for your child, and it’s also true for you.

That’s exactly why I created this post as a resource you can come back to in real time. 💕These are simple, body-based ways to support your nervous system when things feel intense, whether it’s your child, you, or both at once.

Small actions like slowing your breath, stepping outside, moving your body, or allowing emotions to be expressed instead of suppressed can help bring the body back into a state of safety.

From that place, everything shifts. Connection becomes easier, reactions soften, and you’re able to respond instead of escalate.

This isn’t just about helping your child. It’s about learning how to support yourself, too. Because the more regulated you are, the more your child can borrow that sense of safety from you.

Over time, this is how emotional resilience is built. Not by avoiding feelings, but by learning how to move through them with support, safety, and awareness.

✨ Save this post so you have it when you need it most.

03/27/2026

Strength doesn’t mean doing everything alone. 💙

This 6-week Women’s Empowerment Group is designed specifically for female military members and spouses (18+) who want to build emotional regulation, stronger boundaries, healthier relationships, and a more grounded sense of self.

Each week includes practical tools, meaningful reflection, and real conversations in a supportive space.

Led by Sophie Simard, MSW, RSW.

Starts Wednesday, April 1 at 9:00 AM. 📅
Limited spots available.

This isn’t about becoming someone new.

It’s about strengthening who you already are. ✨

—

La force ne veut pas dire tout faire seule. 💙

Ce groupe d’empowerment pour femmes dure 6 semaines.

Il est spécialement conçu pour les femmes militaires et les conjointes de militaires (18 ans et plus) qui veulent :

mieux gérer leurs émotions
avoir des limites plus claires
développer des relations plus saines
se sentir plus stables et confiantes

Chaque semaine comprend des outils pratiques, des moments de réflexion et des échanges vrais dans un espace bienveillant.

Animé par Sophie Simard, MSW, RSW.

Début : mercredi 1er avril à 9 h 00. 📅
Places limitées.

Il ne s’agit pas de devenir une nouvelle personne.

Il s’agit de renforcer la personne que vous êtes déjà. ✨

12/28/2025

Out of office holiday notice. Expect slow responses. Thank you.

We are wishing a gentle and peaceful holiday season for all 🕊️ ✨

12/17/2025

Beautiful words of wisdom from Dr. Deborah MacNamara, PhD to support little ones over the holidays! 🎄

Gatherings are meant to be joyful. And they also change everything for children and teens.

When homes fill with people, routines shift and emotions rise — especially for younger children. They need adults to lead them through the day, orient them to what’s happening, and stay close when things wobble. Without that leadership, kids often take matters into their own hands — not out of defiance, but because they’re overwhelmed and out of their regular structure and routine.

A little prevention goes a long way. Anticipating hot spots, staying flexible, and keeping adults in the mix helps everyone enjoy being together — even when plans change or emotions spill over.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about leading with relationship when the house is full.

Save or share with the adults you gather with.

Happy holidays!