Northern Sky Psychotherapy

05/11/2026

04/08/2026

Not every thought you have is telling you the truth.

Our minds are incredibly good at generating stories—especially when we’re anxious, overwhelmed, or carrying old wounds. Sometimes those thoughts sound like facts: “I’m not good enough,” “Something bad is going to happen,” “They must be upset with me.”

But thoughts are not facts—they’re mental events, shaped by past experiences, fears, and patterns.

One small shift can make a big difference: instead of getting pulled into a thought, try noticing it.
“I’m having the thought that…”

That little bit of space can help you step back, rather than get swept up.

Learning to pause and gently question your thoughts creates room for something new: curiosity, flexibility, and self-compassion.

What if you didn’t have to believe every thought you think? 🧠🤔

03/11/2026

A reminder for today:

You don’t have to have everything figured out to be moving forward.

Sometimes growth looks like:
• pausing instead of pushing
• noticing instead of judging
• trying again tomorrow

Small shifts can create meaningful change. ✨

02/25/2026

If you grew up walking on eggshells,
you learned to scan.

If love felt unpredictable,
you learned to brace.

If love felt conditional,
You learned to overperform.

Your nervous system learned what it had to learn and those reactions make sense.

The work now isn’t blaming those responses. It’s helping your body learn that the threat has passed.

01/28/2026

Emotion regulation isn’t emotional control.
It’s the ability to notice when you’ve left ventral vagal—your state of safety and connection—and to understand what helps you return.

Activation, anxiety, and shutdown are natural nervous system responses.
Healing isn’t about staying regulated at all times; it’s about building awareness and learning how to respond when your system shifts. 🧠

01/14/2026

Trauma is often discussed in terms of what it takes from us — but some people also experience meaningful change after hardship. This is known as post-traumatic growth.

It doesn’t mean the pain was necessary or that suffering is minimized. Growth and grief can coexist. For some, growth shows up as clearer values, deeper self-understanding, stronger boundaries, or a renewed appreciation for life.

Therapy can support this process by helping you make sense of what you’ve been through, integrate the impact of the experience, and reconnect with what matters most. Healing isn’t about returning to who you were — it’s about moving forward with intention and support.

01/07/2026

Hi there! I’m Mariah 👋

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, EMDR Clinician, and the heart behind Northern Sky Psychotherapy.

As the new year begins, many of us are carrying a quiet pressure — to be better, more regulated, more healed, more productive.

It often shows up subtly. A sense that you should be further along. That this is the year you finally “get it together".

But lasting change doesn’t come from force or self-criticism. It comes from understanding.

When we slow down and get curious — about our reactions, our emotions, our patterns — we begin to see that they didn’t come out of nowhere. They formed to protect us, to help us survive, to make sense of what we were navigating at the time.

And when something is understood rather than judged, it can soften.

It can shift.

Therapy isn’t about pushing yourself into a new version overnight. It’s about creating safety, awareness, and compassion so change can unfold in a way that lasts.

If you’re wanting to begin the journey of understanding yourself more deeply and creating lasting change, reach out today - I'd love to support you on your journey.

✨ You can do this ✨

www.northernskypsychotherapy.ca
705-888-1635
[email protected]

12/23/2025

Happy holidays from Northern Sky Psychotherapy 🎄 ✨️

This season can hold many things — joy, grief, rest, stress, or a mix of it all. However you’re experiencing this time, your feelings are valid.

We hope you’re able to find moments of gentleness and care over the days ahead and wish you warmth and steadiness throughout the season ✨

12/10/2025

✨ Navigating Family Stress Over the Holidays ✨

The holidays can bring joy — and also an emotional load. Here are some gentle reminders for navigating family stress this holiday season:

• It’s normal for family gatherings to stir up old patterns. Awareness is the first step to staying grounded.

• You can love your family and still need space — especially during busy holiday gatherings.

• You’re not responsible for everyone’s holiday emotions.

• Boundaries don’t need long explanations, even around traditions or expectations.

• You don’t have to engage in every conversation, debate, or expectation placed on you.

• Your body might react before your mind does — pay attention to cues like tension, quickened breath, or irritability. These are signs you may need a moment to regulate.

• A quick reset (fresh air, a drink of water, deep breaths, a quiet room) can shift your whole system.

• Be kind to yourself. Holiday patterns run deep, and it’s okay to prioritize your wellbeing.

As you move through the season, give yourself permission to choose what supports your well-being. You’re allowed to protect your peace — even during the holidays 💛

12/03/2025

Even small moments can make a big difference. A glimmer is a tiny spark of calm, joy, or safety.

Noticing glimmers is more than just a feel-good exercise. When we focus on these small positive experiences, our nervous system gets a signal that not everything is dangerous, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.

Try pausing today to notice one glimmer, it’s a small practice with a big impact. ✨