S. Bain Counselling Services

10/13/2026

Abuse doesn't always end when the relationship does. Abusers will use what they can to continue to control and manipulate. Post separation, it is common that they will use the kids, money and the court system to continue to control their former partner. Here is what coercive control can look like when it involves kids. This can be one of the most heart breaking and challenging components of leaving an abusive relationship. Kids should never be caught in the middle, but often they are. Protective parents do what they can to raise kids in homes with love, support, structure and guidelines. Abusive parents do whatever they can to dismantle this. It isn't always easy to point to specific things they are doing, often it feels more like a "vibe" that you pick up when you see behavior changes in your child. Because of this, it is so hard to highlight in a court setting. If this sounds like your situation, reach out for help! 💙

09/30/2026

This quote stood out to me when I saw it a couple of weeks ago. Over the course of the last three years I have really narrowed the focus of my therapy practice. It wasn't something that I sought out, it was in response to the increasing number of women in relationships with sh*tty men. Yes - I will say it again, sh*tty men. These women come to me highly anxious, desperate to try and fix themselves and their relationships and at times, deeply traumatized. They have been told that they are the problem. That if they work harder, love harder, have s*x more often, get thinner, get prettier, etc. that he will be happy and that things will improve. They are told that they are crazy, too sensitive and making issues out of nothing. These women have turned off their intuition. They have changed to fit what they feel is expected in order to maintain a relationship with a toxic man and cannot remember who they were before. Seeing so many different women who are in the same situation led me to want to figure out how to be a better therapist for them. The most recent Cornell 7 situation makes me sick to my stomach, but I see this kind of thing and how it can exist and thrive, daily. It doesn't get the social media attention because it goes unreported and flies under the radar of even close friends and family. To date, I have completed over 100 additional hours of training on narcissistic abuse, coercive control and high conflict relationships. If any of what I have said resonates with you, please reach out. If your gut is telling you that things aren’t right, trust it. You don't have to leave, but I also don't feel that you can make an informed choice without all the information either. 💙

09/15/2026

I haven't been very present on social media for quite some time. So I thought that I would post today about something that is likely to ruffle some feathers!

This has always been something that I am passionate about. I don't think that people intend to do harm, but also their lack of knowledge around same is what does the harm. Grande Prairie appears to be flooded with private practice practitioners. When an individual (or couple or family) are seeking support, it is easy to get overwhelmed with a google search or on Psychology Today. The write ups are appealing and in many cases a lower fee is attractive. Google searches often list those who have their SEO optimized or who have paid lots of $$$ to appear at the top of the list. Of course, the business of helping people is still a business!

What alarms me, is all those in private practice who do not have the education, experience or supervision to be doing what they do. What is also alarming for me is that they don't seem to be aware of this. This should be alarming to you if you are seeking therapy. Below are what I THINK are important things to consider when looking for a therapist. I am sure there are some who would disagree with me - which is just fine.

I take my work very seriously. I have been doing this for over 20 years. I have 9 years of post secondary education (took a bit of an extended route there 😉). I have spent thousands of additional hours taking additional training, learning therapy modalities and getting other post graduate certifications. I meet monthly with colleagues and a clinical supervisor to review my practice and to make changes as needed. I still feel like there is so much I don't know even after doing this for 24 years!

Your well-being is way to important to trust just anyone. Please read the information below. I hope it helps narrow your search! 💙

08/22/2026

Yes to this!! 💙

08/20/2026

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06/11/2026

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04/28/2026

Week 3 is tonight! 🌸

04/20/2026

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✨Beaverlodge and area✨

Chaos, coffee, and connection
Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Come as you are; tired, overwhelmed, joyful, messy.
Find connection, support, and a hot cup of coffee/tea (without rewarming it 3 times ☕️).

Petals on Main in Beaverlodge
For more information email [email protected]

04/13/2026

🌸TODAY IS THE DAY🌸
I am so excited to see everyone tonight and talk about all things motherhood.
Reminder!
All moms welcome, even if your kids are grown.
Babies 12 months and under are welcome to join.
If you're nervous, me too. Come anyway 🩷

Message me if you have any questions

04/09/2026

The Government of Canada recently tabled its response to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women report titled Coercive Control in Canada.

Read it here: https://ow.ly/istv50YF4AF