Genuine Therapy Counselling and Psychothearpy Services

06/09/2026

As a mental health professional, I've had many conversations with clients about social media. And for years, many of us in the field have been aware of concerns regarding the mental health impact of social media.

Now, two major developments suggest that things are starting to shift.

First, back in March, a California jury found Meta and Google liable for the depression and anxiety of a young woman who began using their platforms as a child, awarding her $6 million (total) in damages. It's the first verdict in over 1,600 consolidated cases brought by individuals, families, and school districts.

And here at home, the Carney government is expected to table legislation this week that would ban social media for children under 16 in Canada. Platforms would need to prove they have strong safeguards in place to protect younger users if they want an exemption. This follows similar laws already passed in Australia, and growing pressure from child safety advocates and health organizations across the country.

I would like to clarify that I don't see social media as inherently evil. It can offer connection, community, and yes, a short-term emotional escape. But the features designed to keep users scrolling, things like infinite feeds, seeking validation-based likes, and a curated comparison culture, are the same ones linked to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and social isolation. Especially in young people whose brains are still developing.

This isn't about shaming anyone for using their phone. It's about recognizing that these platforms were deliberately built to be hard to put down. And we are paying the price.

If you're a parent, educator, or someone who works with youth, these developments are worth paying attention to.

And if you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. You're not imagining it.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is expected to table its long-awaited legislation aimed at online safety this week.

06/09/2026

As a mental health professional, I've had many conversations with clients about social media. And for years, many of us in the field have been aware of concerns regarding the mental health impact of social media.

Now, two major developments suggest that things are starting to shift.

First, back in March, a California jury found Meta and Google liable for the depression and anxiety of a young woman who began using their platforms as a child, awarding her $6 million (total) in damages. It's the first verdict in over 1,600 consolidated cases brought by individuals, families, and school districts.

And here at home, the Carney government is expected to table legislation this week that would ban social media for children under 16 in Canada. Platforms would need to prove they have strong safeguards in place to protect younger users if they want an exemption. This follows similar laws already passed in Australia, and growing pressure from child safety advocates and health organizations across the country.

I would like to clarify that I don't see social media as inherently evil. It can offer connection, community, and yes, a short-term emotional escape. But the features designed to keep users scrolling, things like infinite feeds, seeking validation-based likes, and a curated comparison culture, are the same ones linked to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and social isolation. Especially in young people whose brains are still developing.

This isn't about shaming anyone for using their phone. It's about recognizing that these platforms were deliberately built to be hard to put down. And we are paying the price.

If you're a parent, educator, or someone who works with youth, these developments are worth paying attention to.

And if you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. You're not imagining it.



https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/social-media-trial-la-9.7141920

https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/carney-government-to-ban-social-media-for-kids-younger-than-16-but-will-allow-exemptions

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is expected to table its long-awaited legislation aimed at online safety this week.

05/27/2026

💭Is your body tired, but your mind won't stop?

You finally get into bed and suddenly your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay conversations, remember tomorrow's to-do list, or imagine every possible scenario.

You're not alone in this.

Racing thoughts at night can happen when stress, mental overload, and worry build up throughout the day. Small changes like journaling before bed, creating a calming routine, reducing screen time, and practicing grounding techniques can help create space for rest.

Read more here: https://www.genuinetherapy.ca/how-to-quiet-your-mind-at-night/

💭 What helps you quiet your mind before bed?

04/06/2026

Okay, has anyone else been watching The Pitt on HBO? 🙋‍♀️

Because Season 2, Episode 12 gave us a moment I genuinely got super excited about.

Medical student Joy Kwon walks out at the end of her shift — no overtime, no guilt — and when her supervisor gives her a look, she hits him with this:

“You know 62% of ED docs report suffering from burnout? So maybe all you lunatics need to learn to set some boundaries, like me. See you tomorrow, doc.” (I looked it up, and this stat is legit)

Chef's kiss

Here's the thing — while everyone else on that show is burning out, falling apart, and running on fumes, Joy is the only one who seems genuinely okay. And it's not because she doesn't care. It's because she set a limit and actually kept it.

As a therapist, I see this all the time. The people who struggle most with burnout aren't the ones who don't care enough; they're often the ones who care the most. And they've never been given permission to stop.

Consider this your permission. ❤️

I wrote a full blog post about what Joy's moment can teach all of us about boundaries, burnout, and why protecting your energy isn't selfish, it's necessary. I'd love for you to give it a read!

Drop a 👏 if you're Team Joy, or tell me in the comments do you struggle to leave work at work?

🔗https://www.genuinetherapy.ca/the-pitt-joy-boundaries-burnout/

02/27/2026

Hey, can I be honest with you for a second? 🤍

I'm a therapist. And I still have weeks where I know exactly what I need to do to feel better — move my body, eat well, get to bed at a reasonable hour — and I still can't seem to do it consistently.

So if you've ever asked yourself "what is wrong with me?" I want you to know: nothing. Nothing is wrong with you.

There's actually a name for this. Psychologists call it the intention-behavior gap. And it has nothing to do with willpower, laziness, or discipline.

It has everything to do with how your brain works when it's overwhelmed.

I wrote a full post breaking it all down — why it happens, what's actually going on in your nervous system, and what genuinely helps (hint: it's not "just try harder"). 🧠

Link in bio — I think this one will feel like a relief to read. 💛

02/03/2026

Overthinking turns my brain into a mess.

When I start knitting or crocheting, one stitch at a time, things start to make sense and my anxiety settles.

These activities are great stress relievers for me—they keep my hands busy so my mind can calm down.

You don’t need a plan for everything; sometimes you just need to start and let the process guide you.

startbeforeyouareready

01/27/2026

🌱 Are you exhausted from keeping it all together?

Maybe you tell yourself your problems aren't "serious enough" for therapy. That other people have it worse. That you should be able to handle this on your own.

Here's the truth: If you're barely sleeping, feeling anxious most days, and running on empty—that matters. You matter.

I'm Ashley, a Registered Psychotherapist serving clients across Ontario. I specialize in working with people experiencing:

Anxiety & stress
Burnout & exhaustion
Sleep issues
Big emotions that feel overwhelming

My clients are often people who've spent their lives taking care of others while minimizing their own needs. If you're reading this and thinking "maybe I should reach out but..." — that's exactly who I'm here for.

What to expect:
✨ Virtual sessions from the comfort of your home
✨ A free 15-20 minute consultation to see if we're a good fit
✨ Flexible scheduling (morning, afternoon, and evening availability)

You don't need to have it all figured out before we talk. We'll figure it out together, one conversation at a time.

📞 (343) 500-6530
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.genuinetherapy.ca

Accepting new clients across Ontario |

01/12/2026

🎮 Can video games actually help your mental health? The answer might surprise you!

I just published a new article that dives into something really fascinating—the science behind "cozy games" and why therapists (including me!) are starting to pay attention to games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing as legitimate mental health tools.

Here's what caught my attention:
Research from McMaster University found that playing casual video games was JUST AS EFFECTIVE as meditation for reducing blood pressure and heart rate. A study in Japan with thousands of participants showed that gaming was linked to reduced psychological distress.

Why do these gentle, farming-sim style games work so well?
They give us:

A sense of accomplishment when real life feels overwhelming
Control when the world feels chaotic
Social connection without pressure
Mindful focus that calms racing thoughts
A world that waits patiently for us (no judgment, no deadlines)

Of course, cozy games aren't a replacement for therapy or medication. But for many people dealing with anxiety, burnout, or depression, they're becoming a valuable part of a comprehensive self-care routine.

In my article, I break down:
✅ The specific research supporting these benefits
✅ Why Stardew Valley is the second most-cited game for coping with depression
✅ A list of cozy games worth trying (beyond the obvious ones!)
✅ How to use gaming as intentional self-care (not escapism)
✅ Important warnings to keep things balanced

If you've ever felt guilty about playing games to relax, or if traditional meditation just doesn't work for you—this article is for you.
👉 Read the full article here: https://www.genuinetherapy.ca/cozy-games-mental-health/

Have you experienced mental health benefits from gaming? What games help YOU unwind? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments! 💬

If you're in Ontario and struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, I offer virtual therapy that meets you where you are. Let's chat about what support might look like for you.

Cozy games like Stardew Valley can reduce anxiety as effectively as meditation. Discover the science-backed mental health benefits of therapeutic gaming.