Aligned Health Blog

Art therapy offers a unique path to healing that goes beyond words. Many people find it difficult to express emotions or process trauma through traditional talk therapy. Art therapy provides a creative outlet that helps individuals explore feelings, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. This post explains what art therapy is and why someone might choose it as a form of healing. What Is Art Therapy? Art therapy combines psychology and creative expression. It involves u

Every six days in Canada a woman is killed by her intimate partner, over 6,000 women and children sleep in shelters because it is not safe for them at home. In Ontario, 52 women or one every week, were victims of femicide. In Waterloo Region, Waterloo Regional Police Services received 6,158 intimate partner violence calls in 2022 and 4,045 intimate partner violence charges in 2022. Addressing the epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) requires a comprehensive and coordin

It’s okay to admit it … Christmas can be stressful. Managing expectations, both those we put on ourselves and those others have for us, mixed with everyday demands, and added layers of anxiety, loneliness, perhaps even grief, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We could all use a little extra support, especially at this time. With this in mind, the mental health experts at Aligned Health are sharing some practical tips to help manage holiday stressors. Tips for managing holi

In case you missed it, our very own Gillian Wells, (MSW, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist) spoke with CBC's Craig Norris about how coaches, trainers and parents can support and listen to young athletes who are bullied or who become bullies. About the episode (as per CBC Radio - The Morning Edition - K-W): "Sports - by their nature- are competitive. But what happens when the desire to be the best leads to athletes becoming bullies or victims of bullying. Gillian We

While infertility can feel like a lonely & isolating experience, couples don’t have to figure out the course of action alone. There is help!

While “Blue Monday” is more of a marketing ploy (created by the travel industry - ha remember travel 🤣), the winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are very real thanks to the colder and darker days during the winter months. Add to that the isolation and fatigue from COVID-19, and this winter certainly can feel blue. So what are some lifestyle changes we can make to help overcome our winter blues? ⁃ Bundle up & get outside when you can ⁃ Use a SAD lamp at your de