In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Alex Perry from Soma Medical to explore one of the most important and often overlooked stages of recovery: returning to work. While completing treatment is a significant milestone, transitioning back into the workplace can bring new challenges, including stress, uncertainty, workplace triggers, and concerns about disclosure.

Drawing on expertise in occupational health and recovery, Alex shares practical strategies for navigating the return-to-work process while protecting long-term mental health and sobriety. From managing workplace expectations to recognizing early warning signs of relapse, this conversation offers valuable guidance for individuals in recovery, employers, and anyone supporting a loved one's journey back to work.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• Returning to work after treatment can feel overwhelming—what are the most common challenges people face in those first few weeks back?
• From a clinical and occupational perspective, what does a “successful” return to work look like for someone in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges?
• For individuals in recovery from substance use, what workplace triggers should they be most aware of, and how can they proactively plan for them?
• How should someone approach conversations with their employer about their return—how much should they share, and how do they set boundaries while protecting their recovery?
• If someone starts to feel overwhelmed, triggered, or at risk of relapse once they’re back at work, what are the first steps they should take?

Click here to learn more about Alex and the work she does at Soma Medical.

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Danielle Shinbine, incoming PhD student in counselling psychology at the University of Alberta, to explore the importance of LGBTQ+ affirming care in therapy and mental health support. Drawing on their research into LGBTQ+ well-being across the lifespan, Danielle discusses the unique challenges many individuals face when navigating identity, relationships, stigma, and mental health, particularly for those exploring their gender or sexuality later in life.

Together, we learn what truly affirming care looks like, how therapy can support identity exploration and healing, and what LGBTQ+ individuals should know when seeking safe, compassionate mental health support.

Today, we explore,

• What are some key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community that may come up in therapy, and how can therapists better educate themselves to provide affirming care?
• What are some key ways therapy can support individuals who are coming out or exploring their gender identity?
• How do experiences like coming out later in life or exploring gender and sexual identity as an older adult affect mental health needs?
• How can someone tell if a mental health provider is genuinely LGBTQ+ affirming, and what are some red flags to watch for?
• What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ adults seeking therapy for the first time who may feel nervous due to past negative experiences?

Learn more about Danielle Shinbine and the awesome work they do here.

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Evan Callan, MSW, RSW, SEP, a somatic psychotherapist who specializes in helping people reconnect with their bodies as part of the healing process. Drawing on his work in Somatic Experiencing, as well as influences from depth psychology, mindfulness, and contemplative traditions, Evan explains how trauma can live in the nervous system—and how learning to listen to the body can open powerful pathways toward recovery.

Together, we explore how somatic therapies work in practice, what clients might notice in their bodies during treatment, and how gentle, nervous-system–focused approaches can support healing from trauma and grief.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER:

• How does Somatic Experiencing work?
• What might somatic signals of trauma look like in the body?
• What does a typical Somatic Experiencing session look like, and how might a therapist guide the process?
• How does Somatic Experiencing support people who have experienced trauma and grief?
• What is “titration,” and why is it important in trauma therapy?

Learn more about Evan Callan's work here.

What do you think of the show?

Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com.

To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.