Welcome to The Sound of Loneliness Podcast!

This podcast is hosted by Registered Psychotherapist, and Founder & Executive Director of Valley Connections Counselling, Amanda Youssef.

*Disclaimer: Please be aware that this episode discusses mature content and sensitive topics relating to perinatal mental health, such as self harm and harm to others, that may not be suitable for all viewers.*

In this episode, Registered Psychotherapist, Kiara Panetta is joined by Avril Ferguson, Registered Psychotherapist and the owner and founder of Norfolk County Counselling. To continue observing Maternal Mental Health Month, Kiara sits down with Avril to have a rich discussion on all matters related to maternal mental health.

We begin by diving into Avril's challenging personal perinatal story, which led to her decision to focus on perinatal mental health in her clinical work. As a Certified Birth and Reproductive Trauma therapist, Avril discusses PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders), including their symptoms and prevalence. She highlights some of the biggest gaps in postpartum support and touches on common barriers to accessing appropriate perinatal support and treatment. Avril suggests some questions one might ask themselves or a loved one if PMADs are suspected and provides a brief overview of what treatment might look like.

Avril also shares the following public resources for those looking to access more information:

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

https://www.postpartum.net/

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaboration

https://cpmhc.ca/

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings

https://www.canadianperinatalmentalhealthtrainings.com/

For more information on Avril Ferguson or Norfolk County Counselling, please visit the following:

Website: https://norfolkcountycounselling.ca/

Instagram: @norfolkcountycounselling

We hope you enjoy these stories of grit and grace.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoundofloneliness/

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoundofLonelinessVoice

Welcome to The Sound of Loneliness Podcast!

This podcast is hosted by Registered Psychotherapist, and Founder & Executive Director of Valley Connections Counselling, Amanda Youssef.

In this episode, Amanda Youssef is joined by Registered Psychotherapist, Kiara Panetta. Amanda and Kiara have the pleasure of speaking with Hana McConville and Melissa Gallagher, the co-founders of Alma Care. Alma Care is Canada's first postnatal retreat, located in Toronto, Ontario.

Hana and Melissa walk us through their decision to launch this business as a way to advocate for and redefine the postpartum landscape. They dive into the wealth of services offered by Alma Care and their extensive team. They discuss their own unique postpartum journeys and Hana touches on the cultural practices that inspired the birth of Alma Care. They also touch on the culture shift they hope to work towards as a result of approaching the postpartum period in this way.

As a way to kick-off Maternal Mental Health Month in May, Amanda and Kiara couldn't think of a better way than to interview two women dedicated to focusing on the health and wellness of new mothers!

For more information on Alma Care please visit the following:

Website: https://www.almacare.ca/

Instagram: @almapostnatal

Youtube: Alma Care Postnatal

We hope you enjoy these stories of grit and grace.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoundofloneliness/

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoundofLonelinessVoice

Welcome to The Sound of Loneliness Podcast!

This podcast is hosted by Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Founder & Executive Director of Valley Connections Counselling Amanda Youssef. Amanda is joined by Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, Kiara Panetta.

In this episode, Amanda Youssef is joined by Kiara Panetta to discuss how to build secure connections within romantic relationships. Amanda and Kiara talk about the different types of attachment styles, how to validate your partner’s experiences, and how to implement and follow through on boundaries.

We hope you enjoy these stories of grit and grace.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoundofloneliness/

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoundofLonelinessVoice