Happy Last Day of National Social Work Week in Ontario 2025!

As we wrap up this National Social Work week, Helen and Gabbi want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication, compassion, and hard work of social workers everywhere. Social Workers demonstrate commitment to improving lives, supporting communities, and advocating for those in need. They are the heart and backbone of positive change, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a lasting impact and are truly inspiring.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to social justice, empowerment, and healing. Though this week may be ending, your work continues to transform lives every day. We celebrate YOU today and always! 💙 #NationalSocialWorkWeek #SocialWorkersRock #ThankYouSocialWorkers
#riseupcounselling
#socialwork #socialworkmonth ...

Empowered women empower the world.

#happyinternationalwomensday to all the incredible women, making a difference, breaking barriers, standing up for right and wrong, and our future generations who are shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all of us.

We hope our daughters grow up in a world where all women are celebrated, supported, believed, cherished and fought for.

#riseupcounselling #womensinternationalday #womenempowerwomen #divorce #support #highconflict #coparenting ...

Be Careful What You Tolerate.

In high-conflict relationships—especially during or after divorce—what you tolerate sets the tone for how you’ll be treated.

If you allow disrespect, manipulation, or constant boundary violations, you’re unintentionally teaching the other person that this behaviour is acceptable. But when you set firm, consistent boundaries and communicate your expectations clearly, you shift the dynamic.

This isn’t about controlling others—it’s about controlling what you allow in your space. Healthy co-parenting, post-separation healing, and personal peace all start with knowing your worth and standing by it.

#DivorceRecovery #CoParenting #BoundariesMatter #SelfRespect #ConflictResolution #KnowYourWorth #riseupcounselling #highconflict #seperationsupport ...

Every morning, we wake up with two things: a chance and a choice.
A chance to start fresh, to grow, to love, to make things right. And a choice—to show up, to be kind (even when it’s hard), to chase what matters, and to let go of what doesn’t.
Some days, the weight of yesterday makes it hard to see the opportunity today holds. But every sunrise brings another shot at rewriting the story. What will you do with yours?
#NewDayNewChoices #MindsetMatters #FreshStart #riseupcounselling #FreshStart #thursdaythoughts #divorcesupport #highconflict #coparenting ...

Healing after divorce is a journey—one that isn’t always easy. Some days feel unbearably heavy, and some days the road ahead is messy and unclear. But remind yourself: “I am on my path. This is just part of the process.”

Growth happens in the struggle. Healing happens in the mess. So keep moving forward, trusting the journey, one step at a time.

#riseupcounselling #therapy #highconflictcoparenting #divorcesupport #highconflict #selfcare #struggles ...

Did you know that an emotion lasts no more than 90 seconds?

According to Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, the chemical process behind an emotional reaction—like anger or frustration—peaks and dissipates within 90 seconds. After that, any continued emotional response is fueled by our thoughts, interpretations, and the stories we tell ourselves.

This insight is especially powerful in high-conflict divorces, where emotions often feel overwhelming and never-ending. Imagine receiving a hostile text from your ex-spouse. Your body reacts—heart pounding, face flushing. But if you pause for 90 seconds before responding, the emotional intensity will naturally subside. At that point, you have a choice: engage in the conflict cycle or respond with clarity and control.

By recognizing that emotions are fleeting and that reactivity fuels ongoing conflict, co-parents can shift their interactions for the better. Taking a mindful pause can prevent unnecessary battles and create space for healthier communication—especially when children are involved.

Next time you feel triggered, try the 90-second rule. Breathe. Wait. Then decide how you want to respond.

#Divorce #CoParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #90secondrule #highconflict #CoParenting #riseupcounselling ...

She showed up on time. She didn’t drink coffee. She had no idea why adults were so obsessed with it. I was already there early, sipping my Starbucks-half-and-half, two raw sugars, because I know life is too short for bad coffee.

But she had no idea how much life would change. She was 13 when her mom told her about the divorce-just after her birthday. That same day, they packed up and left. Her world changed in an instant. From that moment on, her relationship with her father faded. She was caught in the middle-forced to hear things no child should. She learned to be strong because there was no other choice. She had to grow up fast, working young, buying her own clothes, learning independence before she was ready.

I told my younger self: I know you’re scared. I know this feels unfair. But you will find strength you never imagined. You don’t have to be perfect. It’s OK to struggle. You’re not alone, even when it feels like it.

She found purpose working at an overnight camp, helping others transform pain into meaning.

She worked in Child Welfare for 18 years. She stayed in a system that both inspired and drained her, until she finally broke free.

I told my younger self: One day, this pain will have meaning. You will help others.

And love? She didn’t expect it. But somehow, she built a life with a husband of 20 years—kind, patient, and a great father. A home filled with love and sarcasm.

Her career? It became exactly what she was meant to do. She opened a private practice with her best friend-helping families navigate the very thing that shaped her life. She’s incredibly happy.

I told my younger self: You will break the cycle, build a life filled with love, and love what you do.

To those in the middle of it right now—feeling lost or scared—know this: You will be okay. The road is long, but one day, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.

#riseupcounselling #coffeewithmyyoungerself #socialmediatrends #highconflict #divorcesupport #therapyhelps ...

I met my younger self for coffee today. ☕️

We both arrived on time. She had sugar and milk, and I had a splash of cream.

She told me about her first real job in child welfare—how scared she was, how she wondered if she would last. I smiled and told her, This isn’t just a job; it becomes a career, a journey of lessons, mistakes, and unimaginable growth. I reassured her not to worry. I hugged her tightly and whispered, Angels will appear along the way—one of them will be a best friend with big dreams.

She was surprised to hear how long she stayed. I told her, One day, you’ll leave—on your own terms.

She asked about marriage. I told her, You get divorced at 38. You become a single parent to two incredible children. Her eyes filled with sadness. I reached across the table, took her hand, and promised, It will all be okay. You are so much stronger than you think.

That heartbreak? It teaches you boundaries, resilience, and self-worth. It leads you to true love—and a beautiful marriage, the kind that supports you unconditionally. With him by your side, you’ll go back to school in your 40s, earn your Master’s, and start a private practice with your best friend, helping others navigate their own difficult transitions.

Life will be full of ups and downs—moments of darkness and struggle. But, you will persevere. And one day, you’ll sit here, coffee in hand, proud of the woman you’ve become.

#IMetMyYoungerSelf #Growth #Healing #StrongerThanYouKnow #riseupcounselling #divorcesupport #highconflict #instagramtrends ...

A trend is emerging on social media: people post what it might be like if their present-day selves went for coffee with their younger selves.

We cannot resist a good trend. Follow along to see how Gabbi and Helen‘s coffee date with her younger self went.

#coffeewithyoungerself #trend #riseupcounselling #divorce #privatepractice #therapy #highconflict #divorcesupport ...

It’s easy to judge someone’s path without knowing what they had to choose from. Let’s practice empathy—we never know the full story.

#Perspective #EmpathyMatters #LifeChoices #JudgmentFree #MindsetShift #riseupcounselling #therapy #socialworkers #divorcesupport ...

Family Day may have been yesterday, but the love, connection, and support we share with our chosen family lasts every day. After divorce, family might look different, but what truly matters is the people who show up, the bonds we nurture, and the new traditions we create. Whether you’re co-parenting, blending families, or surrounded by friends who feel like family, your family is valid, strong, and worth celebrating—always.

#FamilyDay #ChosenFamily #NewBeginnings #StrongerTogether #riseupcounselling #divorce #lifeafterdivorce ...

DARVO: A Gaslighting Tactic in High-Conflict Divorce

Have you ever tried to hold your ex accountable, only to end up feeling like you’re the bad guy? You may be experiencing DARVO—a manipulation tactic identified by psychologist Dr. Jennifer Freyd.

DARVO stands for:
🔴 Deny – “That never happened!” / “You’re making things up!”
🔴 Attack – “You’re the problem!” / “You’re just trying to control me!”
🔴 Reverse Victim & Offender – “You’re the one hurting me!” / “You’re abusive!”

Originally studied in cases of abuse, DARVO is often used in high-conflict divorces to make you question your reality, shift blame away from them and paint you as the aggressor.

In order to protect yourself, it might be helpful to follow these suggestions: 
✅ Keep communication factual & brief (BIFF: Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm)
✅ Document interactions—screenshots & emails can be key
✅ Set firm boundaries
✅ Seek support—therapy, mediation, or legal advice

Recognizing DARVO is the first step to breaking free from its grip.

#DivorceHealing #HighConflictDivorce #Gaslighting #CoParenting #FamilyMediator #BoundariesMatter #riseupcounselling #highconflict #divorcesupport #seperationsupport ...