Community News
Community Announcement

Stigma: The stigma around substance use is one of the biggest barriers for people seeking and receiving treatment for addiction. It is also a barrier for those individuals who have tried to access services in the past. Stigma is often displayed in the form of discriminating attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. We often use words to describe people and their health conditions that reflect our attitudes and approaches to helping them. Sometimes the words we use can be pejorative and counter productive. International studies by the World Health Organization show that people with alcohol and drug use disorders are among some of the most stigmatized of all health conditions.

Community Announcement

Why is Recovery Important? Thousands of individuals are affected by substance abuse disorder. But they may never receive the help they need due to the stigma around substance abuse. Many Canadians needlessly die each month, leaving their families and friends grieving because they are ashamed to go for help.

Community Announcement

Did You Know: That September is Recovery month in Canada? Since 2012 RECOVERY DAY has been a national movement with a network of people in recovery, families, service providers and entire communities. We come together to celebrate RECOVERY. We are committed to mobilizing and organizing Canadians in recovery from addiction and addiction-related problems. Our mission is to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving life for individuals, families, communities, cities and countries. We envision a world in which recovery from addiction is a common, and celebrated reality.

Community Announcement

St. Raphael Wellness Centre is a unique, welcoming, recovery oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples counselling, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs and support for individuals and their families. The Access, program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or, our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by offering you the services you and your family need in your recovery journey.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Canadians are hard workers. And while having a great work ethic can be admirable, our work outcomes and effectiveness of our work are more important. So, if you want to prevent burnout and increase your productivity, here are some evidence-based tips. 1. Schedule one no-meeting day a week 2. Be smart with email – chunk out your time when you respond to emails to prevent constant distraction and prevent a culture of immediacy. 3. Stop multi-tasking and start uni-tasking. 4. Triage work daily (what are you going to do now, delay, delegate or not do?). 5. Take regular breaks every 52 or 90 minutes.

Meet Your Practitioner

Meet Mandy Fraser – Individual and Relational Therapist/Yoga Practitioner (BAH, MMFT, they/them). Mandy is an experienced clinician specializing in helping people navigate relationships. They teach coping skills to regulate strong emotions so that we can work on safely unearthing root causes of problematic patterns. Mandy enjoys helping people connect to their true selves; prioritizing creating safety so clients can experience vulnerability without being overwhelmed. As a member of the queer community, they are passionate about working with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Whether the issue is related to gender/sexual identity, or you simply want to experience therapy in a queer affirming space, they would love to support your process!

Acupuncture for PTSD

PTSD is a physiological disorder that results from being exposed to a traumatic event. It can affect anyone at any point in their life. The disorder can result in several symptoms including, but not limited to anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, and flashbacks. Studies showed acupuncture is effective to treat PTSD. Acupuncture treatments also have benefits such as a decrease in depression and physical pain. Soldiers, police officers, fire fighters and countless others who have been diagnosed with PTSD are using acupuncture to experience relief.

Self Care is NOT Selfish

Rates of occupational burnout are at an ALL TIME HIGH. And while self-care will not solve everything, “whole” modelling – being authentic and vulnerable and adopting a philosophy that ‘you need to be well to do well’ can help. It will help you and inspire your colleagues. The cliché is true – you need to put on your own mask before helping someone else. If your jug is empty, how can you fill someone else’s cup? So, take some time to invest in self-care and celebrate it with others on International Self Care Day on July 24th and beyond.

Human-Focused Initiative

Employee engagement is a driver of a company’s success. Creating a work-life balance is a key factor for great business performance outcomes. A Human Resources Strategy focused on work-life balance is seen as a benefit to individuals and employers. Individuals report increased job satisfaction, a greater sense of job security, better physical and mental health, and reduced levels of job stress. The organization faces less absenteeism/presenteeism, lateness, and staff turnover rates. In addition, there is increased retention of valuable employees, higher employee loyalty and commitment towards the organization, improved productivity and enhanced organizational image as an employer of choice.