Author: Dr. Katarina Bulat

Meet Our Newest Counsellors Neelam and Natasha!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

We are so very pleased to introduce you to our newest counsellors Neelam Bains and Natasha Burrow! Their biographies are included below for your convenience. If you are curious as to how you might relate to either counsellor and whether therapy with them is a good fit, please email them to set up an appointment for a 15 minute complimentary conversation. Here at the clinic we are cognizant that physical wellness is impacted, supported, and woven through and in, by mental and emotional health. It is truly important for us to have practitioners to help support you in all aspects of health. The last few years have been challenging and stressful for many of us, and mental and emotional health is critical to our well-being. We are happy to have more options available for you to help support you.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Neelam (she/her) is currently a psychotherapist-in-training at the Toronto Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling Education. She works with a diverse population of adults and youth using relational, somatic and mindfulness approaches. With sensitivity to her client’s trauma, felt sense, and inner knowing, therapeutic sessions provide a safe and dignity-oriented space for cultivating shifts in established patterns. As such, possibilities arise to build the capacity for meaning-making and reorienting perspectives to experience groundedness in self-awareness and agency.

With a background in osteopathy, mindfulness and continuum movement, Neelam brings over 25 years of somatic-focused clinical practice to her therapeutic work with clients. Integrating emotions and sensation, cognitive processes and body-centred attunement, this collaborative and creative approach facilitates reconnection with self and others.

She is a mother of teenagers and practices meditation, yoga, somatic awareness and gardening. In addition, Neelam is profoundly interested in approaches and embodied pathways that inspire compassion with self, ecology, community and the world. Email her at neelam@danfortheastwellness.ca

Natasha (they/them) is a psychotherapist-in-training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. They are a gender non-conforming/non-binary queer whose approach is a blend of embodiment, metaphor, humor, and vitality. Gestalt therapy is a relational, experiential, and embodied approach with the goal to help you become more aware. This awareness can then help you to see your experiences and issues in new or different ways. Natasha will work together with you to co-create a place to explore this awareness in a supported way.

Natasha holds degrees in both Psychology and Professional Writing with a specialization in Book Publishing. They have an active movement practice as well as training in dance and yoga, which greatly influences their embodied response and awareness within the co-created field. They also facilitate training for Egale Canada on a variety of topics related to 2SLGBTQI Inclusivity and Diversity. Natasha provides support in a variety of areas and strives to yield to the wisdom and autonomy of each client. Email them at natasha@danfortheastwellness.ca

Pandemics are Bad for Your Mental Health

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a once-in-a-lifetime traumatic event is affecting our mental health, but many of us seem to feel that we aren’t coping as well as we should be.

Should. That’s a loaded word, isn’t it? We should be kinder, more patient parents. We should appreciate our partners more. We should eat healthier food, and exercise more, and be more productive at work. We should … well, the list is endless. And honestly? Beating yourself up because you aren’t meeting an imaginary standard isn’t the way to feel better.

Here’s what’s true about pandemic living and mental health.

1. We’ve lost our sense of security. Our routines are disrupted, we’ve lost household income, and some of us have lost loved ones. Even if we’ve been relatively unscathed, we’ve sat at home watching news reports of a fatal disease creeping ever closer to home. That’s a recipe for anxiety and depression.

2. Our support networks are disrupted. We haven’t been able to hug our friends or family. The people we rely on to support us through tough times are all going through the same experience and can’t lift us up the way they normally would. We feel isolated, even if we’re surrounded by people.

3. We are spending too much time with our spouses. Yes, I said it. We weren’t meant to be joined at the hip 24-7 to our romantic partners. Relationships thrive when we have space to appreciate them and fresh experiences to bring into them. It can be very disconcerting to realize that when you finally have time together, you spend it arguing.

4. We’ve reached the end of our ability to multi-task. We’re trying to work, homeschool our kids, and live our lives, all in the same physical space. And we feel like we aren’t succeeding at any of it.

5. We’re wondering if we want to go back to life exactly as it was. We miss normal life, except for the parts we don’t miss at all, and it feels overwhelming to contemplate returning to business as usual.

If any of this sounds familiar, congratulations: You’re completely normal.

Having said that, this is a terrific time to do some of the mental housekeeping that we put off when times are good, and we’re too busy to think about the inconvenient stuff: the fact that we don’t feel passionate about our work, or that we sometimes feel blue for weeks at a time and don’t really know why, or that we wish we could communicate better with the people we love.

I’d love to help you chart a course for a future that’s less about what you should do and more about what you want to do. Let’s talk.

Kate

Counselling (Psychotherapy) Services Starting Soon!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

We’re excited to be adding a new team member, along with psychotherapy services, at Danforth East Wellness! Kate Hilton, a therapist-in-training, will be seeing clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting on June 16. Here’s the scoop on Kate and her practice.

Q: You’re a therapist-in-training. What does that mean?

A: It means that I’m partway through the process of becoming certified as a Registered Psychotherapist. In my case, it means that I’ve done three years of intensive training and am entering the clinical phase of my education. It also means that I’m required to discuss all of cases with my clinical supervisor (without identifying my clients, of course).

Q: Why did you pick Danforth East Wellness for your training site?

A: Because I’m a client! I love the staff at Danforth East Wellness and the whole mood at the clinic. I’m really happy to be able to spend more time there.

Q: Why should someone consider psychotherapy?

A: So many reasons! Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety and depression, like so many others during this pandemic. Maybe your relationship with your partner is under stress and you’d like to figure out why you keep having the same arguments and getting nowhere. Maybe you’re grappling with a life transition. Or maybe you just think that it’s time to get to know yourself better. There are as many reasons as there are people.

Q: Do you work in a particular modality?

A: I work in several. I have pursued specific training in Gestalt Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, but my approach will depend on your goals for our work together. If you’d like to learn more about how I work, you can check out my website at katehiltontherapy.com.

Q: What do you do when you aren’t at the clinic?

A: The two big things are parenting and writing. I have three teenagers and a rescue dog (pictured above). And I’m a published novelist, so I always have at least one writing project on the go. My latest is a comedy called Better Luck Next Time.

Book a free 15 minute phone call with Kate to explore how she may be able to help you navigate your daily life with more ease!

Danforth East Wellness, scar tissue release

Scar Tissue Release Therapy

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

Have you had surgery in the past? Do you have one coming up? Have you had a tendon strain like Achilles tendonitis in the past? Do you have plantar fasciitis or a rotator cuff strain? These are just a few of the conditions we are able to address with our microcurrent point stimulation Scar Tissue Release Therapy (STRT)! STRT is excellent for scars and scar tissue, which forms with injury to the skin. 

What are Scars?
Scars can be external or internal, resulting from wounds that have healed, accidents, or surgery. Scar tissue is thick and fibrous tissue that is generally less flexible than its surroundings. It is important to address scar tissue for a number of reasons:

  1. Scars can be a common cause of stress activation as they are shown to be involved in up-regulating the sympathetic nervous system.
  2. Internal adhesions from scars can cause pain and affect body functions, including hormone regulation.
  3. Circulation and lymph drainage can be impeded by scars.
  4. Emotional trauma and chronic pain can be associated with scar tissue.

How does STRT work?
STRT uses low level electrical impulses to stimulate cellular activity. It is generally completely painless – rarely, if anything, there’s a ‘tingle’ – and is Health and Canada FDA approved. STRT reduces and fades scar tissue and reduces adhesions and restrictions in the body. This helps in a number of ways – reducing pain, normalizing sensation, decreasing stress on the body, improving muscle and organ function, improving blood flow and improving circulation. 

How do appointments work?
An initial appointment involves a history intake, examination and treatment as appropriate. Subsequent appointments are shorter in length and focus on treatments. The number of sessions needed depends on the depth and age of the scar tissue as well as how your body responds. Generally, we find that most individuals respond well within 3-5 sessions.

What types of conditions can be addressed by STRT?

  • Post-surgical scars of any kind (i.e. hip or knee replacement scars, C-section scars)
  • Childhood injury scars
  • Nerve irritation like carpal tunnel or other entrapments
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Acupuncture point stimulation for people frightened of needles

STRT is a therapy provided under Chiropractic care, and as such may be billed as a Chiropractic session. Connect with us if you have any questions about this wonderful therapy and whether it is appropriate for your condition. We look forward to speaking with you soon about how STRT can change your body!!!

Fully Open!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment
Yes, we are FULLY OPEN although stricter lockdown measures are effective Monday November 23, 2020 for a number of regions, including Toronto. All regulated health professionals are permitted to continue to provide in-person care. We are pleased to help you and your body cope with stressors during this turbulent time.
If you need any information about our covid protocols in addition to the information on our website, please feel free to reach out to us. We also  understand if you feel more comfortable rescheduling your appointment, and will see you when you are ready.
Be well until we see you next!
The Danforth East Wellness Team
(Dr. Katarina Bulat, Dr. Elisa Petricca, Dr. Nicole deYonge, Susan Tomkins, Sarah Podolsky, Renee Long)

Virtual Home Office Assessment by Dr. Elisa – All Proceeds to Charity!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

Many of us have transitioned to working from home during this time. This means that our workstations have drastically changed from an ergonomically equipped office setting. But there is good news! – there are a number of simple changes you can make to optimize your at home work environment to help improve both your physical and mental wellbeing!

Over the next few weeks I will be offering a 20 minute virtual ergonomic assessment. During this time I will assess your current at home workstation and provide you with tips and recommendations to improve your workstation set up as well as your posture.

I will be providing this service for a donation of $20.00 in which all proceeds will go towards Friends of Ruby, a charity to support the mental health and well-being of vulnerable LGBTQI2S youth.

If interested, please email me directly to arrange a time slot. Availability is limited to four assessments per week on Mondays and Wednesdays. The fee of $20.00 is required at the time of booking through e-transfer to reserve your spot.

Looking forward to helping you, as well as helping the community!

‘See’ you soon,

Dr. Elisa Petricca

drelisa@danfortheastwellness.ca

Registered Massage Therapy available again!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

We are so excited to announce that as of Monday June 15, 2020 we have registered massage therapy available at the clinic once again!

Susan Tomkins will be in on Thursdays from 11-7 and every other Friday 11-7. We also have a new registered massage therapist, Sarah Podolsky, beginning on Mondays from 3:30-7:30. More information about Susan and Sarah can be found on our website.

A gentle reminder that 2hrs before each appointment a covid prescreening will be sent out to you through email. You will be asked to wash your hands after you enter the premises, and you are required to wear a mask in the clinic, as well as during treatment.

These are new times for us all and we know they are different. We are looking forward to navigating them together, and are excited to provide care for you again!

See you soon!

Susan and Sarah

Supporting each other!

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

Thank you so much for all of your outpourings of support for the clinic through this difficult time. We are very grateful to have such wonderful patients. Some of you have asked how you can continue to help and we’ve come up with a few ideas if you are interested and able.

  • Follow us on Facebook (Danforth East Wellness) and Instagram (@DanforthEastWellness), if you don’t already
  • Read and share our blogs and Facebook posts
  • Consider buying gift certificates for registered massage therapy (just a side note that they cannot be reimbursed by insurance companies)
  • Leave reviews for us on Facebook, Google and Yelp

To help support YOU through this time, please know that we are available for virtual appointments and consultations for any of your questions. Let us know if there is particular content you would like us to address in our blogs that would help you. Also, please know that if you DO happen to run into difficulties, our chiropractors are available for emergency only visits.

Take care and be well until we see you next,

 

The Danforth East Wellness Team

Dr. Katarina Bulat, Dr. Elisa Petricca, Dr. Nicole DeYonge, Susan Tomkins RMT

Here for you. Resources & Telehealth Update

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

Dear Danforth East Wellness Community,

 

There have been lots of questions and information circulating about how COVID-19 may impact your family, your business, and your healthcare.  I am reaching out to ask:

 

How are you?

 

How can I help?

 

Although the physical clinic is closed, I’m still offering consults by Telehealth, including free 15-minute discovery calls.  I have increased my availability so I can be of service to you, when it is convenient for you.  My new hours are listed below.

 

I also want to provide you with some additional information and resources to help support your awareness of the situation and how it may affect you.  The two factors for contracting any infectious illness are based on susceptibility and exposure:

 

Exposure is a huge focus, and the evidence shows that COVID-19 transmits via Droplets & Contact, including surfaces. Droplet/Surface precautions are what you have to focus on.  This includes cleaning surfaces, practicing hand hygiene, avoid touching your face, and physical distancing. Please continue to do your part to help flatten the curve.

Here are some great resources to check out for more information.

Proper Hand Washing Technique

What to do if you are sick

What it means to self-monitor vs. self-isolate vs. quarantine

 

Susceptibility involves a more complex array of factors. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

  • aged 65 and over
  • with compromised immune systems
  • with underlying medical conditions

 

There is no better time than now to focus on your health.  My priority is ensuring you get the support you need, and invest in your health in a productive way – so you can be the best version of you. 

      

Above all else, I hope you are keeping safe, remaining calm and focusing on the important things – family, love, kindness, and gratitude. 

 

I am here for you.  Please do not hesitate to reach out.  

 

In health & happiness, 

Dr. Nicole, ND

Tuesdays 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Thursdays 9:30am – 5:30pm

Saturdays 9:30am – 2:30pm

BOOK HERE or send an email to drnicole@danfortheastwellness.ca with your questions or to let me know how you’re feeling.

  
As a reminder, please continue to practice social distancing and other public health recommendations.  If you have any of the symptoms and/or risk factors associated with COVID-19, please remain at home, and contact your local public health unit (found HERE) or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) for more information. 

A message to our dear patients and community members

Dr. Katarina Bulat Leave a comment

We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time. Given the magnitude of the current situation, Danforth East Wellness is restricting care to only those patients with acute or emergency needs. Dr. Nicole De Yonge, our Naturopath, will be providing virtual consultations at this time. You are able to book an appointment with her via our website (book here).

As your health care providers, your health and well-being is our top priority. As we continue to navigate these circumstances, we wanted to provide you with a few tips on how you can focus your efforts over the next while to optimize your health and well-being.

Daily Physical Activity – Think of simple ways to achieve 30 minutes of exercise like 10,000 steps outside. Stretching, or quality time with the foam roller is also a wonderful way to help your body move and can provide well-needed stress relief.

Good sleeps – We can’t “catch up” on lost sleep, but this may be the best opportunity we’ve had in a long time to kick start better sleep hygiene! Sometimes turning the temperature down a few degrees to reinforce the body’s natural instinct to sleep helps, as does applying a few drops of lavender essential oil on the pillow before bed to help calm your mind. For more sleep hygiene information please read Dr. DeYonge’s earlier excellent blog post Rise & Shine.

Healthy food choices – Try to limit the amount of refined sugars consumed and make the conscious decision to eat foods that we know will help support our bodies and our immune systems, like vegetables and fruits. Also strive to drink water to help hydrate.

Mindfulness – Think of doing a daily meditation or mindfulness practice. This can include using easy-to-follow meditation apps such as Headspace or Calm, starting or ending your day journaling (a great outlet to let go of things and make peace with your emotions), or, maybe even a daily yoga practice. These are great ways to help balance our nervous system and take us out of the sympathetic fight or flight state. For yoga you can look at yogaghar.ca, YogaTree’s Instagram, Boho Beautiful and Cosmic Yoga (for kids!) on YouTube.

Let’s support each other through this and keep ourselves as healthy as we can.

Be well until we see you next,

The Danforth East Wellness Team

(Dr. Katarina Bulat, Dr. Elisa Petricca, Dr. Nicole DeYonge, Susan Tomkins RMT)