Chanel Wainscott, MACP, RP(Q), PMH-C

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Therapy That Adapts To You

🧠How the Mind & Body Connect

Emotions don’t just live in the brain—they show up in the body too. Tension, restlessness, feeling disconnected… these reactions can hold important clues. Some people find it useful to explore how past experiences may be shaping their physical and emotional responses, and how small shifts in awareness can create more ease.

A sensorimotor approach supports this kind of mind-body connection, especially for those who have experienced trauma and want to work with, rather than against, their nervous system.

💬 Navigating Life Transitions & Relationships

Changes in roles—whether it’s becoming a parent, shifting careers, or moving through grief—can bring up a lot of emotions and questions about identity. Sometimes, figuring out what support is needed (and where to find it) can make all the difference. For some, this includes strengthening communication skills, adjusting to new dynamics, or making sense of shifting relationships.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) offers a framework for exploring these transitions, attachment patterns, and social supports.

💙 Self-Compassion & Breaking the Cycle of Self-Criticism

It’s easy to be hard on yourself—most people are their own worst critic. Some find that their inner voice keeps them stuck in patterns of doubt, guilt, or feeling “never good enough.” Learning to approach yourself with the same kindness and patience you’d offer a friend can shift this dynamic in powerful ways.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) explores how self-criticism develops and how it can be reshaped into something more helpful.

🔄 Patterns, Thoughts & Emotions

Thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even physical reactions are all connected. Understanding how these patterns play out can bring insight into why certain habits or reactions feel automatic. Some people find it helpful to map out these connections and experiment with ways to shift them—whether it’s changing a thinking pattern, testing out a new way of responding, or creating space for different emotional experiences.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers tools for identifying and shifting these cycles, while Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) introduces strategies for handling distress and regulating emotions in ways that feel more manageable.

🌿 Mindfulness as a Practical Tool

Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting still and meditating for hours. At its core, it’s about noticing what’s happening in the present moment without judgment. This might mean recognizing emotional patterns, becoming aware of how stress feels in the body, or experimenting with grounding techniques that make daily life feel a little more steady.

Concepts from mindfulness-based approaches are woven throughout many of the therapeutic modalities above, offering ways to build self-awareness and presence in a way that feels natural.

🤱 Mental Health in Parenthood

Pregnancy and early parenthood come with huge shifts—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many new parents struggle with identity shifts, unexpected emotions, or a sense of losing parts of themselves. While this is common, it often isn’t talked about openly.

Therapy during this period can include processing these changes, navigating shifting relationships, and exploring ways to care for yourself while caring for others. Training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) allows me to bring a well-rounded understanding of mental health in this stage of life, incorporating approaches that are tailored to the realities of parenthood.

Themes That Shape My Therapeutic Approach

Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone comes in with different needs, experiences, and ways of processing things. That’s why my approach isn’t about following a strict formula—it’s about creating space to explore what feels right for you.

Some people find it helpful to understand how their body reacts to stress. Others want to talk through life changes, shift self-criticism, or break out of patterns that feel stuck. There’s no single “right” way to do this work, so throughout the process, we’ll stay on the same page about what’s helpful, what’s not, and any changes you want to make.

Let’s Explore What Works for You

Therapy isn’t about following a rigid path—it’s about exploring what feels helpful, adjusting as needed, and staying in conversation about what’s working for you. Whether that means focusing on practical tools, deeper emotional work, or a mix of both, the process is always flexible.

If you’d like to learn more or see if we’re a good fit, let’s connect.

Education and Credentials

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (2019)
Yorkville University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2015)
Brock University

Advanced Diploma: Social Service Work (2014)
Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) # 11324
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario 

Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) # PSI8033
Postpartum Support International
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Clinical Training in IPT - Level A: IPT Perinatal Course 
IPT Institute

Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1
The Gottman Institute