I Found My Happy Place at The Gatehouse Written by: Pamela, Practicum Student, The Gatehouse I came to the Gatehouse as a placement student to gain firsthand experience of working with people who have, in one way or another, suffered trauma. Little did I know I was going to find my own healing from a silent trauma killer. Migrating from Africa to the Western world opened my eyes to the struggles that people in Africa...
Nurturing Healthy Boundaries: Overcoming Childhood Trauma for a Stronger Relationship Boundaries are largely formed in childhood, shaped by how children are treated and their early experiences. When children’s needs are met with care and security, they develop a healthy understanding of personal boundaries. Conversely, childhood abuse, especially childhood sexual abuse, can severely impact their sense of safety and self-identity. Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, violates boundaries, leaving victims feeling powerless and disconnected from their bodies...
How to use your creativity to help support you on your healing journey By: Selina Mattison, Placement Student at The Gatehouse, Social Service Worker Diploma Art is often used as an outlet for expressing difficult emotions. The arts are quite diverse, and have many different forms such as painting, architecture, sculpture, literature, music, performing and cinema. These outlets both help the artist and the viewer. However, you don’t have to be an artist to have creativity. There...
How to Recognize When A Boundary Has Been Broken By: Ikjot Sandhu, Practicum Student Over the developmental years of a child’s life, there are many aspects of socialization they will go through. One developmental skill that is vital for children to learn in these early years of life is boundary setting. Boundaries are limits and rules an individual set for themselves in different areas of their life to protect their own mental health. Some of these...
Parenting during the Pandemic By: Maria Barcelos, MA, Executive Director, The Gatehouse & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) The pandemic has been emotionally and psychologically exhausting. I recently read an article through the New York Times and a statement in there resonated with me “parenting through grief.” This is how I felt, and I know many more felt this way too. If being a parent was not difficult enough already at times while trying to address childhood...