Skip to main content
Kelly Mental Health

Kelly Mental Health

By Kelly Mental Health

Covering the mental health aspect of everyday life.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

International Women's Day - Let's Talk About It

Kelly Mental HealthMar 08, 2023

International Women's Day - Let's Talk About It
Mar 08, 202353:38
Special Edition: Helping Children Through Grief

Special Edition: Helping Children Through Grief

This special edition episode is for the caregiver that wants to know how best to support a child through grief and loss. Linda provides some brief information about the interruption of secure attachment, the importance of telling the truth, moving from shock and disbelief to seeking security, emotional literacy, whether or not you should cry in front of the kids, heading back to school, and addressing guilt over trying to feel happy again.

Some resources mentioned included:

Lifetimes: The beautiful way to explain death to children, by Mellonie and Ingpen (1983)

The Invisible String by Patrice Kerst (2018)


For more information about our clinic or to book a session, visit www.kellymentalhealth.com

Oct 25, 202114:44
Vulnerability: Let Talk About It
Sep 23, 202126:58
F*ck You, I Love You: On the Relationships that Define Us with Jason Wellwood

F*ck You, I Love You: On the Relationships that Define Us with Jason Wellwood

Jason Wellwood joins Linda in this episode for a raw discussion on the relationships that define us, and the ones that led him to use writing as a therapeutic tool. With the debut of his new book, "Fuck you, I love you," Jason tackles relationships that are mentally and emotionally abusive, where partners struggle to make room for one another while dealing with codependency, mixed messages, and emotional reasoning. We are so excited that Jason was able to make time in his busy schedule to give us the rundown on what he has learned! 

To support Jason on Indiegogo:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fuck-you-i-love-you?fbclid=IwAR0nooVyJeO08XgzzznDU1WX6EmxgmMQC8hS9ciXXP-4XdK14U4PiioBTMU#/

To pre-order the book, see the link below!

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fuck-you-i-love-you/9781649699688-item.html

To find out more on the Spice Of Life Initiative as discussed in the podcast, see the Facebook page below!:

https://m.facebook.com/spiceoflifeinitiative/posts


And finally, for more info on our clinic and what we do, check out www.kellymentalhealth.com or visit us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/kellymentalhealth



Sep 16, 202143:33
Why Linda Cried During the Chicken Dance: Coping After COVID
Aug 26, 202124:43
Taking Control of Emotional Exhaustion
Aug 19, 202130:08
Controversy & Cancel Culture: Simone Biles and Social Media Backlash
Aug 05, 202131:50
Breaking Free from Intergenerational Trauma with Water Thunderbird Woman, Meghan Jourdain

Breaking Free from Intergenerational Trauma with Water Thunderbird Woman, Meghan Jourdain

On this episode of the Kelly Mental Health Podcast, Meghan Jourdain - Water Thunderbird Woman of the Ojibway Tribe - Wolverine Clan from Thunder Bay, Ontario shares her story of breaking harmful cycles, overcoming adversity, and becoming a powerhouse speaker who connects with people that have dealt with historical and intergenerational trauma.  She shares how she learned about the Indian Residential School system in Canada and its impact on her family, and how she chooses to raise her children with honest, open communication, ensuring that the cycles from the past are not repeated and they are able to heal while acknowledging the impact of intergenerational trauma in their own lives.   We are so fortunate to have had this opportunity to speak with this incredible person and know that she will continue to make positive change all around her as she continues in her career in social work.   For more information on Kelly Mental Health or CEO Linda Kelly, visit our clinic website at www.kellymentalhealth.com, and follow us on social media!  @kellymentalhealth

Jul 30, 202151:11
Losing the Shame, Gaining Your Life Back: Intuitive Eating with Victoria Evans
Jul 22, 202155:50
The World Needs Creative Minds: Adult ADHD and Imposter Syndrome with Bree Nistico

The World Needs Creative Minds: Adult ADHD and Imposter Syndrome with Bree Nistico

Linda is joined by Bree Nistico in this candid episode as they share their personal stories of issues related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Imposter Syndrome, issues that so often go undetected in women. They explore symptoms to watch for, challenges with confidence and feeling good enough, and strategies for being kind to themselves that have worked for them.
Bree is a passionate mental health advocate with personal experiences of her own. Struggling all her life with anxiety, she has recently come to face that there may be more to the story. Bree graduated from Lakehead University in 2014 with her Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree, and has worked in the field ever since. Bree continues her personal journey working through mental health challenges , while also opening up the conversations with others to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.
Jul 08, 202150:08
How Social Media and Filters are Changing The Way We See Ourselves
Jun 25, 202140:35
The World Our Teens are Facing with Kristen Arntzen, MSW
Jun 17, 202154:32
From Pregnancy Loss to Autism Spectrum Disorder - Extraordinary Parenting with Anne Antenucci

From Pregnancy Loss to Autism Spectrum Disorder - Extraordinary Parenting with Anne Antenucci

Anne sits down with Linda and her new little one to share her story of the loss of her first child, Julianna, at 40 weeks gestation, followed by the birth of her son, Nathan, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requiring extensive and lifelong support. Anne discusses how her journey with her children impacted her life, exploring the difficult feelings around her losses and how she has used her keen interest in politics to advocate for parents of special needs children, informing those at municipal and provincial levels to ensure that those with Autism are supported and integrated into society.

Trigger Warnings: Pregnancy Loss, Strong Language
May 20, 202156:01
Relationships & Human Sexuality - with Eric Schneider

Relationships & Human Sexuality - with Eric Schneider

In this episode, CEO Linda Kelly sat down with Eric Schneider, Counselor, MEd, DMin, LMHC. Eric is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Human sexuality. Eric has been working in the field for over 30 years as a sex and relationships specialist. Together, they discussed passion, intimacy, and commitment in a wide array of human relationships. They also spoke about the flood of changes in our society around relationships and the escalation of our expectations of each other and ourselves rapidly changing how we view and participate in sexual relationships.

May 13, 202152:49
Let's Talk About It - with Cassandra Nordal

Let's Talk About It - with Cassandra Nordal

In this episode, CEO Linda Kelly and Social Butterfly Cassandra Nordal sat down to discuss the latest stay-at-home order and the repercussions on our mental health. We also spoke about anxiety and how most people are avoiding certain things in their lives at this time to feel better.

Apr 08, 202138:31
Why Sexual Assault Survivors Don't Come Forward - with Kelly Halonen

Why Sexual Assault Survivors Don't Come Forward - with Kelly Halonen

In this episode, Kelly Halonen discusses the focus of her therapy practice: working with survivors of sexual assault. As a survivor herself, she knows firsthand the experience of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and going through the secondary trauma of trying to report her experience while facing scrutiny, self-doubt, and a worsening of her symptoms along the way. Kelly explains common reasons why survivors of sexual assault  struggle to speak out, and even when they do, how rarely seeing true justice for crimes committed against them can impact their mental health. Kelly Halonen is a Social Worker and Psychotherapist at Kelly Mental Health who specializes in treating trauma. For more info, visit her page at kellymentalhealth.com, or see many of her articles on the subject at www.kellymagazine.ca.

Mar 25, 202126:43
The Aftermath of Suicide: Cadaver Dogs and PTSD in the Police Force with Gary Arbuthnot

The Aftermath of Suicide: Cadaver Dogs and PTSD in the Police Force with Gary Arbuthnot

In this episode, Gary Arbuthnot shares his perspective as a 24-year veteran of the police force in Belfast, Ireland, where he worked with the K9 unit searching for missing persons and explosive devices, and connecting with families that had lost loved ones to suicide. He discusses his reaction to being a first responder to the death scene of a known terrorist, and how he eventually retired from his career due to longstanding issues with PTSD. He shares how he went on to become a counsellor and advocate for mental health, providing clients with his unique perspective on the matters that contribute to traumatic stress. Special focus in this episode is on the stereotypes and barriers that prevent men from seeking help.

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide, death, and traumatic incidents.

Please note that the Kelly Mental Health Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the services of a licensed therapist. If you’d like to speak to someone about counselling for yourself, visit us at kellymentalhealth.com.

For more information on Gary Arbuthnot and his clinical practice, follow him on Instagram: @counsellingtherapybelfast

Mar 11, 202136:43
Stability in Chaos: Shalini Misir on the Loss of a Husband and Father

Stability in Chaos: Shalini Misir on the Loss of a Husband and Father

In this episode, Shalini Misir joins Linda Kelly to share her experience of the sudden passing of her husband and the father of her children in January 2020. She discusses how she had to respond to the grief of her two children while handling her own very much in isolation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, how life has changed since the loss of her partner, and the strategies she has learned in psychotherapy treatment to cope and continue on.
Mar 04, 202147:21
Striving to be the Best Kind of Dad - Men's Mental Health with Shane Powell

Striving to be the Best Kind of Dad - Men's Mental Health with Shane Powell

In this episode, Shane Powell joins Linda Kelly for an exploration of his transition to parenthood and how he has worked on being an informed parent in the age of mental health awareness. He shares how the loss of his friend to suicide led to his own challenges with mental health, and how he has learned to connect with and communicate with his children to cultivate emotional intelligence, proactive problem-solving, compassion for self and others, and of course, how to use their words to express themselves.
Feb 25, 202139:06
Understanding Male Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with Gord Mclean
Feb 18, 202151:03
Men's Mental Health - Owning Your Vulnerability with Jason Wellwood
Feb 11, 202147:06
The Loss of a Mother - Cassandra's Story

The Loss of a Mother - Cassandra's Story

In our latest episode, CEO Linda Kelly sat down with Social Butterfly Cassandra Nordal to discuss losing her mother at a young age, her experiences and how she lost herself. They also talk about the unhealthy coping mechanisms she used in the past to mask her grief for years. Ten years later, Cassandra can recognize her emotions and can communicate properly. She has learnt a lot working at Kelly Mental Health for the past year and wanted to share her message.

Jan 21, 202135:42
Parenting & Pregnancy During a Pandemic

Parenting & Pregnancy During a Pandemic

In our latest episode, social butterfly Cassandra Nordal sat down with CEO Linda Kelly and Office Manager of KMH, Amanda Hampton, to discuss the difficulties of parenting and pregnancy during a pandemic. The two incredible parents shared a few things that worked for them and continue to work for their households. 

Jan 14, 202133:31
New Year, New Outlook!

New Year, New Outlook!

CEO Linda Kelly and social butterfly Cassandra Nordal sat down to catch up and chat about their pandemic holidays. They spoke about returning to work, co-parenting during the holidays, the lockdown status and the pressures of New Year Resolutions. They even managed to have some laughs at their own expense. 

Jan 07, 202135:09
"You're Dead to Me!" and Other Family Holiday Greetings

"You're Dead to Me!" and Other Family Holiday Greetings

When punishing, shaming, and threatening are prioritized over seeking solutions, relationships can falter. In Season 3, Episode 3, we dive into the extreme things family members can say to one another in the heat of the moment, and how these emotionally-driven statements can impact our relationships with ourselves and others for years to come. Listen as Linda and Cassandra trade stories about their experiences with those troubling statements, and discuss strategies for setting boundaries and communicating effectively. Follow along for some Healthy Communication Do's and Don'ts!

Dec 18, 202036:17
Let's Talk! - with Michael from Thamichaelated Show

Let's Talk! - with Michael from Thamichaelated Show

CEO Linda Kelly sat down with the incredibly talented Michael from @thamichaelated show and had an inspiring conversation about mental health and wellness. They discussed both their podcasts, the stigmas surrounding mental health, children and the importance of their teachings, miscarriages and pregnancies, the importance of getting the appropriate help you need, the Kelly Mental Health Foundation "Light the Way" Campaign and how it can help many people, history and even managed to fit in a discussion about how to take a compliment. 

Dec 16, 202001:34:06
Stress Around the World - With Dr. Meg Van Deusen, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Author

Stress Around the World - With Dr. Meg Van Deusen, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Author

Welcome everyone to Season 3, Episode 1. In this episode, Linda Kelly, MSW, RSW, TITC-CT, CEO of Kelly Mental Health & Founder of the Kelly Mental Health Foundation sat down with Dr. Meg Van Deusen, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Author based out of Seattle, Washington to discuss her book "Stress in the US" and the stress all around the world during these difficult pandemic times. 

Dec 11, 202052:51
When You Don't Feel How You're Supposed to Feel

When You Don't Feel How You're Supposed to Feel

Weddings, relationships, losses - all major life events come with this idea of how you're supposed to feel about them. But many of us actually going through these events feel nothing of the sort. We actually feel guilty when we aren't head over heels in love with our partner or our new baby or even our life choices. Some of us feel more anxiety than excitement about taking the next step. Today's episode with Kelly Graham, MSW, RSW is all about the expectations society has for us to feel a specific way, and how we are impacted when reality doesn't really match. 

Nov 12, 202031:51
Ignoring Social Media Instincts

Ignoring Social Media Instincts

In today's episode, episode 14, we sat down with CEO Linda Kelly to discuss a topic many of us know quite a bit about. We tend to get spooked and even tangled up in this web. Some of us may have even been haunted by this. 

So, please, get comfortable because we are discussing Social Media.

Oct 29, 202039:23
The Past, Present & Future

The Past, Present & Future

In today's episode, episode 14, we sat down with the incredible CEO Linda Kelly to discuss the win of the 2020 New Business Excellence Award from the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. We spoke about what the award meant to her and the entire team and how it made them feel. We also had an in-depth look at when and where Kelly Mental Health began, her vision and the future of KMH. 

Oct 22, 202039:15
Navigating Relationships Through Stress - With Kelly Graham

Navigating Relationships Through Stress - With Kelly Graham

In today's episode, we sat down with CEO, Linda Kelly and Kelly Graham, a registered social worker with Kelly Mental Health, to discuss the difficulties of stressful times and how to navigate through them in some of your relationships. We also spoke about the new stressful COVID 19 restrictions and how it played a role in all of our lives and how strangely enough, in Kelly's situation, brought her and her new husband closer together.

Oct 08, 202026:14
The Battle of Unhealthy Coping Skills - With Kelly Graham

The Battle of Unhealthy Coping Skills - With Kelly Graham

In today's episode, we sat down with two incredible ladies, our CEO Linda Kelly and Kelly Graham, a Registered Social Worker who has been with Kelly Mental Health for some time. We discussed unhealthy coping skills, how they can and are affecting our day to day lives and how we can be replacing them with healthier skills.

Oct 01, 202028:11
Life After & During Addiction - with Mandee Hochins

Life After & During Addiction - with Mandee Hochins

In today's episode, CEO Linda Kelly and Cassandra Nordal, sat down with Mandee Hochins to discuss life during and after addiction. We spoke about her journey of how her addiction began and the steps she took to get to where she is today. From under the rock bottom rock, to climbing to the top and staying there. We also discussed how counselling made an incredibly positive impact on her road to recovery.
Sep 24, 202033:10
Coaching Our Kids Through Back-To-School Anxiety - with Kristen Sohlman, RP

Coaching Our Kids Through Back-To-School Anxiety - with Kristen Sohlman, RP

Kristen Sohlman, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist, shares valuable mental health tips on coaching our children through the return to school, letting go of unfair comparisons as parents, learning how to validate our kids, and understanding how to meet their needs by learning more about who they are as individuals. Special mentions include the Pinterest-worthy homeschooling setups, helping kids with special needs, and role-modelling to prevent separation anxiety.

Sep 11, 202027:26
Revisiting the Fear of the Unknown - Back to Classes

Revisiting the Fear of the Unknown - Back to Classes

In today's episode, CEO Linda Kelly and Cassandra Nordal, sat down to discuss revisiting the fear of the unknown, coping skills and grounding techniques for students, educators and parents returning to the classroom. From everyone at Kelly Mental Health, we would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy return.

Sep 03, 202033:37
When Body Image Becomes a Disorder - Part 2

When Body Image Becomes a Disorder - Part 2

In the second half of our Body Image Series, we discuss the disorder called Orthorexia. This eating disorder involves an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Stay tuned and have a listen as we dive into explaining this newer disorder.

Aug 27, 202028:45
When Body Image Becomes a Disorder Part 1

When Body Image Becomes a Disorder Part 1

In this two part episode, we discussed the Mental Health Disorder known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), the affects and symptoms it has on our bodies. We examined the history of the Body Positivity movement which has grown since the 1960's and made an incredible impact on our society. Stay tuned to listen to our second half of our episode.
Aug 20, 202033:58
Mask Anxiety with Kelly Graham

Mask Anxiety with Kelly Graham

In this podcast, Linda Kelly and Kelly Graham discuss the impact of wearing cloth masks for those that struggle with anxiety, and real down-to-earth coping skills that we use in therapy sessions with our clients to manage that distress. We discuss the issues with wearing masks, unhelpful thoughts that influence Anxiety, how to identify anxiety and panic, self-soothing and grounding skills such as paced breathing and opposite action, and finally, how to support kids to wear their masks without fear.  

Jul 30, 202046:35
Lara Hollway and the Trauma of Modern Labour and Birth

Lara Hollway and the Trauma of Modern Labour and Birth

In this episode, we talk about how hospitals restricting care partners during labour due to the pandemic makes so little sense during what is often one of the most important experiences of a person's life. Lara discusses how her training as a Doula has influenced her clinical practice and led her to focus on resolving traumatic birth experiences. She describes the impact of how birthing parents are disempowered, the process medicalized, and how invalidation and doubting one's instincts often leads to more complications and issues. 

Jul 23, 202042:00
Nature & Forest Therapy

Nature & Forest Therapy

In this episode Host Linda Kelly and Co-Host Cassandra Nordal sit down to talk with Laurie Vance, MSW, RSW, & Cert. Nature & Forest Therapist from Kelly Mental Health about Forest Therapy, Forest Bathing and the countless benefits Nature brings into our lives. We dive further into detail about this amazing therapy and how it can benefit everyone from every walk of life. 


CEO, Linda Kelly also makes an exciting announcement so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Jul 16, 202042:06
Why Are We Afraid to Talk about Death?

Why Are We Afraid to Talk about Death?

On the heels of her aunt's sudden passing, Linda Kelly talks to Kelly Graham about all the things we don't like to discuss, and why. They talk about life purpose, deriving comfort from understanding the meaning of our experiences, our legacy, how we'd want our own death handled by the people around us, and some of the ways that trauma-focused therapy like EMDR can help with grief.
Jul 09, 202052:59
Infidelity - Let's Talk

Infidelity - Let's Talk

Host Linda Kelly and Co-host Cassandra Nordal, dive head first into the large topic of infidelity. Specifically cheating and how it can effect your mental health, the aftermath and the difficulties we face. We also discuss the topic of staying in a relationship after the cheating has happened and how it can be okay to stay but ONLY if you and your partner are BOTH willing to work on the relationship. 

Jul 02, 202054:06
Situationship - Am I In One?

Situationship - Am I In One?

Linda Kelly & Co-host Cassandra Nordal discuss the term "Situationship" and what it means to be in one and how to know when enough is enough. 

Jun 25, 202057:44
To Mask or Not to Mask - That is the Question

To Mask or Not to Mask - That is the Question

Episode 15 - In this episode, Co-host Cassandra Nordal sits down with Registered Social Worker Kelly Graham, to discuss further into the returning to work fears and the main topic of wearing mask or not wearing masks. This episode dives a little further into why it may be difficult for some people to wear them. 

Jun 18, 202029:16
Hatred and the Meaning of Life

Hatred and the Meaning of Life

Episode 14 - During today's episode, we discussed the most recent social justice movement and impacts this had on the entire world. We discussed about the variety of emotions we are all going through right now and we also celebrated 2SLGBTIQ+ while reminding ourselves that sometimes we need to reset and get back our roots. Join Linda Kelly and Cassandra Nordal as they navigate through all of the hatred in our world and the meaning of life.


** Warning Harsh Language **

Jun 04, 202001:00:49
Returning to Work - The New Normal

Returning to Work - The New Normal

Episode 13 - In this episode, Linda and Cassandra discuss the emotions about returning to work, the new normal, new work place procedures and protocols and how group debriefing can benefit your overall team and environment 

May 29, 202031:52
Community Hostility & the Weight Game Shame

Community Hostility & the Weight Game Shame

In our latest episode, we discussed the fear and anxiety of the economy reopening, tips on how to cope with the changes in the community, learning to accept changes without personalizing them, difficulty making choices that affect other people, and the shame involved with the weight gain during the pandemic.  

May 22, 202001:00:01
Talking Men's Mental Health with Shane Powell

Talking Men's Mental Health with Shane Powell

In this special episode, Shane Powell of the Andrew Miedema Foundation joins Linda Kelly to talk about some of the mental health challenges impacting men. We discuss self-image, the impact of losing our regular coping mechanisms to COVID-19, how bottling up our feelings can lead to depression and suicide, and how to get right with the "what-ifs" when you can't predict the future.
May 13, 202054:46
Handling Grief While the World is Upside Down
May 06, 202053:35
To Have & Maybe Not To Hold During Covid-19

To Have & Maybe Not To Hold During Covid-19

In this episode, Kelly Graham joins us to discuss how her wedding plans are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We get to explore how the pressure from family, society, and her own expectations weigh in on her experience of anxiety. We talk about how to cope by setting boundaries and knowing when to enforce them, and how to control our feelings by focusing on what we can control, moving from what could have been, to what is.

Apr 22, 202050:10