The MindSpa Podcast

Batten Media House
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The MindSpa Podcast is your go-to space for meaningful conversations around mental health, healing, and personal growth. Hosted by Michelle Massunken RSW and Tina Wilston RP, co-founders of MindSpa Mental Health Centre, each episode explores key mental health topics through expert interviews and thoughtful roundtable discussions. From managing stress and building stronger relationships to navigating invisible challenges, the MindSpa Podcast offers grounded, professional insights in a warm and accessible way. Tune in weekly for supportive, real-world conversations to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your wellness journey.

  1. FEB 23

    S2 · Ep 4: Therapy and People Pleasing — The Cost of Being “Easy” | Tina Wilston | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston explores what happens when personal growth shifts the balance in a relationship that once relied on one person smoothing every edge. Beginning with a listener story about therapy, emotional labour, and a partner who preferred the “easy” version of love, Tina examines the quiet costs of people pleasing. She unpacks why setting boundaries for the first time can feel destabilizing, how accountability is sometimes experienced as criticism, and why ending a relationship may reflect integrity rather than failure. When someone becomes healthier, the relationship must adapt, and not every dynamic can make that shift. The episode then turns to a second scenario: cancelling a family dinner due to emotional exhaustion. Tina challenges the myth that resilience means pushing through at any cost and offers a more sustainable model — one that includes rest, renegotiation, and shared responsibility. Strong families, she suggests, adapt to capacity rather than moralizing it. Throughout the episode, Tina shares practical language for redrawing lines without escalating conflict: naming patterns clearly, stating limits directly, offering alternatives when appropriate, and accepting that not everyone will celebrate change. She also discusses how guilt can be used to discourage growth, and how “selfish” is often a mislabel for self-respect. For anyone who has been told they are “colder,” “too sensitive,” or “harder to love” after becoming more self-aware, this episode offers grounded perspective and tools for navigating the discomfort that can follow personal change. If you have a scenario you would like explored on the show, contact us at media@themindspa.ca. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    9 min

  2. FEB 16

    S2 · Ep 3: Adoption, Identity, and Healing — Walking Out of the FOG | Ludivine Blais | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode, Tina Wilston sits down with Ludivine Blais, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), to explore adoption, identity, and the experience often described as FOG, fear, obligation, and guilt. As a transracial adoptee from China raised in a white French Canadian family, Ludivine Blais reflects on the lifelong negotiation between love received and culture lost. She discusses how the one child policy, international adoption systems, and early attachment experiences can shape identity development in complex and sometimes conflicting ways. The conversation explores how therapy adapts to readiness. For some adoptees, validation and approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy support naming loss without overwhelming the nervous system. For others, examining ethical questions, power dynamics, and adoption narratives becomes an important part of healing. The episode also addresses identity dissonance and the emotional experience of belonging and grief existing at the same time. Tina Wilston and Ludivine Blais reflect on how cultural awareness, attachment patterns, and unanswered questions influence long-term wellbeing. This episode offers a grounded and thoughtful exploration of identity, adoption, and the gradual process of healing. Guest: Ludivine Blais Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) CRPO Registration #19585 MindSpa Mental Health Centre Gloucester & Online Learn more: https://themindspa.ca/team-member/ludivine-blais/ Psychology Today Profile: link Please note: Ludivine Blais is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and practices under clinical supervision in accordance with CRPO standards. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    42 min

  3. FEB 13

    S2 · Ep 2: Understanding Therapy as a Process - Not a Quick Fix | Tina Wilston | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, we take the mystery out of therapy and show how real change happens, not through quick fixes or venting on repeat, but through a practical process that builds self-knowledge, calms the body, and changes daily choices. From perfectionism’s moving goalposts to the way your heart rate and breath shape anxious thoughts, we break down what actually helps — and what keeps you stuck. We reframe therapy as a steady practice of self-exploration. Patterns that once protected you can become rigid rules that drain joy and strain relationships. You’ll learn how to spot those loops, trace them back to early experiences without getting trapped in blame, and replace them with realistic standards and kinder self-talk. We also explore nervous system literacy, how tight jaws, lifted shoulders, and shallow breaths pull you into fight-or-flight, and share simple, reliable tools like body scans and slow exhales to reset in the moment. Then we get concrete: • Communication that lands • Boundaries as actions, not demands • Emotional regulation in daily life • Reclaiming agency in work and relationships Therapy isn’t about fixing other people, being told what to do, or chasing instant relief. It’s a collaborative space to build skills and create sustainable change. If this resonates, follow the podcast, share the episode with someone who needs a grounded take on therapy, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    37 min

  4. FEB 2

    S2 · Ep 1: Healing in Arab Family Dynamics — Addressing Stigma With Compassion | Renad Albar | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken sit down with Renad Albar, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at MindSpa Mental Health, to explore how culture, family dynamics, and early life experiences shape the way we understand mental health. Renad shares how a high school careers test gently redirected her path from architecture toward psychology, and how early academic detours and research experiences deepened her respect for evidence-based care. Her journey reflects something many listeners will recognize: growth is rarely linear. Meaningful work often emerges through reflection, curiosity, and a willingness to change direction. The conversation moves into the heart of Renad’s clinical focus: supporting children and families navigating separation and divorce. We explore how children naturally interpret adult conflict through a self-focused lens, and why early therapeutic support can help protect self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Tina, Michelle, and Renad discuss practical language parents can use to reduce blame, model calm, and support resilience during family transitions. We also examine stigma within Arab family systems, where therapy is increasingly viewed as proactive rather than crisis-based, yet community pressure and concerns around reputation may still influence help-seeking. Renad offers a thoughtful perspective on collectivist values, showing how boundaries and respect can coexist. The discussion expands into relationships, matchmaking, and the difference between chasing chemistry and thoughtfully choosing a life partner. Renad Albar is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and practices at MindSpa Mental Health in Kanata and online. She works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and provides services in both English and Arabic. Her integrative, person-centred approach draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, attachment-based approaches, narrative therapy, and compassion-focused practices. This episode offers language, perspective, and practical insight for anyone navigating family change, cultural expectations, or the long view of relationships. Learn more about Renad Albar at MindSpa Mental Health: The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    42 min

  5. JAN 12

    S1 · Ep 30: Slow Gains — Building Stronger Mental Health Over Time (Part 2) | Coach Phil Green | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken continue their conversation on sustainable change with Phil Green, CSEP-CPT, founder of bodiesbyphil. Phil shares a practical framework for building strength and improving fitness in a way that lasts. Rather than chasing rapid transformation, he encourages starting smaller than expected, choosing movements you genuinely enjoy, and focusing on early indicators of progress long before the scale changes. Together, they explore why strength training and metabolic conditioning form the foundation of steady improvement, how adequate protein intake supports muscle while reducing body fat, and how to incorporate cardiovascular work without burning out. The conversation also addresses common myths in the fitness industry, including “go hard or go home,” extreme cardio for weight loss, and dramatic short-term transformations. Phil explains how the body adapts gradually, why realistic timelines matter, and how small program adjustments every four to five weeks can help maintain momentum without overhauling an entire routine. They widen the lens beyond weight alone, highlighting measures such as sleep quality, mood, energy, and everyday strength as meaningful signs of change. Supplements are discussed with balance and clarity. Phil outlines a minimal, evidence-informed approach, including whey protein isolate to help meet protein targets and creatine monohydrate for performance support. The discussion also touches on misconceptions about creatine and how women can approach training thoughtfully during hormonal shifts by building gradually and paying attention to recovery. Phil Green, CSEP-CPT, is a strength and conditioning coach and founder of bodiesbyphil. His approach emphasizes structure, accountability, and long-term habit building over quick fixes. This episode offers a grounded perspective on fitness, mindset, and the psychology of sustainable progress, reinforcing that steady gains often lead to the strongest results. Connect With Phil Green Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn  The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    24 min

  6. JAN 5

    S1 · Ep 29: Building Strength and Community — Creating a Life That Fits (Part 1) | Coach Phil Green | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken sit down with Phil Green, CSEP-CPT, founder of bodiesbyphil, to explore how strength, structure, and community can shape not just fitness outcomes, but an entire life direction. Phil reflects on the personal turning point that led him into the fitness industry, and how what began as small backyard boot camps eventually grew into a thriving Ottawa studio grounded in one core philosophy: serious fitness in a supportive, human environment. The focus is not on intimidation or extremes, but on sustainable effort, authentic coaching, and building relationships that last. The conversation outlines the four pillars that guide Phil’s approach to long-term results: fitness, nutrition, accountability, and community. We discuss why change rarely happens in isolation, how nutrition is often tied to personal history and emotion, and why accountability only works when communication is consistent. Phil shares how creating an environment where people feel both challenged and supported leads to lasting engagement,  with some members training alongside him for over a decade. Tina, Michelle, and Phil also talk about time, priorities, and the realities of balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship. For those starting or restarting a fitness routine, Phil encourages beginning with one manageable weekly session and building gradually. Strength training forms the foundation, with metabolic conditioning used thoughtfully to complement busy schedules without overwhelming the body. This episode invites listeners to consider what sustainable growth looks like in their own lives. Whether the focus is fitness, nutrition, accountability, or community, steady, realistic effort often leads to the most meaningful change. Connect With Phil Green Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn  The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    30 min

  7. 2025-12-15

    S1 · Ep 28: Compassion Over Control — Choosing Connection Instead of Being Right | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore how small moments can carry unexpected emotional weight, and how compassion often builds more connection than control ever could. A few degrees on a thermostat. A green dress with shifting expectations. An anniversary cake that feels “just fine” to one partner and deeply disappointing to the other. These everyday situations can quickly escalate when stress, finances, or unspoken assumptions are layered in. Tina and Michelle unpack why seemingly minor decisions can symbolize something much bigger, especially in close relationships. Through practical examples, they discuss how to set expectations without sounding rigid or punitive. From writing clearer dress codes that respect budgets, to resetting houseguest boundaries without shame, to separating a child’s needs from adult celebrations, the conversation focuses on language that protects connection. The episode also explores how compromise can be structured thoughtfully, whether around comfort in shared spaces or around competing emotional needs. At the centre of the discussion is repair. When someone says, “It’s just cake,” they may miss what the moment represents: the desire to feel remembered, chosen, and considered. Tina and Michelle model how to shift from defensiveness to curiosity, how to apologize with intention, and how to build shared traditions that fit real life rather than idealized expectations. This episode offers grounded scripts, relational insight, and small shifts that can lower conflict while strengthening trust. Send your scenarios or questions to media@themindspa.ca. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    39 min

  8. 2025-12-08

    S1 · Ep 27: Empty Nest Relationships — Reconnecting When The House Goes Quiet | Benslyne Avril | The MindSpa Podcast

    Send a text When children grow up and leave home, many couples find themselves facing an unexpected question: who are we now as partners? In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken sit down with registered psychotherapist, mental health speaker, and University of Ottawa professor Benslyne Avril to explore why many high-performing couples begin to feel disconnected once the pace of family life slows down. Benslyne Avril explains how couples who successfully manage careers, parenting, and daily responsibilities can still struggle to reconnect with one another when the structure of raising children disappears. The conversation explores how some partners begin to experience what Benslyne describes as “roommate energy,” where routines continue but emotional connection quietly fades. Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken also discuss the difference between psychotherapy and relationship coaching. Benslyne Avril shares how therapy can offer deeper space to process trauma, attachment patterns, and emotional wounds, while coaching can sometimes support couples who are looking for practical structure, accountability, and forward-focused change. The episode also explores common challenges that arise in midlife relationships. Couples may face shifting power dynamics when one partner has been leading professionally, or identity changes when a stay-at-home parent transitions out of a long-standing role. Benslyne Avril explains how these changes can affect communication, intimacy, and shared direction within a relationship. Throughout the discussion, she shares practical ways couples can recognize early warning signs of disconnection and begin rebuilding connection intentionally as they move into the next stage of life together. Benslyne Avril is a registered psychotherapist, mental health speaker, and professor at the University of Ottawa. She works with individuals and couples to support emotional wellbeing, relationship growth, and personal development. Her work integrates therapeutic insight with structured coaching approaches to help clients navigate life transitions and strengthen meaningful connections. Connect With Benslyne Avril Website | The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca LinkedIn, instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | You...

    45 min
See All (34)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The MindSpa Podcast is your go-to space for meaningful conversations around mental health, healing, and personal growth. Hosted by Michelle Massunken RSW and Tina Wilston RP, co-founders of MindSpa Mental Health Centre, each episode explores key mental health topics through expert interviews and thoughtful roundtable discussions. From managing stress and building stronger relationships to navigating invisible challenges, the MindSpa Podcast offers grounded, professional insights in a warm and accessible way. Tune in weekly for supportive, real-world conversations to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your wellness journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Batten Media House
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The MindSpa Podcast
  • Show Website
    The MindSpa Podcast