The MindSpa Podcast

Batten Media House
  • 0.0 (0)
  • 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. 4d ago

    S2 · Ep 23: AITA Scenarios — Family Favours, Boundaries, and Household Expectations | The MindSpa Podcast

    In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore two AITA-inspired scenarios that examine how boundaries, family expectations, and changing circumstances can affect our closest relationships. Rather than deciding who is "right" or "wrong," they take a thoughtful look at the emotional dynamics behind each situation and discuss practical ways to navigate them with honesty and compassion. A late-night promise to help a brother through a difficult divorce becomes more complicated as life circumstances change. Tina and Michelle explore how new realities—such as pregnancy after infertility and miscarriage, changing family needs, and concerns about long-term arrangements—can shift what feels possible. They discuss the importance of communicating changing boundaries early, managing guilt without creating resentment, and recognizing that support can take many forms without sacrificing your own household's wellbeing. When one grandchild receives significantly more attention, gifts, and opportunities than their siblings, parents are left navigating the emotional impact on the entire family. Tina and Michelle examine how unequal treatment can influence children's sense of belonging and self-worth, why families sometimes normalize these patterns, and how parents can establish healthy boundaries by focusing on what they can control while protecting their children's emotional wellbeing. Whether you've struggled with changing a promise, balancing family loyalty with your own needs, or responding to unequal family dynamics, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on setting boundaries with clarity, compassion, and respect. 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  2. Jul 28

    S2 · Ep22: ADHD and Neurofeedback — Can It Help When You Feel Stuck? | Yvonne Burwash | The MindSpa Podcast

    You can have all the coping skills in the world and still feel like your brain is not cooperating. That’s where neurofeedback may become a turning point—not as a magic fix, but as an approach that may help the nervous system become more regulated so the strategies you’ve learned are easier to use in everyday life. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken are joined by Yvonne Burwash, Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health, to answer one of the most common questions they hear: How do you know whether neurofeedback is the right option for you or your child? Together, they explore who may benefit from neurofeedback, how it can complement talk therapy, and why some people find it helpful before they are ready to process difficult experiences in depth. The conversation also examines how improving nervous system regulation may expand a person's window of tolerance, making other therapeutic approaches more accessible over time. A significant part of the discussion focuses on ADHD and why no single neurofeedback protocol works for everyone. Yvonne explains how QEEG brain mapping can reveal different patterns of brain activity associated with ADHD, including increased slow-wave theta activity in the frontal regions or elevated fast-wave beta activity linked to racing thoughts. The team also discusses how these findings may influence individualized neurofeedback training, how stimulant medication can affect brain activity, and why side effects such as changes in sleep or appetite are important considerations during treatment planning. About Yvonne Burwash Yvonne Burwash is the Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health. She works with clients across the lifespan using QEEG-guided neurofeedback and collaborates with the clinical team to develop individualized training protocols based on each person's unique brain activity. Connect With Yvonne Burwash Website | Instagram  | 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  3. Jul 20

    S2 · Ep 21: Single- and Two-Channel Neurofeedback — Matching Training to Real-Life Goals | Yvonne Burwash | The MindSpa Podcast

    In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston sits down with Yvonne Burwash, Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health, to explore the differences between single-channel and two-channel neurofeedback and how these approaches are selected to support individual goals. The conversation begins by clarifying common neurofeedback terminology, including why neurofeedback is sometimes referred to as EEG biofeedback and how different training methods are designed. Yvonne explains how QEEG brain mapping helps guide protocol selection and walks listeners through the basics of electrode placement, the 10-20 measurement system, and the importance of collecting accurate brainwave data before training begins. The discussion also examines when clinicians may choose to train one site versus two sites, how coherence training is used to look at communication between different brain regions, and the differences between monopolar and bipolar training setups. Along the way, the episode explores topics such as the theta-beta ratio, attention and focus, and how traditional neurofeedback approaches compare with more advanced methods such as LORETA neurofeedback. Yvonne also shares what clients can generally expect during the neurofeedback process, including the importance of consistency, why progress may not always follow a straight line, and how training plans are adjusted over time based on feedback and changing circumstances. The conversation highlights the value of ongoing communication between clients and clinicians when evaluating how training is being experienced. The episode concludes with a discussion about home neurofeedback options, including consumer tools and software platforms, along with considerations for determining whether at-home training is an appropriate fit. Whether you are new to neurofeedback or looking to better understand how different training approaches are used in practice, this conversation offers a clear and practical overview of the topic. About Yvonne Burwash Yvonne Burwash is the Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health. She works with clients across the lifespan using QEEG-guided neurofeedback and collaborates with the clinical team to develop individualized training protocols based on each person's unique brain activity. Connect With Yvonne Burwash Website | Instagram  | 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  4. Jul 13

    S2 · Ep 20: Anxiety And Brain Connectivity — When the Nervous System Gets Stuck | Yvonne Burwash | The MindSpa Podcast

    Your brain can appear “fine” on a surface-level map while your day-to-day experience tells a different story. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston speaks with Yvonne Burwash about LORETA neurofeedback, short for low-resolution electromagnetic tomography, and how it uses EEG data to estimate patterns of activity across deeper brain regions and connected networks. The conversation explores how LORETA differs from standard QEEG brain mapping and why clinicians may look beyond individual brain sites when symptoms are not easily explained by one obvious area. Yvonne introduces Brodmann areas and discusses networks commonly associated with anxiety, executive functioning, and the default mode network. They also unpack terms such as asymmetry, coherence, connectivity, and dysregulation, explaining how brain-mapping data, symptom reports, and standard deviations may help inform whether LORETA training is an appropriate option. You will also hear what a LORETA session can involve, from the gel-based EEG cap and longer setup process to the mental fatigue some people experience when training broader brain networks. The discussion covers how session length, difficulty, and timing may be adjusted, along with practical considerations such as sleep, caffeine intake, and allowing time to decompress after training. This episode offers an educational look at personalised neurofeedback and its potential role in supporting concerns related to anxiety, emotional regulation, attention, and sleep. About Yvonne Burwash Yvonne Burwash is the Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health. She works with clients across the lifespan using QEEG-guided neurofeedback and collaborates with the clinical team to develop individualized training protocols based on each person's unique brain activity. Connect With Yvonne Burwash Website | Instagram  | 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  5. Jul 6

    S2 · Ep 19: HPN Neurofeedback Basics — Understanding Brain Training And Regulation | Yvonne Burwash | The MindSpa Podcast

    Your brain can be brilliant and still get stuck. When it does, more effort is not always the answer, sometimes it needs a nudge. Tina Wilston sits down with Yvonne, our Director of Neurofeedback, to explain Higher Performance Neurofeedback (HPN), a style of neurofeedback that acts more like neuromodulation. We talk about how HPN sends tiny frequencies back to the brain based on what it is already doing, with the aim of interrupting rigid patterns and supporting neuroplasticity. Many clients describe the shift as “clearing out the cobwebs,” especially when stress, trauma, or a head injury knocks them off their baseline. We get practical about what an HPN session actually looks like, including the five-electrode setup, how we choose placements, and how we decide on levels. We also explain over-stimulation (over-stim), what it can feel like, and why it is usually information rather than a disaster. You will hear how we think about dosing with “sites,” why we start gently, and how some people notice changes within 24 to 48 hours, especially around deeper sleep, calmer nervous system regulation, and reduced panic. We also dig into who HPN is best for, when traditional neurofeedback is the better long-game, and how HPN can pair beautifully with therapy to create more capacity for trauma processing and clearer thinking. We cover the QEEG brain map question too: when it is best practice, when HPN can be done without it, and the safety screens we take seriously. Finally, we zoom out to peak performance and the real-world reports we have seen, including focus, clarity, and sensory regulation support. Subscribe for more neurofeedback conversations, share this with someone who is curious about brain-based therapy, and leave a review so more Canadians can find the show. What would you want HPN to help you with? About Yvonne Burwash Yvonne Burwash is the Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health. She works with clients across the lifespan using QEEG-guided neurofeedback and collaborates with the clinical team to develop individualized training protocols based on each person's unique brain activity. Connect With Yvonne Burwash Website | Instagram  | 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  6. Jun 29

    S2 · Ep 18: Understanding Neurofeedback — Brain Training Made Simple | Yvonne Burwash | The MindSpa Podcast

    In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston sits down with Yvonne Burwash, Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health, to explore the fundamentals of neurofeedback and how it is used to better understand patterns of brain activity. The conversation begins with an overview of QEEG brain mapping, including why recordings are completed with both eyes open and eyes closed and how that information helps guide an individualized neurofeedback plan. Yvonne explains how clinicians look at brainwave patterns alongside a person's experiences, symptoms, and goals, emphasizing that brain maps are only one part of a broader assessment process. The discussion also breaks down the different brainwave frequencies—delta, theta, alpha, beta, and high beta—and how they may relate to everyday experiences such as focus, stress, alertness, sleep, and emotional regulation. Listeners will learn how neurofeedback aims to support the brain's ability to adapt and self-regulate through real-time feedback during training sessions. The episode also explores concepts such as asymmetry and coherence, which help clinicians understand how different regions of the brain communicate with one another. Yvonne shares what a typical neurofeedback schedule can look like, why consistency is important during the early stages of training, and some of the considerations that may arise when neurofeedback is used alongside medication or other mental health supports. This episode offers a practical introduction to the language and concepts commonly used in neurofeedback. Whether you are curious about brain mapping, wondering what happens during a neurofeedback session, or looking to better understand how clinicians interpret brainwave data, this conversation provides a clear and accessible foundation.  About Yvonne Burwash Yvonne Burwash is the Director of Neurofeedback at MindSpa Mental Health. She works with clients across the lifespan using QEEG-guided neurofeedback and collaborates with the clinical team to develop individualized training protocols based on each person's unique brain activity. Connect With Yvonne Burwash Website | Instagram  | 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  7. Jun 22

    S2 · Ep 17: Cognitive Load Reset — Reducing Mental Overwhelm And Decision Fatigue | The MindSpa Podcast

    Your brain is not broken; it may simply be overloaded. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken unpack cognitive load and why so many people feel mentally exhausted, distracted, and overwhelmed, even after a full night’s sleep. When your attention is stretched too thin, it can show up as brain fog, scattered thinking, forgetfulness, and decision fatigue over everyday tasks. We explore how the five senses contribute to cognitive overwhelm and why visual input can be one of the biggest drains on mental energy. From turning down the radio so you can focus while driving to noticing how hypervigilance pulls in every detail of your environment, we connect common experiences to what is happening behind the scenes in the brain and nervous system. Tina and Michelle also discuss anxiety and nervous system activation, including how panic can heighten sound, smell, touch, and temperature sensitivity until everything feels like too much. They share practical strategies for navigating overstimulating environments such as airports, grocery stores, Walmart, and Costco, along with simple tools that can help reduce sensory overload. The conversation also explores digital overstimulation, screen habits, notifications, and small technology changes that can reduce the constant background demand on your attention. Finally, they discuss flow state, cognitive regulation, and why rebuilding tolerance for boredom may be an important step toward greater focus, presence, and wellbeing. What You’ll Hear In This Episode • What cognitive load is and how it affects daily life  • Why sensory input can contribute to mental exhaustion  • The connection between anxiety, hypervigilance, and overwhelm  • Practical tools for managing overstimulating environments  • How technology and notifications impact attention and energy  • Why boredom may be essential for focus, creativity, and recovery If you’ve been feeling mentally drained, distracted, or overwhelmed by everyday demands, this episode offers a grounded look at why that happens and what may help. 🎧 Listen, follow, and share with someone who might need this conversation. 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

  8. Jun 15

    S2 · Ep 16: AITA Scenarios — Honesty, Boundaries, And The Cost Of People Pleasing | The MindSpa Podcast

    What happens when saying “yes” feels easier than disappointing someone, even when it costs you? In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore a series of AITA-style scenarios that unpack boundaries, honesty, people pleasing, and the emotional pressure that can show up in everyday relationships. Scenario 1: Airplane Seats, Boundaries, And People Pleasing A traveller pays extra for an aisle seat on a long flight, only to be asked to give it up by someone who mocked paying for seat selection in the first place. Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore why seat switching can feel emotionally loaded, the pressure to “just be nice,” and how people pleasing can quietly override our own needs. They also reflect on when holding your boundary is reasonable, not selfish. Scenario 2: Fairness, Conflict, And Saying No The conversation expands into the bigger emotional dynamics behind entitlement, social pressure, and fairness. Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken discuss why the most accommodating person is often expected to absorb inconvenience, how resentment builds, and why saying no can sometimes be an important form of feedback. Scenario 3: Honesty, Loyalty, And A Situationship Secret A roommate discovers wedding planning emails and realizes someone they are casually dating may not be as single as they claimed. Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken unpack lying by omission, accountability, and the difficult balance between honesty and loyalty. When does telling the truth protect someone, and when might disclosure be more about easing guilt? If you enjoy these AITA Therapy Edition conversations exploring boundaries, communication, and emotional wellbeing, follow The MindSpa Podcast and share the episode with someone learning that saying no is allowed. 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawilston/ https://www.instagram.com/tinawilstontherapy/ https://www.facebook.com/tinawilstontherapy/ Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health Centre https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massunken-msw-rsw/ https://www.instagram.com/michellemassunken.therapy/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMassunken/ MindSpa Mental Health Centre Ottawa - Kanata & Gloucester themindspa.ca https://www.linkedin.com/company/themindspa/ https://www.instagram.com/themindspa.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/themindspa.ca/ Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

See All (52)

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
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Batten Media House
  • Show Website
    The MindSpa Podcast