The MindSpa Podcast

Batten Media House
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  • 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 26: Group Therapy — What Changes When You Stop Healing Alone | The MindSpa Podcast

    Group therapy can come with a lot of assumptions: sitting in a circle of strangers, feeling pressured to share personal details, or wondering whether you will be judged for having a different experience. In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Michelle Massunken is joined by MindSpa Mental Health group coordinators Bronwyn O’Connor and Leia Johnson to explore what group therapy actually looks like, how it differs from individual therapy, and why learning alongside others can offer a unique sense of connection and mutual support. The conversation looks at the role of mutual aid in group therapy—the experience of realizing that you are not the only person navigating a particular challenge. Michelle, Bronwyn, and Leia discuss how group cohesion can develop over time, why some participants feel nervous before their first session, and how clear guidelines, confidentiality, consent, and the option to pass during discussions help create a supportive group environment. They also challenge some common misconceptions about group therapy. At MindSpa Mental Health, groups such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and adult ADHD are structured and psychoeducational rather than focused on open-ended emotional processing. Sessions may include check-ins, education, guided discussions, activities, practical strategies, and between-session work, allowing participants to learn while benefiting from the perspectives and shared experiences of others. What You’ll Hear In This Episode • How group therapy differs from individual therapy • Why mutual aid, shared experience, and community can matter • What to expect during a structured psychoeducational group • How participation, consent, confidentiality, and group guidelines are approached • What CBT-I (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) may include, from sleep diaries and individualized sleep planning to constructive worry • How individual needs can still be considered within a group setting • How the adult ADHD group focuses on practical skills, systems, strategies, and community • Why between-session practice and accountability are part of the group process • How a free 20-minute consultation and pre-group assessment can help determine whether a particular group is a good fit The episode also touches on other group offerings and groups in development, including parenting, Canadian Armed Forces reintegration and transition, perimenopause and menopause, and caregiver support. For anyone who has wondered whether group therapy might feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or simply too unfamiliar, this conversation offers a grounded look at what participation can actually involve. The goal is not to pressure anyone into sharing more than they are comfortable with, but to better understand how structured group support can provide opportunities to learn, practise new skills, build connection, and feel less alone in the process. Tina Wilston is co-host of The MindSpa Podcast alongside Michelle Massunken. About Bronwyn O’Connor Bronwyn O’Connor is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO #20547, Group Coordinator, and Group Facilitator at MindSpa Mental Health. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Neuroscience with Honours from Dalhousie University. Bronwyn works with children, adolescents, and adults and draws from person-centred and evidence-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). In September, Bronwyn will also facilitate MindSpa’s CBT for Adult ADHD group, supporting participants in developing practical strategies, systems, and skills for navigating everyday life with ADHD. Connect With Bronwyn O’Connor https://themindspa.ca/team-member/bronwyn-oconnor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwynoconnor/ About Leia Johnson Leia Johnson is a group coordinator at MindSpa Mental Health and is involved in supporting MindSpa’s group therapy programming. In this episode, she shares insight into what participants can expect from structured groups, how group cohesion develops, and how facilitators approach participation, consent, confidentiality, and support. Connect With Leia Johnson https://mindspa.janeapp.com/locations/west-mindspa-mental-health-centre/book#/staff_member/97 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. Aug 17

    S2 · Ep 25: AITA Scenarios — Difficult Conversations, Boundaries, And Communication | The MindSpa Podcast

    In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore two AITA scenarios that raise questions about conflict avoidance, friendship boundaries, communication, and trust. Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, the conversation looks at what happens when people avoid difficult conversations, leave expectations unspoken, or assume others will understand boundaries without being told. ⸻ Scenario 1: When A Friend Takes Over The Plans A friend becomes the unofficial cruise director, creating detailed itineraries and schedules for the group. Instead of addressing the dynamic directly, the other friends quietly book a separate cabin without her. When she discovers what happened, the conversation shifts toward a deeper question: what happens when people repeatedly communicate that they are comfortable with someone taking the lead, then respond negatively when that person continues doing so? Tina and Michelle discuss conflict avoidance, unspoken expectations, accountability, and how clearer communication might change the dynamic. ⸻ Scenario 2: When A Friend Is Quietly Excluded A friend group decides to distance themselves from Daniel, who sometimes makes awkward jokes and misses social cues, but also shows genuine kindness toward the group. Without having a direct conversation with him, the group gradually excludes him while expecting everyone to accept the decision. This scenario explores friendship boundaries, social expectations, honest feedback, and the emotional impact of being excluded without understanding why. The conversation considers how direct and respectful communication can create more clarity before resentment builds. These two AITA scenarios offer a reflective look at the conversations people often avoid—and how clearer communication can create greater understanding in friendships and group relationships.  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. Aug 10

    S2 · Ep 24: AITA Scenarios — Who Gets to Decide What Looks “Normal”? | The MindSpa Podcast

    In this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken explore two Am I the A**hole? scenarios that raise a shared question: what happens when someone else’s expectations come at the expense of your dignity, comfort, or boundaries? Through conversations about disability, friendship, family expectations, and emotional labour, Tina and Michelle look beyond who is “right” or “wrong” to consider the communication patterns, accountability, and relationship dynamics underneath each situation. Scenario 1: The Wheelchair and the Wedding A maid of honour with permanent nerve damage is asked by her best friend to walk down the aisle, sit in a regular chair, and keep her wheelchair out of wedding photos so the ceremony will look “timeless.” Tina and Michelle explore the ableism behind the request and why comments such as “but you can walk a little” can minimize someone’s pain, safety, and lived experience. The conversation also looks at setting firm boundaries, navigating guilt and blame-shifting, and what meaningful accountability and apology can look like when someone has caused harm. Scenario 2: The Family Holiday Spreadsheet After repeatedly taking on the work of hosting family holidays, a woman discovers a private “Holiday Operations” spreadsheet where her siblings have been rating everything from the food to her mood. The conversation turns to the often-unseen emotional and practical labour involved in being the reliable family host. Tina and Michelle consider what happens when that effort begins to feel expected rather than appreciated, and where the line might fall between setting a reasonable boundary and responding out of frustration. Together, these scenarios offer a grounded look at boundaries, communication, emotional labour, accountability, and the pressure to keep the peace when doing so comes at a personal cost. 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. Aug 3

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Batten Media House
  • Show Website
    The MindSpa Podcast