5 FAQs

EHN Canada

Welcome to 5 FAQs, an EHN Canada Podcast. For each episode, we scour the internet for the five most frequently asked questions about a specific topic related to mental health and addiction. Then we go to the experts to get the answers. 5 FAQs is created and produced by EHN Canada, the country's largest network of publicly funded and private treatment services for addiction, trauma, and mental health. Learn more about the work we do at edgewoodhealthnetwork.com.

  1. 2d ago

    5 FAQs About Navigating the Return to Work

    In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Alex Perry from Soma Medical to explore one of the most important and often overlooked stages of recovery: returning to work. While completing treatment is a significant milestone, transitioning back into the workplace can bring new challenges, including stress, uncertainty, workplace triggers, and concerns about disclosure. Drawing on expertise in occupational health and recovery, Alex shares practical strategies for navigating the return-to-work process while protecting long-term mental health and sobriety. From managing workplace expectations to recognizing early warning signs of relapse, this conversation offers valuable guidance for individuals in recovery, employers, and anyone supporting a loved one's journey back to work. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER: Returning to work after treatment can feel overwhelming—what are the most common challenges people face in those first few weeks back?From a clinical and occupational perspective, what does a “successful” return to work look like for someone in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges?For individuals in recovery from substance use, what workplace triggers should they be most aware of, and how can they proactively plan for them?How should someone approach conversations with their employer about their return—how much should they share, and how do they set boundaries while protecting their recovery?If someone starts to feel overwhelmed, triggered, or at risk of relapse once they’re back at work, what are the first steps they should take?Click here to learn more about Alex and the work she does at Soma Medical. What do you think of the show? Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com. To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

    33 min
  2. Jun 1

    5 FAQs about 2SLGBTIA+ Affirming Care

    In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Danielle Shinbine, incoming PhD student in counselling psychology at the University of Alberta, to explore the importance of LGBTQ+ affirming care in therapy and mental health support. Drawing on their research into LGBTQ+ well-being across the lifespan, Danielle discusses the unique challenges many individuals face when navigating identity, relationships, stigma, and mental health, particularly for those exploring their gender or sexuality later in life. Together, we learn what truly affirming care looks like, how therapy can support identity exploration and healing, and what LGBTQ+ individuals should know when seeking safe, compassionate mental health support. Today, we explore,  What are some key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community that may come up in therapy, and how can therapists better educate themselves to provide affirming care?  What are some key ways therapy can support individuals who are coming out or exploring their gender identity?  How do experiences like coming out later in life or exploring gender and sexual identity as an older adult affect mental health needs?  How can someone tell if a mental health provider is genuinely LGBTQ+ affirming, and what are some red flags to watch for?  What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ adults seeking therapy for the first time who may feel nervous due to past negative experiences?Learn more about Danielle Shinbine and the awesome work they do here. What do you think of the show? Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com. To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

    19 min
  3. Feb 23

    5 FAQs about Intimate Partner Violence

    In this episode of 5 FAQs by EHN Canada, we sit down with Monika Frejlich, Vice President of Communications at the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation, to explore the evolving landscape of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) across Canada. With experience spanning frontline public service, the Government of Ontario, and national leadership in communications and policy, Monika brings a systems-level perspective to one of the most urgent issues facing our healthcare and judicial institutions. Together, we unpack the judicial recommendations, policy shifts, and systemic gaps shaping the national conversation on IPV today. From challenging misconceptions to strengthening institutional accountability, this episode highlights why standardized training and coordinated reform are critical to protecting survivors and improving early intervention. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL ANSWER: Where does IPV currently stand within the judicial and political landscape in Canada?What are the most common misconceptions about IPV that professionals still hold—and how do those misconceptions impact survivors seeking help?Why is widespread, standardized IPV training essential for people in positions of authority, such as police, judges, and healthcare providers?How can better training improve early identification and intervention when survivors intersect with the healthcare or judicial system?What are some practical, achievable steps institutions can take to integrate mandatory IPV training into policies and ongoing professional development?What do you think of the show? Learn more about EHN Canada and starting your own mental health treatment journey at ehncanada.com. To learn about how EHN Guardians supports Military, Veterans and First Responder communities, click here: ehnguardians.ca.

    35 min

About

Welcome to 5 FAQs, an EHN Canada Podcast. For each episode, we scour the internet for the five most frequently asked questions about a specific topic related to mental health and addiction. Then we go to the experts to get the answers. 5 FAQs is created and produced by EHN Canada, the country's largest network of publicly funded and private treatment services for addiction, trauma, and mental health. Learn more about the work we do at edgewoodhealthnetwork.com.