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. 1H AGO

    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, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    42 min

  2. 3D AGO

    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, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    37 min

  3. FEB 2

    Ep 1 - Healing, Stigma, And Arab Family Dynamics

    Send a text A single high school careers test bent the arc of a life, nudging Renad from architecture toward psychology, and eventually into a therapy room where time, trust, and cultural nuance matter more than titles. We open up about false starts in university, the pressure to pursue medicine, and the unexpected detours through research that led to a published paper and a deeper respect for evidence-based care. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of Renad’s practice: supporting children of divorce. We talk about why kids interpret adult conflict through a “me lens,” how early therapeutic tools protect self-esteem, and why respectful co-parenting often beats a home full of tension. You’ll hear practical language for reframing blame, building resilience, and modelling calm when families shift under everyone’s feet.We also take on stigma and community pressure in Arab culture, where therapy is changing from crisis-only to a proactive choice, yet shame still lingers around reputation and marriageability.  Renad offers a grounded view of collectivist values: the village can heal when reciprocity is real, and boundaries can coexist with respect. We challenge the myth of the instant “spark,” explore how option overload short-circuits good matches, and make the case for community matchmaking as a safer, values-aligned path. The question that stays with us: are you choosing a partner, or the future parent of your children? That lens transforms standards, priorities, and the everyday work of love.If you care about mental health, cultural context, and raising confident kids, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and practical steps.  Listen, share with a friend who needs a thoughtful take on therapy and relationships, and subscribe to get more episodes that connect psychology, culture, and real life. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    42 min

  4. JAN 12

    Ep 30 Slow Gains, Strong Results Part 2

    Send a text Looking for fitness that actually sticks? Coach Phil Green joins us to share a practical map for steady gains: start smaller than you think, choose movements you enjoy, and focus on signals that prove you’re improving long before the scale moves. We dig into why strength training and metabolic conditioning are the backbone of sustainable change, how to use protein to protect muscle while losing fat, and the simple way to blend cardio without burning yourself out. We bust the most persistent myths head-on: “go hard or go home,” “hours of cardio for weight loss,” and “drop 20 pounds by the weekend.” Phil explains why the body adapts on its own clock, how to set expectations that match biology, and what to do when you hit a plateau. You’ll learn how small program tweaks every four to five weeks keep progress alive—swap a variation, change the rep range, nudge the volume—without blowing up your entire routine. We also zoom out from the scale to smarter metrics like sleep quality, energy, mood, and everyday strength, which tell a far clearer story of transformation. Supplements come up, and we keep it honest. Most people don’t need a cabinet full of powders. Phil’s short list is whey protein isolate to reach realistic protein targets and creatine monohydrate for well-researched performance and potential cognitive benefits. We address the misconception that creatine is only for men or bodybuilders and outline how women can train through hormonal shifts by avoiding drastic changes, building gradually, and paying attention to how their bodies react. If you want a simple starting point with real accountability, we walk through Phil’s six-week Kickstarter challenge that combines coaching, community, and structure to build habits that last. Subscribe for more clear, tested guidance. If this helped, share it with a friend who’s tired of quick fixes, and leave a review so we can keep these conversations coming. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    24 min

  5. JAN 5

    Ep 29 Building Strength, Community, And A Life That Fits Part 1

    Send a text A single decision can change a life, and Phil’s started with a late-night triathlon signup that pulled him from grief into purpose. We sit down with the founder of Bodies by Phil to trace the arc from backyard boot camps to a thriving Ottawa studio built on one clear promise: serious fitness in a not-so-serious environment. No drill sergeants, no “trainer voice,” just coaches who show up as people and help you work hard without the pretense. Phil walks us through the four pillars that shape long-term results—fitness, nutrition, accountability, and community—and explains why the hardest battles often happen outside the gym. Nutrition is loaded with history and emotion, so he favours empathy over absolutes. Accountability only works when you communicate, so ghosting your coach is off the table. The payoff is a room where people push, laugh, and stick around long enough to see real change. Some members have trained with him for over a decade; a few even met their partners between sets. We also get into the realities of time. As a new dad and business owner, Phil had to guard workouts like meetings, delegate more, and choose moments that matter—like being home for bedtime. For parents and founders trying to start or restart, his advice is simple: begin with one weekly session, then earn the second. Build around strength training and use metabolic conditioning—sled pushes, ski erg, kettlebell circuits—for engaging, joint-friendly cardio that actually fits a busy life. And yes, we talk favourites: why the deadlift delivers outsized returns and how to structure sessions that keep you consistent. If you’re ready to trade all-or-nothing plans for something you can live with, this conversation is your reset. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us: which pillar—fitness, nutrition, accountability, or community—will you focus on this week? The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    30 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Ep 28 Compassion Beats Control: Choosing Connection Over Being Right

    Send a text Four degrees on a thermostat. A green dress. A “just a cake” anniversary. Tiny choices can carry a lot of meaning, and when they collide with stress, money, or mixed expectations, they snowball into fights that feel bigger than the moment. We dig into wedding rules that shift midstream, the blurry lines of “make yourself at home,” a parent’s birthday trip sacrificed to soothe a child’s tears, and a store-bought cake that lands like indifference instead of love. Hosted by Michelle Massunken, MSW, RSW and Tina Wilston, RP, CRPO Supervisor. We walk through practical ways to set expectations without sounding rigid, including how to write a guest-friendly dress code that honours budgets and avoids last-minute rule changes. For house guests, we offer a reset script you can use today: state what works, what doesn’t, and what changes from now on—without shaming anyone. With parent guilt, we map a plan that protects attachment and adult needs by separating the celebration into two rituals so both connection and rest get their moment. And for the thermostat standoff, we propose layered compromises, baseline temps, personal warming tools, time blocks, and a real middle number, so comfort doesn’t become a power struggle. The heart of the episode is repair. When a partner says “it’s just cake,” they miss the message: I want to feel chosen, seen, and remembered. We model how to swap defensiveness for curiosity, turn apologies into action, and build traditions that actually fit your life. Listen for concrete language, calm boundaries, and small changes that lower drama while raising trust. Send your scenarios or questions to media@themindspa.ca and tell us which story sounded like your life. The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    39 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    Ep 27 How High-Performing Couples Reconnect When The House Goes Quiet

    Send a text When the house goes quiet, many successful couples discover a louder problem: they can run a company, but struggle to run their relationship. In this episode, we sit down with Benslyne Avril, registered psychotherapist, mental health speaker, and University of Ottawa professor, to explore why high-performing empty nesters often begin to feel like roommates, and how a strategic, time-bound coaching model can help couples reconnect without getting lost in years of backstory. Benslyne explains the critical differences between psychotherapy and coaching, and why some couples need the depth, safety, and trauma-informed pace of therapy, while others thrive with clear milestones and direct accountability. We walk through her 90-day relationship framework, starting with a relationship audit across emotional connection, family dynamics, intimacy, and individual interests, followed by 30/60/90-day goals designed to create measurable change. Along the way, we unpack real-world frictions many couples face in midlife: shifting power dynamics when one partner leads professionally, identity loss when a stay-at-home parent loses their “team,” and what happens when two high achievers move forward without a shared north star. We also explore modern curveballs that quietly intensify distance. AI-driven advice can flatten nuance and fuel certainty that doesn’t match a partner’s lived experience. Menopause can influence libido, sleep, and mood in ways that are often misunderstood. Attachment patterns still matter, and avoidant or anxious tendencies can derail even the best plan if actions don’t align with each person’s nervous system. Benslyne shares how to spot early warning signs, “roommate energy,” stalled conversations, dates that feel like interviews, and practical ways to protect connection long before the kids move out. If you’re weighing therapy versus coaching, this conversation helps you decide based on your goals, readiness, and the type of support that fits your current season. Ready to design the next 15 to 20 years with intention instead of autopilot? Listen now, subscribe to the MindSpa Podcast, and share this episode with someone who needs it. 🔗 Guest: Benslyne Avril — Links & Resources Instagra The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    45 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    Ep 26 When Boundaries Meet Culture, Feelings, And Real Life, How Do You Decide Who’s In The Wrong?

    Send a text What if doing the healthy thing makes you look like the villain? We dive into real “Am I the a-hole?” scenarios and unpack why good boundaries can still spark backlash—especially when culture, grief, or health are in the mix. From a no-drop-in rule that clashes with collectivist norms to a sister who calls “therapy talk” manipulative, we examine how delivery, timing, and respect shape whether limits land as care or contempt. We also take on privacy at a therapy clinic where cameras are framed as safety but risk trust and confidentiality. You’ll hear how to challenge policies without blowing up your job: document concerns, propose alternatives, and push for clear written standards. In a family dispute over a promised heirloom locket missing from the will, we map a path that preserves dignity—honour the relationship, clarify facts, and, where possible, trade wins for grace. Then comes the heartache: a partner with severe pet allergies and an 11-year bond with a senior dog. We talk practical mitigation—HEPA filters, zoning, textiles, grooming—and when separate living makes more sense than resentment. And for parents navigating teen insomnia, we share science-backed sleep hygiene and the one thing that actually gets buy-in: collaboration. Replace screens with low-arousal routines, step change the cutoff, and measure success by daytime energy, not compliance. If you’re wrestling with boundaries at home or work, this conversation offers scripts, strategies, and a kinder way to hold the line. Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what scenario challenged you the most? The MindSpa Podcast Thoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, and healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight. Hosts Tina Wilston, M.Ed., RP (CRPO Supervisor) 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 | YouTub...

    43 min
See All (33)

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
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The MindSpa Podcast
  • Show Website
    The MindSpa Podcast