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Mental Health Resources

Organizing Your Narrative

A space for thoughtful materials you can read, share, or sit with over time. Articles, worksheets, and podcasts are designed to offer practical insight and gentle structure — whether you’re reflecting on your own, supporting someone else, or looking for ways to bring these ideas into your work.

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A top-down view of several colored pencils with natural wood casings in a metal mesh pencil holder, isolated on a white background—an inviting image for a trauma psychologist’s creative workspace.

Recent Articles

Thoughtful pieces that explore the emotional side of relationships, parenting, and clinical work, written to offer reflection, not overwhelm.

 

AI, Agreeability, and the Loss of Therapeutic Friction

As AI becomes more agreeable and affirming, we risk losing the productive tension that drives growth.

Stockpiling Emotions: The Other Kind of Hoarding

Emotional hoarding can pull us out of the present and create false comfort, sometimes leaving us more unsettled in the end.

The Problem With Pretty Quotes About Apologies

Exploring the nuanced reality behind apologies, forgiveness and expectations — and how blindly following self-help mantras can sometimes cause more harm than good.

The Case against the Dramatic Monologue

What feels like a moment of empowerment in TV dramas can, in real life, leave us further from the closure we hoped.

When AI makes mistakes: Lessons from an impromptu focus group

Therapists reflect on how quickly we trust AI—even when it's wrong—and stress the importance of questioning its output over doubting ourselves.

Turning Impulsive Reactions Into Constructive Interactions

Impulsive reactions can harm relationships, but with awareness and compassion, they can become moments of connection.

Podcasts

In this podcast, I’ll share bite-sized insights and tips you can easily listen to on a short walk or commute.

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Me, Myself, and Well Being. When Self Care Goes Solo

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Barking Mad welcomes Dr. Rana Pishva, a psychologist from Ottawa, to discuss her article titled "Is the Pendulum of Self-Agency Swinging Too Far?"

Independence, Attachment and the Fine Line Between Growth and Avoidance

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In this episode of The Enriched Mindset Podcast, hosts Mahveen and Gracie sit down with Dr. Rana Pishva.

The Case Against the Cathartic Monologue

A simple black and white line drawing of a person meditating in a seated lotus position, with legs crossed and hands resting on the knees, palms facing up.
Not all emotional monologues bring closure—sometimes healing comes from rewriting the story, not confronting the cast.

Every Mind Needs a Journal

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A simple yet powerful way to organize our thoughts, process emotions, and reconnect with our story—one page at a time.

Sorting It Out: Making Sense of Life’s Messy Moments

A simple black and white line drawing of a person meditating in a seated lotus position, with legs crossed and hands resting on the knees, palms facing up.
A look at how therapy, like sorting a messy closet, brings clarity to unresolved trauma.

Downloadable Worksheets

Practical tools to help pause, organize thoughts, and notice patterns — whether you’re supporting others or reflecting for yourself.

Becoming a Parent

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Parenting brings up to the surface complicated relationships, emotions and needs. This tool helps you identify these reactions and how you can respond.
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First Session Structure

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A five part worksheet that keeps first sessions, efficient and clinically meaningful.
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Navigating AI Use with Teens

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Expecting your teen to avoid AI entirely is not realistic. Instead, be intentional, open and curious about its presence in your family's life.
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Navigating Transitions

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Change is part of life, but even positive transitions can feel difficult. If your emotions during a transition aren't what you expected (or what others think you should feel) that's okay.
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Discursive Proxemics in Psychotherapy

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Speech patterns are cues about a client's relational state. They reflect strategies used to manage the emotional distance between themselves and the therapist.
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Starting a Journaling Practice

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Journaling is an effective way to make sense of an experience, memory, or event. While starting a journaling practice can be daunting, this handout offers tips to begin and maintain it.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most common questions I receive about how I work, what to expect, and how to know if it’s the right fit.

I offer consultation, resources, and workshops for mental health professionals who work with trauma, attachment, parenting, and relationship transitions. 

I also provide psychotherapy and assessment services in both French and English for children, adolescents, and adults. My primary areas of practice include trauma-related disorders and dissociation, attachment issues, parenting challenges, and peripartum disorders. I also conduct court-ordered parenting assessments under Section 30 of the Children’s Law Reform Act (formerly known as “Custody and Access” assessments).

I am current accepting clients for professional consultation, training workshops, and parenting assessments.

As of now, my waitlist for therapy is closed and I am not accepting new clients.

Please contact me for information on mental health assessments and parenting assessments.

Yes, services are available in French and English.

I integrate attachment-based, and cognitive-behavioural interventions, and narrative to support my clients.

Yes, I am  a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security Parenting Program, is trained in the assessment of parent-child Emotional Availability (EA), and certified in the treatment of perinatal disorders and birth trauma, as well as the assessment of Reflective Functioning (RF) with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI).

Yes, I offer a variety of workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements on a variety of mental health topics, including trauma and dissociation, attachment, parenthood and matrescence, peripartum mental health and trauma, divorce and separation, and psychotherapy skills. More informaiton and registration details can be found on the Workshops page.

I can also provide trainings and workshop tailored to your interests - contact me to discuss.

You can also sign up for my newsletter to receive information on upcoming workshops.

Existing clients can access the online portal through the following link: Online Portal.

You can reach me via email at drrana@sorted-mind.com or by phone at (343) 321-5060 ext 800.

The office is situated in Ottawa, Ontario.

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Disclaimer 

The information, stories, and examples shared in this blog and podcast are intended for educational and informational purposes only. While I may draw upon my experiences as a practicing psychologist, all client details have been carefully modified to protect privacy and confidentiality. In many cases, I combine elements from multiple cases or alter identifying details so that no individual can be recognized. Even if you believe you recognize yourself or your story, please know that these narratives are composites and not reflective of any single person. 

I have the utmost respect for my clients and the courage they show in sharing their experiences with me. My intention is always to honor that trust and to use these insights to help others while maintaining strict ethical standards regarding confidentiality. 

Please note that the content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or professional mental health care with a qualified clinician. 

If you have any concerns or questions about the content shared, please feel free to reach out to me directly. 

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