This past weekend was challenging for us in Barrie and the Simcoe Muskoka region. We experienced a heavy downpour of icy rain, leaving us without electricity for several hours. Even as I write, some areas are still in the dark. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to see the electric pole behind our house sparking and exploding. Moments later, the entire neighbourhood was plunged into darkness, and for hours, we could hear trees snapping under the weight of the ice.

With no electricity at home, later in the day, we drove around in search of a restaurant to eat and saw the aftermath—fallen trees blocking roads, cars dented, shrubs displaced by the wind, and damage all around.

Yet, amid the destruction, something caught my attention—the icicles. These delicate, almost heavenly-looking formations were the very culprits behind the chaos. They appeared so small and harmless and even beautiful with a sight to behold, yet they carried the power to bring down trees, damage homes, and disrupt lives.

It made me reflect on the seemingly harmless things in life that, when left unchecked, can slowly lead us astray. That extra scoop of ice cream that spikes my blood sugar. That late-night coffee that robs me of restful sleep. Even the innocent distractions—watching one more episode of my favourite Mexican movie, scrolling a little longer on instagram, reaching for my phone instead of my devotional first in the morning. They may seem insignificant, but over time, they can take me further from the things that truly matter.

Today, as we continue to clear away fallen branches and debris in Barrie and its environs, perhaps it’s also time for an internal cleanup. What “harmless” things have quietly stolen your time, energy, or focus? Let’s take a moment to reflect and realign.

A big thanks to our friends who checked in on us. We also pray for those affected by this devastation. 🙏🏽

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina,
New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

Indeed, life’s challenges can either break us or make us stronger. I have walked through dark valleys, moments where I almost didn’t make it—but God had other plans. Now, I’m sharing my journey of resilience at this event.

If you’ve faced struggles or need motivation to keep pushing forward, join us for an inspiring gathering of women sharing their stories of hope.

God’s got us all.

Hello Family,

I am honoured to have been invited to share my personal experience on perimenopause and menopause at the upcoming event (details attached below) on Saturday, February 22nd, at 4 PM, hosted at Evangel Bethel Church in Toronto.

I sincerely appreciate your prayers as I prepare for this meaningful discussion, and I invite those in the GTA and surrounding areas to come out and support. It would be a joy to see you there!

I look forward to sharing from the depths of my heart, trusting that God’s name will be glorified mightily. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Blessings,
Ibukun Ogunsina

As someone who thrives on entertaining and creating joy-filled moments, I’ve always found comfort in setting tables laden with food, welcoming friends, and sharing stories. I’m not the world’s best cook, but when I prepare meals for my guests or order something special, it brings me immense happiness to see people gather, connect, and leave with memories that warm their hearts. This past festive season, I felt fatigued physically and in a way that seeped into my mood and spirit. Despite the anticipation of having friends over, I struggled to feel the joy I usually would. 

It took some introspection to realize that my exhaustion was more than the typical holiday rush. As I reflected on my symptoms—mood swings and fatigue, it became clear: I was likely experiencing a new phase of life, full menopause. This realization brought a mix of emotions, but most importantly, it brought clarity.

When it dawned on me that menopause might be the root of my struggles, I turned to God for wisdom and healing. I prayed for strength and insight. But I also recognized the need for practical steps.

A Journey Toward Healing and Wisdom
While I’m still on the mend, this experience has inspired me to share a message with my fellow sisters and relatives: as we age and move from one phase of life to the next, we must keep an eye on our health. Menopause is a natural transition, but it deserves our attention and care.

Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
If you notice changes in your body—mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, decreased libido, fatigue, memory lapses, or difficulty concentrating—don’t brush them aside. These could be signs of peri-menopause or menopause, and they’re not your fault. Your body is undergoing natural changes as estrogen levels decrease, and seeking help is okay.

Praying about these challenges is important, but it’s equally essential to consult a doctor or therapist who can guide you toward practical solutions. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “There is wisdom in the multitude of counsel.” Seeking medical advice or therapy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward empowerment and well-being.

Supporting Each Other Through Life’s Phases
This year, I encourage all of us to be more intentional about our health and to support one another through life’s transitions. Let’s normalize conversations about menopause and aging. Share your experiences, ask questions, and remember you’re not alone. Strangers are friends not yet met, and together, we can create a community where every woman feels heard, understood, and uplifted.

Moving Forward With Joy
As I work toward recovery and regaining my joyful spirit, I’m reminded that life is a series of phases, each bringing lessons and opportunities. By listening to our bodies, seeking counsel, and embracing change with faith and courage, we can navigate these transitions and find renewed strength.

So, let’s step into this year with hope, awareness, and a commitment to care for ourselves and each other. Together, we can live fully and joyfully, no matter the season of life.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina,
New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

Eighteen years ago, while living in South Africa, I visited a friend’s house with my second child. My friend’s residence was within a gated community, so the security guards asked me to introduce myself before calling her to confirm my visit. Without thinking, I replied as I usually would, “Please tell her it’s Anjie’s mom.” Just moments after I spoke, my six-year-old daughter looked at me and asked, “Mom, why didn’t you say Simi’s mom? You’re my mother, too.”

Those words stung me. She was right – I should have said Simi’s mom, but I was known and called the first by my friends. I immediately apologized to her.

My Nigerian culture dictates that as a mother, you are called by the name of your firstborn. This culture was passed onto some of us, and we accepted it and bore it as a badge of honour. Most of the time, we do not know what this can trigger in some of the children we are raising. 

Some might not be bold enough to ask like my daughter did. 

In therapy sessions, we often inquire about birth order during intake because it sheds light on personality traits, family roles, and life perspectives.

Psychologists researched some of these different family dynamics, and they call it the  “Parental Differential Treatment” or PDT. If care is not taken, it makes one child feel superior to another, sometimes developing into sibling rivalry and giving some children a sense of entitlement over others. In some other children, the middle children or in-between ones or even the last children may feel less loved, and this can further degenerate into mental health problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. 

That “gate moment” marked—a change in my attitude toward my children.
It highlighted something I hadn’t fully considered: how such a habit could impact my children, potentially leading to feelings of exclusion or resentment in those not named. Up till now, some people still call me Anjie’s mom, but at home, I constantly let all my children know that I love all of them equally. Wherever you may find yourself in the family dynamic—whether feeling like the favoured child or the overlooked one—remember that healing is possible; kindly seek therapy to heal. Therapy can help you work through any past hurts, rebuild self-esteem, and strengthen family bonds.

For parents, it’s essential to pay attention to family dynamics. Encourage unity among your children, foster love between your children, give praise impartially, and consistently show that each child is valued and loved.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina,
New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

A few years ago, a primary school friend reminded me of how I used to give him some of my exercise books when we were in primary school – a few friends also shared with me how I used to feed them when we were undergraduates and how they relished coming to our house to eat Amala during “ASUU Strike” – I also remembered a few girlfriends that literally moved into my parents house to live with us because they either lost their parents or preferred to stay with me. My parents allowed them to stay with me. I am saying all of these not to draw attention to myself or win accolades…not at all, but to confirm further God’s calling upon my life.

About two decades ago, a senior sister echoed God’s calling upon my life when she prayed for me and shared that I would be like an oak tree for others to take refuge in. That is precisely who I am today.

I am a bonafide child of God, a Christian counsellor, a couples counsellor, and a Registered Psychotherapist who encourages couples to reflect on their decisions when building their marriage. I share different ways and techniques with clients on how not to be afraid to take up new challenges and to embrace new beginnings happily—thus the name of my practice, New Beginnings Barrie Psychotherapy and Counselling.

So, as I reflect on many things that led me to who I am today, I encourage you to do the same. Who are you presently? Are you bringing joy into people’s lives? Are you doing what you are called to be doing? Have you seen telltale signs of what your future may look like? I head off to bed almost every night with joy and smiles because I see people whose lives are much better just with a prayer to God, a few words of encouragement or a couple of techniques from different modalities I share with them to make them feel better.

If you need to learn more about yourself or feel you need to be more fulfilled in life, then reach out to someone who can mentor you or help you find your niche or calling; I will be here waiting to assist you—after all, I was born to do this.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina,
New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

Dear Client,

We hope this message finds you well. We are pleased to inform you of an important update regarding the billing for our counselling and psychotherapy services.

On June 20, 2024, the news came that federal legislation to exempt registered psychotherapists’ services from Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) received its royal assent. This change comes as part of recent legislative adjustments aimed at making mental health services more accessible and affordable. As a result, HST will no longer be applicable to our counselling and psychotherapy fees.

What This Means for You:

Updated Invoices:
Beginning immediately, all invoices for counselling and psychotherapy services will no longer include the HST. This will be indicated on your billing statements.

Reduced Costs:
The elimination of HST on our services means you will see a reduction in the overall cost of your sessions. The base rate for our services will be as follows:
Individual Session: $160
Couple/Family: $180

Account Statements:
Any outstanding invoices issued before June 20, 2024 that included HST will remain unchanged, and payments should be made as per the original terms. Future invoices will be issued without HST.

Reason for the Change:
This legislative change is part of a broader effort to support mental health by reducing financial barriers for those seeking psychotherapy. We welcome this adjustment and are committed to passing these benefits directly to you.

Questions and Support:
We understand that changes in billing practices can raise questions. Our team is here to provide any assistance regarding this update. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 705241856 or via email at newbeginningsbarrie@gmail.com with any inquiries.

We appreciate your continued trust in our services and look forward to supporting your mental health and well-being under these new guidelines.

Warm regards,
Ibukun Ogunsina
Practice Director
New Beginnings Barrie
MACP, MIT, B.Sc (Hons)
Registered Psychotherapist / Christian Counsellor
Suite 307
190 Cundles Road East
Contact No: 7052418456

Home to me for a very long time was my parent’s abode, the SW8/11.. address where I grew up in the heart of a city known as Ibadan; home was a place where I felt most comfortable, loved, sheltered and protected – it was a place of peace, a place of connection, a place of refuge where I could run to find solace amidst the storms of life then as a teenager or a University student. 

Sometimes, all it took was for me to call home from school, and Daddy would pick up the phone, calm me down, and say a prayer over me, or Mummy would send her driver laden with food to my school the next day. Hmm…. Home was where my identity was, and my parents had my back and would always run to my aid.

My hubby and I are also trying to redefine home in our language. Upon getting married, we began creating an ideal home for our children to grow up in, showcasing, praying together, and encouraging them always to come whenever needed. Home is our haven. 

Sometimes, when the phone rings and one of our children wants us to pray for them or send us a Whatsapp message to calm their anxieties, it takes me back to my home while growing up. We then gently redirect our children to God through prayers, reminding them that the temporary home is us, but the actual home is God.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of life, bouts of ailments, amidst the chaos of schedules, exam deadlines, and work timelines, many of us find ourselves longing for a sense of belonging; we deeply yearn for home in times of need, our hearts are wired for connection, both with one another and with something greater than ourselves, we want that connection with someone that can pray or assist us or truly get us, and thus my message today is to remind you that our true home is not merely a physical place, nor your postal address, nor your parents, nor your partner but a state of being—a place of communion with God.

So, as we journey through life, let us remember that our true home is not found in the fleeting pleasures of this world but in God’s eternal love. Let us seek His presence with all our hearts, knowing we find our ultimate fulfillment and most profound sense of belonging in Him. For in God alone do our restless hearts find rest and peace; in His presence, we see our true home.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

Every love story has a beginning, and as a couples therapist, I encourage my clients to set time aside intentionally and reminisce about the early days of their relationships; I let them know that refreshing their memories of how they began their marital journeys together will spur them into appreciating each other better and loving each other more. In the spirit of doing this…I share my personal story, and I hope it brightens your day.

The first time my hubby and I met was simply an encounter at a campus clinic where I thought I had an ailment but came back not to be. We chatted briefly; no contact exchanges were made, but as my hubby would say, I left a powerful impression on him, and he could not stop thinking about me after that first meeting.

The second time was at a church and in another town about 80km from the clinic, where even though I had attended the church for years and he had done likewise, we never met until that fateful Sunday. We recognized each other and remembered we had met six months prior in another town. Still, nothing was exchanged but mere pleasantries, but that day, I recalled I was shocked to see him, and I asked him a simple question upon seeing him…I said where is your wife? I knew that he was already working as a Doctor and thus should be married and attending the service with his wife…till today, my hubby jokes that I was merely sizing him up.

The third time was in front of a bank on the campus where we met the first time, but this time around, my hubby asked for my room number and made sure he visited me that evening, and as they say, the rest is history, and our first romantic date was at our campus fellowship. lol

Today, I thank God for not letting us both miss a lifetime opportunity. God orchestrated that we meet three times, and I know if he had not asked for my room number the third time, my God would have created a fourth chance. Today, I serve God unashamedly because of His undying love for me.

As you and your spouse reflect on how far you have been together, then commit to loving each other more. Revisiting romantic moments or significant events in your relationship will reignite the sparks and also help reinforce the sense of a shared history. Sharing stories and reliving those moments can also aid in bringing back the excitement and romance that may have faded over time.

So..tonight…go down memory lane together.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie,
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services.
Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

Dear Client,

Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we welcome the promising year ahead. As we embark on this journey into 2024, we want to express our gratitude for allowing us to join your therapeutic journey.

As we enter the new year, we are excited to share some positive changes to enhance your experience with New Beginnings Barrie. Our commitment to providing high-quality care remains steadfast, and these updates are designed to support your well-being better.

1. Enhanced Accessibility:
In our ongoing efforts to make therapy more accessible, we have implemented virtual credit card accessibility and online intake forms as well. This is aimed at providing you with greater flexibility and convenience.

2. Team Expansion:
To ensure we continue to offer you the best care possible, we have welcomed new members to our talented team of therapists. Each team member brings unique skills and perspectives, enriching the variety of approaches available.

A final note on fee adjustment. Remember that our new fees, which are HST inclusive, have kicked in now, as displayed below.
Individual: $180 per session
Couples /Family: $200 per session
Our email address for e-transfer remains newbeginningsbarrie@gmail.com

Thank you for entrusting us with your therapeutic journey. We look forward to another year of growth, support, and positive transformations together.

We wish you a year filled with joy, resilience, and personal triumphs!

Warm regards,
Ibukun Ogunsina
Registered Psychotherapist and Christian Counsellor
New Beginnings Barrie Psychotherapy and Counselling.
www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
705 241 8456