Feb 5, 2026 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Every February, Psychology Month shines a spotlight on the important role psychology plays in helping people live healthy, fulfilling lives. At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), this work is deeply woven into our mission of providing compassionate, person-centred care.
As part of this year’s Psychology Month, we sat down with Dr. Adetola Grillo, Clinical Psychologist at the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute (TNI), who recently joined HDGH in July. In this Q&A, Dr. Grillo shares her journey, her approach to care, and why psychological support is essential to recovery.
A: I began practicing in Canada in 2021. I am registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario and went through a period of supervised practice. I worked in private practice and then moved to Windsor this past July to join HDGH.
My role as a psychologist has involved conducting psychological assessments and providing therapy. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I also use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I describe my practice as very person-centred and I have a lot of experience working with those who have experienced trauma.
At HDGH, I primarily work with adults and older adults who often have complex mental health needs, which requires a lot of patience, empathy, and flexibility. It’s important for me to see the whole person — not just their diagnosis. Many of our patients and clients are parents, grandparents, professionals, or caregivers. They have strengths, histories, and identities that matter.
I focus on building on those strengths while supporting their recovery. Working within a multidisciplinary team is also a huge part of what makes care at HDGH so effective. Our patients’ needs are medical, psychological, social, and physical, and it takes a team approach to truly support them.
Sometimes I connect with a patient’s family members to gather information for assessments or to help support therapy. Other times, I participate in family meetings as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Families are often an important part of a person’s support system, and collaborating with them helps ensure care is aligned and effective.
A: I’ve always been interested in the health professions. My mother is a retired nurse, so I grew up around hospitals — it felt natural to me. I considered medicine, but I didn’t enjoy subjects like chemistry and physics, so I decided to become a different kind of doctor. In the end, it worked out perfectly because I find psychology fascinating. We are all curious about human behaviour. We try to understand why people act the way they do. Studying the science behind those behaviours really interested me, and I’ve truly enjoyed the journey so far.
When I interviewed at HDGH, I immediately noticed the culture and strong sense of teamwork. From my very first day, I met so many people who had been here for 10, 20, and even 30 years. That spoke volumes to me. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and made this new experience feel positive and supportive. It’s something that has stayed with me since day one.
My journey here has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve grown professionally and personally since joining the organization, and I’m truly enjoying the journey.
A: Psychological therapy is an essential part of recovery — not just in mental health hospitals, but everywhere. There’s a saying that “there’s no health without mental health,” and it’s true. Mental health affects how we think, solve problems, manage relationships, regulate emotions, and understand ourselves.
People usually come to therapy after trying to cope on their own and realizing they need support. One of the greatest benefits of therapy is developing self-awareness — understanding how you think, feel, and where you get stuck. We often operate on “autopilot.” Therapy creates space to slow down and reflect. It’s a safe, non-judgmental environment where people can explore their experiences and learn healthier ways of responding to challenges.
It’s also a corrective space. People can try new approaches, understand patterns that aren’t working, and build more effective coping skills.
Research shows that many therapeutic approaches, whether it’s CBT, DBT or other evidence-based interventions, are effective. What consistently stands out is the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Feeling safe, heard, and supported by a knowledgeable professional makes a real difference.
At HDGH, building strong, trusting relationships is central to our care. It reflects our commitment to dignity, respect, and compassion.
A: First, I would say: it makes sense. Many people hesitate because of stigma or self-judgment. They worry that asking for help means they are weak or failing. We are often our own harshest critics. But problems whether they arise from life stressors, developmental transitions, interpersonal relationships, or emotional, personality or cognitive dysfunction are part of being human.
It’s okay to talk to friends and family, and that can be very helpful. But if you’ve tried that and you’re still struggling, seeking professional support is important — just like seeing a doctor for physical concerns. Mental health isn’t just about willpower. It involves our brain, our physiology, our thoughts, and our emotions. Sometimes we need expert support to understand and manage those processes. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.
During Psychology Month, we recognize the vital role psychologists and mental health professionals play in supporting recovery, resilience, and well-being. Dr. Grillo’s work reflects HDGH’s commitment to provide compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care that honours each person’s dignity and potential. Thank you to all of our psychologists for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of our patients, clients, families, and community.
Dec 12, 2025 | Mental Health, Leadership, Community and Partnerships, Faces of HDGH, Road to Recovery – Restorative Rehabilitative Care
As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves taking a moment to pause and appreciate just how much has happened at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare this year. From expanding urgent mental health and addictions services to opening new spaces for healing, this year was defined by meaningful progress, powerful partnerships, and moments of impact that will carry us into 2026 with renewed purpose. While there are many achievements to capture in a single reflection, here are just a few of the highlights that shaped our year and strengthened our mission.
A major achievement this year was transitioning the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Care Clinic (MHAUCC) to be open and available for people to walk-in for service 24/7. This expansion ensures individuals, experiencing mental health or substance use challenges can access immediate, compassionate support at any time of day or night. In addition to this expansion, the MHAUCC welcomes policing and EMS partners to transition voluntary individuals in crisis to subject matter experts, freeing up time to respond to priority incidents and reducing emergency department wait times.
A groundbreaking milestone in 2025 was the introduction of Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children (ACT-C), the first of its kind in Canada. Modeled after the ACT Team for adults, ACT-C is a community-based, recovery-focused model designed to meet the complex needs of children ages 6–12 struggling with severe mental health challenges.
Using a transdisciplinary, family-centred approach, the team collaborates with community partners like the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society (WECAS) to provide children and their families with a well-rounded network of support. Designed for flexibility, the ACT-C approach removes barriers and meets families where they are—at home and in the community.
This bold new model is transforming how early mental health care is delivered. In its first year, ACT-C has already begun making a meaningful difference for families in Windsor-Essex.
One of the most exciting milestones of 2025 was the opening of the HDGH Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus and the Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre.
The Bob Probert Tecumseh Campus was designed specifically to support residents of Tecumseh, Lakeshore, and rural Essex County who previously faced transportation barriers and struggled to access outpatient care. This campus helps change that. Now, individuals can receive outpatient rehabilitation, cardiac wellness support, and geriatric services much closer to where they live.
The new Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre feels different from the previous outpatient rehab space from the moment you enter. Surrounded by natural light, the environment feels warm and modern, and every detail has been thoughtfully designed to support the patient’s rehabilitation journey. Most importantly, it brings together a team of compassionate professionals who help patients rebuild strength, confidence, and independence, one step at a time.
Together, these two new centres reflect our commitment to equity, accessibility, and compassionate care.
This year, the Windsor Police Service and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) through their collaborative Crisis Response Team (CRT) received a grant from the Ontario Government’s Community Safety and Policing Grant program, ensuring that this critical service will remain operational.
The CRT pairs crisis intervention-trained (CIT) police officers with CIT-trained social workers from HDGH and responds to dispatched calls to individuals presenting with symptoms of mental illness, substance use, behavioural disorders, or people in acute crises. This funding reflects confidence in CRT’s impact and how they de-escalate crisis situations, provide immediate mental health supports, and connect individuals with appropriate ongoing services or community supports.
A proud highlight of 2025 was the premiere of HDGH’s impact film, More than Medicine —a powerful project created to share real stories of recovery, resilience, and the human impact of the care delivered within our walls.
The film brought together patients, clients, families, and staff to capture what happens when healthcare extends beyond treatment plans and into connection, dignity, and hope. Hearing their voices was deeply powerful and a reminder of why we do this work.
Co-led by HDGH, the House of Sophrosyne, and Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC), the Windsor-Essex Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub is a testament to what we can accomplish when people come together with a shared purpose. It is a collaborative initiative that provides low-barrier, integrated care for individuals aged 16 and older who are experiencing homelessness and are seeking support for their addiction and mental health concerns, while addressing their housing needs. It’s a place built on dignity, compassion, and belief in recovery.
These moments represent only a handful of the many accomplishments, partnerships, and acts of compassion that defined 2025 at HDGH. If there’s one theme that carried through everything we achieved this year, it’s partnership.
As we close out 2025, our hearts are full. Full of gratitude for our staff, physicians, volunteers, donors, and partners who showed up for our community every single day. Full of appreciation for the individuals and families who trusted us during some of their most vulnerable moments. And full of excitement for what lies ahead.
Bill Marra is the President and CEO at HDGH and brings his 36 years of honourable leadership experience in health, public affairs, and community service to the HDGH executive team. Since joining HDGH in 2011, Bill has been steadfast in his goal to make HDGH the safest hospital in Ontario. He created an in-house security team to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Bill took on the role of President and CEO in January 2022 and in just one year, he led a person-centered model of care change in the Complex Medical Care and Palliative Units, introduced Personal Support Workers to the healthcare unit, established a HDGH Wellness Committee, and formed an EDII Alliance.
Nov 17, 2025 | Mental Health, Patient Stories
Each November, National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) invites Canadians to come together to reduce stigma and promote understanding around substance use, recovery, and mental health. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Change Together,” reminds us that every story of recovery helps shift perceptions and encourage compassion.
At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), we are proud to share one such story from Robert Roberts, one of the clients featured in our organization’s impact film, More Than Medicine. Robert continues to demonstrate courage, honesty, and hope in his recovery journey — reminding us that healing often begins with the willingness to grow through discomfort and connect with others.
One of the first things I was taught in recovery was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This really was at the core of my disease. I was always uncomfortable in my own skin and would do anything to numb that feeling. I had to learn how to work through my own discomfort without running away from it with something external. I had to find my comfort, to learn how to be content with myself and my life from within.
That brings me to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s 'More Than Medicine' film and with it, this wonderfully uncomfortable journey the team has given me the opportunity grow and be a part of. Just over a year into my sobriety, I was pleasantly greeted one morning to an unexpected message. Dan, my counselor from withdrawal management, said the hospital had this idea to do some small social media posts to bring awareness to programs they had. I jumped at the opportunity; another thing I was taught in recovery was that you don’t get to keep this unless you give it away. This was my first real chance to give back, show my gratitude to the people who so freely gave this gift to me, and with any luck inspire someone to step out of the fear and shame of addiction and take that helping hand.
Just before Christmas I had a chance to meet the director of communications, Nicole. She explained what they were trying to do and I told her about my journey. This was the first time I shared this with someone who wasn’t directly part of my Healthcare team or someone who was dealing with the same struggles as me. This was my first opportunity to get uncomfortable. I survived, this wasn’t so bad, I might even be excited to do this.
From there things were quiet about this project and my old negative thoughts of self-doubt had crept in. I figured the meeting hadn’t gone as well as I had imagined. Then I got the email: “We have an exciting idea we would like to discuss, no more social media posts, let’s make a documentary!”
Things just got a lot more uncomfortable, but I didn’t think long about it, I knew this was this was the right thing I needed to do. At this point, my addiction and recovery was kept quiet. Unless you were a part of my immediate family or a member of one of my groups, I did not show this vulnerable side of me. I was still full of shame; it was still my dark secret.
I realized it was time to start speaking openly about my recovery- I couldn’t keep hiding. I didn’t like the idea of people I knew finding out because they watched this documentary or heard, “Hey, did you know this about Robert?” So it was time to get really uncomfortable.
I went to work and told my boss, and a few select colleagues I was close to that I was an alcoholic in recovery, and that I was going to be a part of this project. Surprise, surprise- I was met with nothing but compassion and understanding, not the horrible judgement I had imagined.
Shortly after this the team at Media Street began filming my interview. Part of this included asking if my daughter, Ruby, could be involved in some footage to tell the story of life in recovery. Ruby was a big motivation in my journey, and this gave me the opportunity to have some very hard, but very important conversations with her. I didn’t want her to be like me, ashamed of mental health struggles, or afraid to ask for help when she needed it.
As we neared the end of this uncomfortable adventure it was time to screen my part, audio only, so I could give my approval to use it. Nicole and her team had one last uncomfortable surprise left to truly push me out of my comfort zone for good: the documentary would premiere at WIFF (Windsor International Film Festival), on a big screen. And why not invite just about everyone you know and love, to see it. Actually, that last part was my idea, I was finally starting to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this project and to share the screen with four other families who courageously shared their stories of strength and hope with all of us. I still struggle with those old negative thoughts; just because I put down the bottle doesn’t mean my disease went away. But with the help of HDGH and their ongoing encouragement to keep growing, I can say I’m proud of myself and I’m grateful for everything in my life- including my struggles, because without them I wouldn’t be on this journey to become happy, joyous and free.
Oh yeah, Nicole had one more opportunity for me to get comfortable being uncomfortable. “Think you could write a blog for us?” So here I am, sharing my story- not because it’s easy, but because every time I do I grow a little stronger.
At HDGH, we believe that every recovery story — like Robert’s — reminds us that healing is a shared journey. As we mark National Addictions Awareness Week, we honour the courage of those who step forward, speak openly, and help inspire others to seek help and find hope.
Robert’s journey is one of the stories featured in More Than Medicine, a film that captures the deeply personal stories of five patients, clients and families whose lives were forever changed by the HDGH’s specialized services. Watch the full film now on YouTube.
Apr 16, 2025 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Working in children’s mental health, I’ve seen firsthand how urgently families need care that’s responsive, accessible, and compassionate. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to share what our team at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) has been building. It’s called the Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children (ACT-C) — the first program of its kind in Canada — and it’s transforming how we deliver mental health care to children as young as six by meeting them where they are: in their homes and communities. This bold new approach is already making a meaningful difference, right here in Windsor-Essex.
Modeled after the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams used to support adults, ACT-C is specifically tailored to the needs of children, along with their families to meet the complex needs of young people struggling with severe mental health challenges — right where they live.
The team collaborates with community partners like the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) to provide families with a well-rounded network of support. Designed for flexibility, the ACT-C approach meets families where they are—at home and in the community—while reducing the need for emergency services such as hospitals, police, or crisis units. Despite being community-based, the program offers similar level of intensive care as live-in or Day treatment settings, including individual and family counselling, in-home behaviour management coaching, recreational programming, and skill-building activities.
Here are just a few of the ways ACT-C is making a positive impact:
Since launching, ACT-C has supported 62 families. Early results show improved outcomes for children and families participating in the program, as well as agency-wide benefits, including shorter waitlists for other intensive services like day treatment and better access to counseling and therapy.
The most powerful evidence? The families we serve. Krystle and Adam, parents of two children in the program, shared their experience:
“The Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children has impacted our family in a wonderfully, positive way. Jen has been very thorough with the education she has given to us, and has given us a great follow through plan. It has been very helpful to our family that Jen has come into our home to be hands on teaching us and the children to build a morning routine through modeling and visual charts. She has also given us resources to the community partners so Adam and I can continue positively in our journey. The collaboration between the team and our family has been great and very professional. Since participating in the program, the boys have been better behaved, not as destructive. They are willing to participate in things we are asking them, they have a sense of purpose again.”
ACT-C is paving the way for improving how we support children’s mental health care that could inspire systems across the country — and beyond. I’m honoured to have been invited to speak about our work at an upcoming European conference in Denmark, where we’ll showcase ACT-C and the work our team and community partners are doing to transform children’s mental health.
Together, we’re not just treating mental illness — we’re transforming how and where we deliver care for children and families. And this is only the beginning.
DJ MacNeil, director, Regional Children’s Centre, has a wealth of experience from his extensive career in mental health services. With a background that spans outpatient, inpatient, community, correctional and emergency department settings, DJ has dedicated his professional life to improving mental health care for children and families.
DJ holds a master's degree in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, reflecting his deep interest in these areas. He enjoys learning and working on initiatives related to quality and health system improvement. DJ also volunteers on the Quality, Utilization & Risk board for the WECHC.
Outside of his professional life, DJ spends a lot of time with his wife and three kids. He is a true philomath and voracious reader, always eager to expand his knowledge and understanding.
Mar 12, 2025 | Mental Health
Fulfilling relationships and connections are essential for living happy, fulfilling lives. However, we often don’t critically examine whether what we were taught about relationships serves us. Life doesn’t come with a guidebook to tell us how to do these things. I will discuss where relationships can go wrong: codependency.
Healthy relationships are interdependent; both people support each other while maintaining their independence, boundaries, and personal identities. They take responsibility for their emotions/behaviour and have goals/fulfillment outside of the relationship. They remain connected by choice, not out of obligation, fear, guilt, or dependency. Caring for others is not problematic—persistent self-sacrifice is. Consider if any of your specific relationships are dysfunctional instead of labelling yourself “codependent.” The presence of codependency doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, but this doesn’t mean you can’t want better for yourself. Our care for others can coexist with our care for ourselves.
“Codependency” isn’t a clinical diagnosis but is, rather, a broad term used to describe a coping mechanism involving unhealthy attachment; at the cost of personal well-being, codependent people receive security, validation, identity, and purpose from others. Some view codependency as a “relationship addiction,” and I believe some people have even argued (unsuccessfully) for its inclusion in the DSM as a personality disorder in the past. Codependency often involves weak boundaries, low self-worth, fear, and emotional suppression/dysregulation; this leads to things like stress, anxiety/depression, and unbalanced, less satisfying, or abusive relationships. Codependency can affect romantic, platonic, familial, professional, and community relationships. It can be especially damaging for those in “helping” professions or those around people struggling with significant addiction/mental health.
Codependent behaviour is often a reflection of the behaviour learned as a means to survive or navigate a dysfunctional environment. Codependent behaviour in adulthood can also be the unconscious attempt to fill a void that was created in childhood. Often without realizing it, we often model in adulthood some or many relationship patterns we observed in our caregivers (e.g., parents repeatedly sacrificing their own needs to keep the family together/stable, parents being absent due to investing themselves in their work completely to provide for the family, etc.). While significant experiences in adulthood can certainly contribute to codependency, it often starts developing at an early age because of the lessons we consciously and unconsciously learned. There are many reasons why codependency can develop, but I will outline a few common contributors below.
Codependency often stems from childhood environments where emotional needs were unmet, where dysfunction was normalized, and where mental illness or addiction was present. Self-expression, boundaries, and emotions were dismissed, invalidated, or punished; this can lead to the belief that love is conditional on caregiving or peacekeeping. Children in dysfunctional families may suppress their needs to maintain stability, resulting in an identity based on serving others. They may take on caregiving roles for parents or siblings, whether through physical tasks like cooking and cleaning or through emotional tasks like making decisions for them or quelling their anger. The cycle of dysfunctional behaviour from caregivers reinforces their codependency, making them overextend to avoid conflict, rejection, or abandonment. These patterns are often passed down through generations. Without intervention, these patterns continue into adulthood and are unconsciously repeated in relationships, parenting styles, and social interactions.
Cultural and societal belief systems can reinforce values like self-sacrifice, duty, and putting others first. Some messages and lessons passed on might resemble the following:
These types of messages teach us that our personal needs and feelings are invalid or, at best, secondary. Regardless of whether these types of messages were explicitly communicated or implied, we internalize them and, unless we critically examine them, believe them to be objectively correct.
Our identities can become rooted in our relationships when we are denied exploration of our own wants, needs, and values. Being denied this exploration can make it difficult to distinguish personal desires and responsibilities from the desires and responsibilities of others. Continuous reinforcement of external success from family can exacerbate this issue. Praise and acknowledgement for choices or accomplishments caregivers deem valuable followed up with pressure to achieve more can instill the belief that love and approval are tied to external success and service to others. This can cause people uncertainty about what they truly want or need, and they often struggle to give themselves permission to feel their own emotions.
The conditioning I discussed in the previous section often results in certain schemas being developed. Schemas are like mental blueprints/filters that help your brain efficiently make sense of the world. They are composed of past experiences, beliefs, and assumptions that influence how you see things, react to situations, and make decisions. I like to imagine a schema as a pair of tinted glasses, with the entirety of what we have learned determining the colour of the lenses. While glasses help us see more efficiently, we will always see everything in a certain colour unless the tint changes.
We all care about others and what people think of us a little bit—there is nothing wrong with that. However, for people who struggle with codependency, the behaviours of others that challenge their established schemas can feel like threats/attacks against them, as denying them external validation is robbing them of their primary coping mechanism. I will provide examples here of codependent schemas influencing thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Thoughts
Feelings
Behaviours
Many parents struggle with the idea of not being able to “provide” for their children because their children have grown into adults. In codependency, the caretaking that was once developmentally appropriate—cooking meals, cleaning rooms, covering costs/rent, etc.—is still present. The move towards independence by the children jeopardizes the very identity of the parents, thus rendering the parents without purpose. To continue feeling needed, parents might sabotage their independence. However, the set of criteria for fulfilling one’s role does not need to be so rigid. Being a “good mother/father” for a child vs. an adult is supposed to look different. A change in behaviour does not necessitate a change in identity.
I describe codependency—which might differ from how others describe it—as attachment to the external. The concept of codependency can be applied to external things we see as extensions of us that we rely on to connect with others (e.g., familial roles, jobs, beliefs about “success,” money, material possessions, etc.). If your codependent schema ties your self-worth and confidence to your appearance, not only do you have to like the way you look on any given day for you to feel valuable and confident, others must also agree (i.e., provide external validation). What happens when you aren’t your desired weight, wearing the clothes you want, able to get a haircut, wearing makeup, looking how you used to, receiving compliments when others are, and so on? Your self-worth and confidence disappear as soon as the external “thing” you attached them to does.
While codependent behaviour does not cause the behaviour of others, shielding others from the natural consequences of their actions enables self-destructive, dysfunctional, irresponsible, and incongruent behaviour. The brain’s stress response is activated when it perceives a threat. When consequences that would otherwise drive change (e.g., financial loss, relationship losses, health Issues, legal consequences, etc.) are blunted or removed by codependent behaviour—called “negative reinforcement” in psychology or “bailouts” in recovery circles—the brain does not register a threat in its entirety, keeping them trapped in a cycle. This pattern can foster an “external locus of control,” where people believe their life outcomes are dictated by external forces rather than personal choices. Over time, this can contribute to “learned helplessness” and chronic stress. The dopaminergic system governs things like satisfaction, pleasure, reward, motivation, and reinforcement. Excess cortisol from chronic stress can deplete dopamine, driving people toward maladaptive behaviours or substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol, gambling, eating, shopping, video games, social media, etc.) to both restore balance and cope with stress, pain, suffering, shame, hopelessness, etc. With addiction, this tendency is not due to a lack of morals, self-control, or willpower. People with addictions or codependency are not inherently different or broken; their coping mechanisms are simply not serving them constructively. However, if you become the primary coping mechanism for others, it is more difficult for them to develop independent stress management skills, healthy coping mechanisms, and internal motivation for change.
Developing self-awareness by recognizing codependent tendencies is the necessary first step to recovering from codependency. To help with this, reflect on whether your own wellbeing, needs, wants, ability to communicate openly, ability to cope effectively, etc. come secondary to your relationship with something external (other people, work, material possessions, money, expectations, etc.). I will provide some more recommendations (in no particular order) below.
Sean Bays has been with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare since 2014, working in security for 4.5 years before transitioning to the role of Responsive Behaviour Navigator (RBN) for another 4.5 years. Currently, Sean is on a full-time contract as a Problem Gambling Counsellor, while his permanent role remains the RBN. He is an instructor at St. Clair College on the side and has also previously been consulted for post-secondary program evaluation.
Sean holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (double major in Psychology and Philosophy) from the University of Windsor and a Master of Education (concentration in Teaching and Learning) from the University of Ottawa. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in psychoeducation for clinical staff and has continuously worked on program development and process improvements. Sean also holds a Canadian Problem Gambling Counsellor (CPGC) certification and is registered with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.
In his (limited) spare time, Sean enjoys staying active, writing, and spending quality time with his family, friends, and dog. He has co-written a TV show and is currently in the process of pitching it.
Feb 20, 2025 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
February is Psychology Month in Canada and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) wants to showcase the psychologists that work here and the role that they play in a patient’s healthcare journey. Clinical psychologists are mental health clinicians with doctoral degrees who are registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario. At HDGH, psychology plays a part in a number of the adult services, as well as in the children's services at the Regional Children’s Centre.
In the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute, which is our inpatient specialized mental healthcare facility, the clinical psychologist, currently Dr. Bethany King, provides therapy and assessment services and has the support of a part time psychometrist. The psychologist is a key member of the multi-disciplinary team, which is made up of psychiatry, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, certified rehab assistants, recreational therapy and consults on developing treatment plans for the 49 patients in this program.
HDGH also has a neuropsychologist providing services in the inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient Acquired Brain Injury programs. The neuropsychologist provides assessments (also supported by a part time psychometrist) to evaluate cognitive functioning and therapy services, as well as consults with the multi-disciplinary team. Dr. Anne McLachlan recently retired from this position after 30 years.
At the Regional Children’s Centre (RCC), three psychologists offer psychological assessment and consultation services to a variety of programs. Current RCC psychologists include Dr. Amanda Darroch, Dr. Jenna Jones, and Dr. Lauren Wysman. RCC psychologists offer psychological assessments to clients aged 6 to 12 years receiving outpatient mental health counselling and/or those enrolled in the Intensive Treatment Services (ITS) Day Treatment program to determine their cognitive, academic, behavioural, and socio-emotional functioning. They also run an Autism screening clinic and subsequent Autism diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years in the community; this is the only publicly-funded autism assessment program in Windsor-Essex for this age group. To complete this work, psychologists are supported by one full-time and one part-time psychometrist, who assist with Autism screenings and diagnostic assessments. In addition, RCC psychologists offer consultation services to social workers regarding treatment of complex cases and report reviews for those clients who have an existing assessment.
HDGH psychologists also offer supervision to doctoral students, primarily from the University of Windsor's clinical psychology graduate program, through practicum placements and are very proud to support the training of future clinical psychologists
Jan 20, 2025 | Mental Health
You might have heard people talking about "Blue Monday." This is supposedly the most depressing day of the year, falling on the third Monday of January. It is claimed that this is when we're hit with the perfect storm: the holiday cheer has faded, our New Year's resolutions might be slipping, the weather is gloomy, the days are short, and well, it’s a Monday.
But here's the thing - this concept started as a marketing campaign for a travel company back in 2004. The date wasn’t actually based on any real scientific research. While Blue Monday might not be scientifically proven, it does shine a light on something that is supported by research: winter can be tough on our mental health – especially in Canada.
Instead of getting caught up in the Blue Monday hype, let's focus on taking care of ourselves all year round. Here are some simple ways to boost your mood, especially during the winter months:
Get outside, even for just 15 minutes. Yes, it's cold, but natural light and physical movement can really help lift your spirits. Bundle up and take a quick walk on your lunch break.
Start a feel-good routine through habit stacking. This means attaching a small new habit to something you already do daily. For example, while your morning coffee is brewing, you could do some quick stretches. While waiting for your computer to start up at work, spend a minute organizing your workspace and setting your top three priorities for the day. When you link these tiny positive actions to existing habits, they're more likely to stick. Plus, each small win gives you a sense of accomplishment and gradually builds meaningful improvements in your routine.
Connect with others. Send that text you've been putting off or grab coffee with coworkers. Sometimes social connection, even just a quick chat, can make a big difference.
Remember, if you're struggling with more than just the winter blues, you don't have to handle it alone. If you find yourself facing a mental health crisis, you can reach out to our 24/7 crisis line at 519-973-4435 or attend the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre in person at 1030 Ouellette Avenue (adjacent to the Goyeau street entrance of Windsor Regional Ouellette Emergency Department) from 8am – 8pm every day of the year.
Christopher Sterling-Murphy has worked with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare since 2021, first working on the Counselling and Therapy team at the Regional Children’s Centre, and currently working as a part-time Crisis Worker at the Community Crisis Centre. Christopher has previously served on the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Committee, the RCC Working Wellness Committee, and HDGH’s Wellness Committee.
Christopher is currently working towards a PhD in Social Work at the University of Windsor with a research focus on partnerships between law enforcement and social work, specifically crisis response teams. Christopher is also employed at the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto, assisting with research focusing on people living with HIV.
Aug 12, 2024 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Summer is a time of fun and freedom for children, but it also poses a challenge for parents who are looking to keep their kids entertained in meaningful ways. It’s important for children to have the freedom to choose how they spend some of their time through the summer months. It is equally important to include structured activities to ensure children are engaging in various enriching and interactive activities. Working in children’s mental health, I have collaborated with many parents to develop ways to engage children in activities that foster creativity, learning, physical activity and social skills. Here are some of those tips!
Encouraging children to express themselves creatively can work to boost their mental health, confidence, and feelings of empowerment. This can include crafts, and also dance, drama, and music! Setting up an art station at home with various supplies can provide endless opportunities for creative expression. Consider these ideas:
While it is important that your child have a break from education, keeping their minds active with educational activities can be fun and exciting! Any time your child is trying something new, mastering a new skill, reading, writing, or being exposed to something for the first time, they are learning! Here’s a few ideas:
Physical activity is essential for children’s mental and physical health. Anytime your child is outdoors, they will expend more energy than when inside. Get your kids outside and get them moving! Here are some fun ways to keep your kids active:
Social interactions are crucial for developing important life skills like cooperation, communication, social skills, and empathy. Here are a few ideas:
As a parent, you play a vital role in ensuring your child’s summer is both fun and enriching. By incorporating activities that promote creativity, learning, exercise, and connection, you can help your child enjoy a healthy and balanced summer. Any time you get your child outdoors, moving their bodies, trying or learning something new, or spending time with others, you are promoting their healthy development and their mental health. Get creative, have fun, stay safe, and enjoy a great summer!
Aug 31, 2023 | Mental Health, Leadership, Community and Partnerships, Faces of HDGH
Every August 31st, we recognize Overdose Awareness Day, and I can’t help but reflect on the impact and stigma surrounding substance use. It’s crucial that we talk about these issues and shed some light on harm reduction and how individuals can access available supports and services.
Substance use continues to be a growing problem within our community, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone in this struggle. Communities across Canada and beyond face similar issues. Discussing the collective impact of substance use is vast and worthy of a blog in itself!
Let’s take a moment to remember the lives we have lost in our community from overdose. It’s heartbreaking to think about the lives we have lost as a result of overdoses. Each number represents a human being, a life, each with a unique story to be told, heard and remembered. These individuals are loved and deeply missed by their families.
While there is a delay in confirming overdose data, it is estimated that there were nearly 100 overdoses in 2022. It will unfortunately be a similar number for 2023. If the current trends continue, in 2026 it is forecasted that there could be 150 annual deaths from overdose in our community.
Overdoses can be intentional or unintentional and 98% are accidental. They can be fatal or non-fatal, with a staggering 70% of overdoses occurring in private dwellings. It’s essential to note that most overdoses can be reversed and prevented from death by using a medication called Naloxone.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak with families who have lost loved ones and each story is devastating. Some cope with their loss by giving back and becoming advocates for change. They develop a strong moral duty to do better and prevent others from experiencing the pain and suffering they have endured.
It’s important to understand the stigma addiction plays and the effect it has on individuals with addiction. The stigma is rooted in the misguided belief that addiction is merely a personal choice; that someone lacks willpower or has failed morally. Despite addiction being recognized as a treatable medical condition, it’s frustrating that the stigma persists. The stigmatization inevitably leads to feelings of shame and hopelessness, making it less likely for individuals to seek help and creating a major barrier for access to care. It’s important we work together to educate and influence those around us to end the stigma around addiction.
It’s important to understand that individuals with addiction can vary in their motivation to change. The best indicator of achieving recovery is the motivation for change. We know there are many individuals living with substance addiction and have no plans or motivation at the present time to change their behaviour. For this group, harm reduction methods are important because it offers methods for reducing known harms associated with substance use. For example, taxi cab and designated driver programs help reduce the harms associated with alcohol consumption. Similarly, providing clean supplies for medication use and distributing Naloxone can reduce harm for opioid users.
Mental health and addictions are often associated with one another, but there are unique elements with each disorder. If an individual has both a mental health and addiction issue, they should ideally be treated for both simultaneously.
The addiction system is designed in a way that there is no “wrong door”. This means that individuals should be able to access services independently, or get connected to other services through any various local addiction service providers. There are a variety of addiction treatment and service options available, ranging from less intensive treatment, such as a digital tool like Breaking Free Online, which uses cognitive behavioural therapy, to a more intensive treatment such as live-in addiction treatment program like those offered by the House of Sophrosyne and Brentwood.
Treatment options include inpatient or bedded treatment, outpatient counselling, day treatment, medication-assisted treatment, withdrawal management services, harm reduction, family and/or group counselling, mutual aid/self-help, and digital resources. The best addiction treatment strategy is one that is mutually established between the individual and their care team. I’ve spoken to many individuals in recovery. Each journey is unique, as is the treatment and services that aid them in achieving and maintaining recovery.
For an individual with an opioid use disorder, the best practice supported by medical evidence is the use of medication-assisted treatment, prescribed by an addiction specialist or primary care provider, along with psychosocial treatment. The most common medication used for opioid addiction is suboxone. A lot of people are hesitant to have to take medication to address an addiction. It’s important to understand that suboxone will satisfy the body’s dependence on opioids without the euphoric or “high” feeling. It is also possible to slowly stop using the medication as the individual becomes more resilient in overcoming relapse through psychosocial care, changes to their environment and supports.
Please take the time to reflect on the impact of substance use and the stigma that surrounds addiction. It's important that we recognize harm reduction strategies and the availability of support services. By working together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding community for individuals struggling with addiction.
There are many local resources available to help an individual access addiction treatment and services. At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, the Withdrawal Management Services (WMS) program is often a natural access point for adults aged 16 years or older who are driven make healthier lifestyle changes, and are looking for support in their recovery process. Individuals who access WMS are offered brief supportive motivational counselling, case management, and positive client-centered discharge planning that supports holistic, positive life changes.
HDGH’s Addiction Assessment and Referral Program (AAR) is also a good non-urgent service that’s available on a walk-in basis. AAR helps individuals, aged 16 years or older, navigate community resources for addiction.
Patrick is HDGH’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions, overseeing inpatient Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) beds, bedded and community Withdrawal Management Services (WMS), inpatient (provincially accessible) and outpatient problem gambling and digital dependency services. Since 2017, he has been the Chair of the HDGH Mental Health and Addiction Patient and Family Advisory Council (MHA PFAC). In 2022, he received HDGH President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership Award. Outside of HDGH, Patrick is the Co-Chair of the Windsor Essex County Opioid & Substance Strategy (WECOSS) Leadership Committee and most recently a participant with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s (WECHU) Stakeholder’s Advisory Committee for the proposed Consumption Treatment Services (CTS). Patrick continues to be actively engaged in various opportunities to discuss, raise awareness and improve mental health and addictions services in our community.