Resources & Education | Gina Santos Counselling & Psychotherapy
Supporting Your Healing with Knowledge, Hope, and Understanding
A Space for Learning and Reflection
Healing begins not only in therapy but also in understanding yourself with compassion.
This page is a growing collection of tools and information to help you make sense of your experiences, support your emotional wellbeing, and take gentle steps toward healing.
My goal is to offer clear, trustworthy resources that encourage awareness, hope, and wholeness.
These materials are meant to guide and empower you — whether you’re beginning therapy, considering EMDR, or simply looking for ways to care for yourself between sessions.
I approach this work as a calling — to offer care with integrity, respect, and compassion, and to create spaces where people feel seen and supported.
You’re welcome here, just as you are.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma isn’t defined only by what happened, but by how it continues to affect you.
It can show up in many ways — anxiety, exhaustion, emotional numbness, or even physical symptoms like headaches and tension.
Learning how trauma affects the brain and body helps bring understanding and self-compassion to your healing journey.
Therapy provides a place to safely process those experiences and begin restoring balance to your nervous system.
Grounding and Self-Care Tools
Grounding techniques help your body and mind return to the present moment when stress or memories feel overwhelming.
Simple practices can make a real difference, such as:
- Taking slow, steady breaths and noticing your surroundings
- Using gentle movement, like stretching or walking
- Naming five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear
- Writing or journalling to release what’s held inside
- Spending quiet time in nature or in stillness
Small and consistent steps can help you feel more centred and connected each day.
What to Expect in Therapy
If you’ve never attended therapy before, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to expect.
Therapy is a collaborative process — a partnership focused on your goals and your pace.
In our first sessions, we’ll explore your history and what brought you here.
You’ll have space to share your story, ask questions, and learn grounding skills that support your stability and comfort.
As trust builds, we’ll move gently into deeper work, guided by approaches like EMDR or Emotionally Focused Therapy when appropriate.
Therapy is about safety, not pressure. Each session is an opportunity to feel heard, to learn, and to grow.
Additional Supports
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Talk for Healing for women: 1 855 554 4325
- Connex Ontario: 1 866 531 2600 for mental health, addiction, and crisis support
If you are ever in immediate distress or crisis, please contact local emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department.
Continuing to Learn and Grow
This page will continue to grow with new articles, self reflection exercises, and gentle reminders that healing takes time and that you do not have to walk this path alone.
You are invited to return whenever you need insight, grounding, or reassurance.
If something here resonates with you or you would like to explore therapy further, I would be honoured to connect.
Services
Contact
(226) 455-5365
Gina@ginasantos.com
Serving London, Strathroy, Sarnia and area