Tina's journey to founding MindSpa Mental Health Centre exemplifies courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles. After discovering her passion for psychology, she found herself stuck in an unfulfilling government job that left her struggling to even get out of bed each morning. At 30, with two young children, Tina made the bold decision to pursue a Master's in counseling – only to receive her acceptance letter while her husband lay in a coma following surgical complications.

Her story unfolds as a powerful testament to perseverance as she navigated full-time work, full-time studies, and caring for both her children and recovering husband. "If it's not life or death, it's not that big a deal," Tina reflects, sharing how facing true crisis gave her perspective to take calculated risks in building her life's work. This philosophy eventually led her to partner with Michelle to create MindSpa, a unique mental health center designed to feel like "taking care of yourself" rather than clinical treatment.

MindSpa offers a comprehensive approach to mental wellness through psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and innovative neurofeedback technology. Tina particularly highlights neurofeedback as a breakthrough for clients experiencing seemingly contradictory symptoms like simultaneous depression and anxiety. By examining brainwave patterns, practitioners can identify specific areas of over or under-production and tailor treatments to regulate different parts of the brain independently – something medications cannot accomplish. 

Beyond clinical innovations, Tina challenges the persistent stigma around therapy, emphasizing that seeking support isn't an admission of something "wrong," but rather a resourceful approach to processing life's complexities. "You don't fix grief, you sit with it," she explains, highlighting how professional guidance can be particularly valuable when friends and family are experiencing their own parallel grief journeys. Ready to experience a different approach to mental wellness? Visit MindSpa at www.themindspa.ca with locations in both East and West Ottawa.

Tina Wilston

[email protected]

themindspa.ca