We’re sold a lot of fantasy love : effortless, consuming, “meant to be,” never messy. But healthy love is rooted in reality —in two full humans building something soft and safe , contained and honest , passionate and grounded . Healthy love isn’t perfect. It’s consistent , reciprocal , and repairable . It can hold conflict without collapsing into chaos, control, or disconnection. Below is a Co & Associates guide to what healthy love is —and what it isn’t —using research-backe

What if real love isn’t about fitting into a predefined box—but about building something that actually works for the people inside it? February often invites conversations about romance, partnership, and commitment. Hearts, roses, and well‑intentioned messages about what love should  look like tend to dominate the narrative. But for many people today, those traditional scripts don’t reflect real life—or real love. Modern love is evolving. And that’s not a failure of commitmen

Separation and divorce are not only legal processes—they are profound emotional transitions. For parents, these changes can bring grief, fear, anger, relief, uncertainty, and a deep concern about how children will be affected. When co-parenting is difficult or ongoing conflict is present, the emotional toll can intensify, often leaving parents feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or stuck in survival mode. Therapy can play a meaningful role in supporting parents and co-parents as t

For parents navigating complex separation and divorce within the Ontario family law system Rethinking the Term “High Conflict” In family court, the phrase “high conflict”  is often used to describe co‑parenting situations marked by ongoing disputes, repeated litigation, or intense emotional reactivity. While the label may be administratively convenient, many parents experience it as shaming, oversimplifying, and disconnected from what is actually happening beneath the surface

When a snowstorm as significant as the one that is currently forecasted in Southern Ontario, it’s normal to feel a mix of practical concern and emotional stress. Winter storms can disrupt routines, limit mobility, and bring uncertainty — especially for families, caregivers, and those already navigating stress or anxiety. At Co & Associates , we believe that preparation isn’t just about stocking up on supplies...it’s also about supporting your nervous system and mental wellbei

At Co & Associates, we sit with people at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives. While every story is unique, many clients have been naming similar struggles lately — often quietly, often with a sense of shame they don’t deserve. These themes aren’t a sign that something is “wrong” with them or you. They are understandable responses to the world we’re currently living in...where so many people seem to be barely functioning and slipping back into survival mode. Her

In recent years, many people have noticed a growing struggle with focus, motivation, and emotional regulation. Tasks feel harder to start. Attention feels scattered. Self-discipline feels elusive. Naturally, this has led many to wonder: Do I have ADHD—or is something else going on? At Co & Associates , we often have conversations with clients about dopamine, attention, and the modern world we live in. While ADHD is a very real and valid neurodevelopmental condition, it’s also

Scroll through social media long enough and a pattern emerges: faces that look strikingly similar, features sculpted to the same proportions, lips, cheeks, and jawlines pushed beyond enhancement into something almost unrecognizable. For many people—especially women, and increasingly men—modern beauty culture no longer feels like choice. It feels like pressure. This is not an argument against cosmetic procedures. Many people pursue fillers, Botox, or surgery thoughtfully and f

When we think about disordered eating, many of us picture extreme or obvious behaviours. In reality, disordered eating often shows up quietly, subtly, and is frequently normalized by diet culture and well-meaning messages about “health.” These patterns can affect children, teens, and adults alike, and often begin long before anyone realizes there is a problem. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I often see how early messaging about food, weight, and bodies can shape a person’s

When people think about couples therapy, many still imagine it as a last resort, something couples turn to at the brink of separation. At Co & Associates , we often see something different. Couples therapy does not have to be about fixing something that is “broken”. It can be a path to increase connection, strengthen communication, and care for the relationship with intention, especially when life makes togetherness harder. This is where virtual couples therapy  can be especi

Trends we’re seeing across individuals, couples, and families—and what helps January has a particular emotional “texture.” The pace changes after the holidays. Credit card bills arrive. Work and school routines restart. The weather can feel heavy. And culturally, there’s pressure to “reset” your life in 30 days. At Co & Associates, we work with people of all ages and walks of life—children, teens, adults, couples, and families. While every story is unique, there are clear pat

The beginning of a new year often brings reflection. We pause, look back at what we’ve carried, and quietly wonder: Can things feel different this year? For many people, January sparks thoughts of change — new habits, healthier boundaries, emotional healing, or finally prioritizing mental health. But here’s something we want you to know: You don’t need a new year to begin again. Any day is a good day to start therapy. At Co & Associates , we believe growth doesn’t depend on a

Supporting neurodiversity during the holidays isn’t about lowering expectations or walking on eggshells. It’s about expanding our understanding of what care, connection, and inclusion can look like when we honour different nervous systems, communication styles, and needs.

Written by Garion Sparks-Austin, BSW, RSW Founder & Director of Co & Associates Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist We’re so happy to share some exciting news with our community—please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Minerva Acevedo, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)  to Co & Associates.  Minerva’s work is focused primarily on supporting couples , and she also works with individuals  who are looking for a calm, grounded space to better understand what

Even when life is “good,” December can feel like a crowded room: expectations, obligations, grief, joy, nostalgia, loneliness, hope, family dynamics, financial pressure, and the persistent sense that we should be doing more—celebrating more, giving more, connecting more, resting more, feeling more grateful.

Garion Sparks-Austin Founder & Director of Co & Associates Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist If you’ve ever felt a little weird saying it out loud— “I’m lonely” —you’re not alone. One of the most striking realities of modern life is this: we are more connected than ever  through technology, and yet many of us feel increasingly isolated, disconnected, and unseen. We can keep up with hundreds (or thousands) of people online… while struggling to find a moment of genuine,

Human beings aren’t fixed. We are meant to move, to heal, to adapt, to meander through life at different paces. Our thoughts change. Our moods shift. Our mindsets evolve. So much so that by the time we reach the end of life—if we’re lucky enough to grow old—we may only faintly resemble who we were at the beginning.