The RN-led Safe Haven clinic in Sault Ste. Marie is offering a broad range of care\u2014from prenatal and postpartum supports to counselling and wellness programming\u2014with new couples therapy added this year.<\/p>\n
New health and wellness clinic Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie has been serving the Soo community for three months now, providing mental health and family-focused services in both one-on-one and group settings.<\/p>\n
The clinic is Algoma\u2019s first RN-led health clinic, founded by Registered Nurse and board-certified lactation consultant Ashley Juby. It\u2019s run by a tight-knit team who all approach their work with a focus on compassionate, evidence-based care.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafe Haven is really about supporting people at every stage of their journey,\u201d explains Mackenzie Abbott, clinical supervisor of mental health services at Safe Haven.<\/p>\n
The clinic offers a wide range of services including preconception health, prenatal care, postpartum care, birth control, smoking cessation, immunizations, counselling, ASD assessment support, and wellness programming designed to promote resilience and emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Abbott is also newly certified in sex and couples therapy, so is able to provide clients with education and support in those areas. She explains that Safe Haven identified a lack of this type of support in the Soo. \u201cLooking at the clients I already serve and the services we offer the community, it fit into what we do at Safe Haven,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s another area where our clinic can fill a gap.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are many reasons that couples can benefit from sex and couples therapy. Relationship problems can arise from your everyday life routines, your sex life, or feeling like the other person simply isn\u2019t showing up for you in the ways you need.<\/p>\n
The postpartum stage can also be a tough period for couples. Becoming parents for the first time brings many life changes, which can sometimes cause communication and self-esteem issues, anxiety, or even depression. \u201cNow it\u2019s not just a matter of a routine for you and your partner. You have a new baby who has a routine themselves,\u201d says Abbott.<\/p>\n
When it comes to sex, Abbott says, it\u2019s time for people to get comfortable with the topic. Safe Haven hopes to help their clients move past the stigma of talking about it, so they can openly express their wants and needs with their partner.<\/p>\n
This is important when talking about feelings with your partner too. Even if you\u2019re not sure you\u2019ll end up on the same page, learning how to externalize your thoughts and feelings with your partner will develop more intimacy and trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome couples internalize their emotions because they think \u2018it is what it is.\u2019 But the more you internalize, eventually it\u2019s going to blow,\u201d explains Abbott. \u201cYou absolutely can talk about it, and there\u2019s support out there. You don\u2019t have to navigate it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abbott currently has availability to see more clients. Couples therapy is $225 per hour and intakes are $85. The clinic also offers sliding scale rates and accepts health benefits, including NIHB. There will be workshops and groups for couples added in the future, so follow Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>, as well as at soo.spaces.ca\/mental-health<\/a>.<\/p>\n For those considering therapy, Abbott encourages them to reach out to Safe Haven. The organization is a welcoming space with a team who meets clients where they\u2019re at. \u201cSupport is out there, and you don\u2019t have to feel ashamed for accessing it.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information, visit: www.safehavenssm.com<\/a><\/p>\n