Burnout isn't always obvious. Sometimes it looks like irritability, feeling disconnected from the work you once loved, or simply believing that being exhausted is "just part of life."

In this episode, we're joined by workplace wellness educator Alison Butler for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, stress, and the pressure so many of us feel to keep going, even when our minds and bodies are asking us to slow down.

Together, we explore:

✨ What burnout really is—and how it's different from everyday stress

✨ The subtle signs of burnout that often go unnoticed

✨ Why helpers, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and leaders are especially vulnerable

✨ The invisible mental load so many women carry

✨ How our culture ties productivity to self-worth

✨ Why loving your work doesn't necessarily protect you from burnout

✨ Simple ways to support your nervous system before reaching burnout

✨ Why meaningful connection is one of the greatest antidotes to stress

✨ How to begin filling your own cup without guilt

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or simply looking for permission to slow down, we hope this conversation reminds you that caring for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential.

Take a deep breath, put your heels on the ground, and join us for this honest conversation about finding a healthier, more sustainable way forward.

Connect With Us

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may benefit from the conversation.

To learn more about therapy services, reduced-rate counselling options, or the wellness services available at The Calm Place, visit our website or reach out to our team.

Remember: calm isn't something you find—it's something you practice.

Alison Butler

Alison is a high-achieving, go-getter, highly engaged, “busy” entrepreneur, mom of two, partner, and friend. Before owning her own business, she worked for 15 years in a job she loved at a provincial non-profit organization.

For years, she pursued all her work and interests with high energy, until one day things changed.

Despite her best intentions, she felt drained, unfocused, scattered, irritable, and “blah”. That began a lifelong journey to support her own mental wellbeing and help others who might feel the same way.

In early 2020, Alison became a full-time business owner, teaching Mental Health First Aid in workplaces. After teaching hundreds of courses, she noticed how many others were feeling stuck in similar patterns–never-ending work, life commitments that never seem to leave any extra time, and the drain from constantly being “on”.

Alison strongly believes that it’s worth breaking the status quo of “going through the motions of life” and living a life that feels great (whatever that looks like for you!)

You can connect with Alison

Web: https://www.alisonbutler.ca/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbutlernl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonsbutler/

In this episode of The Calm Cast, Allison and Ashley dive into one of the most common questions in mental health: How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, wondering if your struggles are "serious enough," or simply curious about what happens in a therapy session, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical look at the role therapy can play in our lives.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Why therapy doesn't have to be reserved for moments of crisis

✨ The difference between reactive and proactive mental health care

✨ How unresolved childhood experiences can continue to impact us as adults

✨ The connection between trauma, anxiety, depression, and the fight-or-flight response

✨ Why understanding your life story is often more important than focusing solely on symptoms

✨ What to expect during your first therapy sessions

✨ Why it's never too late to begin your healing journey

One of the most powerful concepts discussed in this episode is the shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to asking "What happened to me?"

Our experiences—both the things that happened and the things that didn't—shape how we move through the world. Therapy can help us better understand those experiences, increase our capacity to handle life's challenges, and create meaningful change, even when we think we're doing "fine."

Connect With Us

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may benefit from the conversation.

To learn more about therapy services, reduced-rate counselling options, or the wellness services available at The Calm Place, visit our website or reach out to our team.

Remember: calm isn't something you find—it's something you practice.

In Episode 2 of The Calm Cast, Alison, Ashley and Stephanie Keezer explore one of the most common questions people are asking today: "Do I have ADHD?"

With ADHD conversations becoming increasingly common online, it can be difficult to know whether symptoms like forgetfulness, overwhelm, difficulty concentrating, or emotional dysregulation point to ADHD—or something else entirely.

Stephanie shares her expertise as a psychologist specializing in both ADHD and trauma, helping listeners understand the complex relationship between brain development, childhood experiences, and mental health.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨What ADHD actually is—and what it isn't

✨Why ADHD is often misunderstood and over-simplified online

✨The connection between trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and ADHD-like symptoms

✨How childhood experiences shape brain development

✨Why ADHD assessments require more than a checklist

✨The differences between ADHD symptoms and trauma responses

✨How ADHD often presents differently in women

✨The role genetics play in ADHD

✨The importance of comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis

About Our Guest

Stephanie Keezer, Psychologist

Stephanie is a psychologist here at The Calm Place in St. John's, Newfoundland. She specializes in comprehensive adult ADHD assessments, with expertise in identifying subtle and internalized presentations across high-functioning adults, including women, whose symptoms are frequently overlooked in standard evaluations.

Her approach is collaborative and relational, focused on creating a safe space to understand patterns and explore how unprocessed stress, trauma, and early experiences may shape emotional and cognitive functioning.

Her practice is grounded in genuine connection, thoughtful assessment, and clear, practical guidance.

Connect With Us

Have questions you'd like us to cover in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you.

Follow The Calm Place on social media and send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas for future episodes of The Calm Cast @thecalmplace_nl

Remember: Calm isn't something you find. It's something you practice. 💜

Welcome to the very first episode of The Calm Cast! 🎙️

In this introductory episode, Alison and Ashley sit down (with energy drinks in hand) to kick off the podcast and share what listeners can expect this season. From honest conversations about mental wellness to learning how therapy actually works, this episode is all about getting comfortable in the world of healing — no therapy couch required.

Ashley brings the curiosity and questions many people have when entering the wellness space for the first time, while Alison shares insight from her work as a psychologist and director of The Calm Place.

Together, they dive into conversations around:

✨ What really happens in therapy

✨ Why therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all

✨ The difference between talk therapy and approaches like EMDR

✨ Trauma, PTSD, and healing

✨ Nervous system regulation

✨ A preview of upcoming topics this season

Plus, hear a few behind-the-scenes laughs, some best-friend banter, and why Ashley may—or may not—be the “personality hire.”

Whether you're already on a healing journey or just curious about wellness, we're so happy you're here.

Remember: calm isn't something you find — it's something you practice.

Follow along and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes.

Connect with us: @thecalmplace_nl

Have a topic you want us to cover? Send us a message — we'd love to hear from you.