The Open Hearth:
Choose-Your-Own-Spoonie Circle
a virtual chronic illness support circle
Do you find yourself bracing for disbelief any time you mention pain, fatigue, or flares?
Do you feel pressure to sound upbeat, grateful, or inspiring when what you actually feel is exhausted and done?
Do you wish you had one place where you could tell the truth about how hard it is, without having to soften it for someone else’s comfort?
Are you grieving who you were before illness, while also trying to survive who you have to be now?
The Open Hearth is a chronic illness peer support group offered virtually in a “drop-in” or “choose your session” format, offered by The Witch’s Therapist, a Spiritual Psychotherapist collective.
This format allows for connection with others in Canada who are living under the weight of chronic illness and the systemic failures that impact every facet of our lives.
This is a space to be real about your grief, triumphs, hopes, and dreams, free of toxic positivity or pressure to perform for the comfort of others.
Santyna Brar, Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist (She/They)
Santyna Brar is a licensed and trauma-informed occupational therapist and psychotherapist.
She brings a lived experience with chronic illness (hEDS, dysautonomia, MCAS) to her practice.
As well, she offers practical occupational therapy tools and psychoeducation to support with navigating life transitions, care systems, and self-trust and self-esteem.
Each session includes a supportive sharing space, as well as a psychoeducation segment.
This can help you understand what’s happening in your body and nervous system, and to make room for the emotional and social realities of living with a disability.
Who This Group is For
This group may be a good fit if you live with a physically disabling chronic illness, including (not an exhaustive list):
Autoimmune & inflammatory conditions (e.g., MS, lupus/SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren’s)
GI conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, celiac disease, gastroparesis)
Endocrine & metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, adrenal disorders)
Pain, connective tissue, and multi-system conditions (e.g., EDS/HSD, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, dysautonomia/POTS, Long COVID)
Neurological conditions (e.g., migraine disorders, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion symptoms)
Cardiac/vascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, arrhythmias, POTS-related cardiovascular symptoms)
Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD, post-viral breathing difficulties)
Renal/urological conditions (e.g., chronic kidney disease, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome)
Chronic infections/post-infectious illnesses (e.g., post-treatment Lyme symptoms, post-viral syndromes)
Allergic/Mast cell/Histamine-related conditions(e.g., MCAS, chronic urticaria)
Gynecological conditions (e.g., endometriosis, adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain)
Hematologic conditions(e.g., anemia that significantly impacts fatigue/function, clotting disorders)
Cancer and post-cancer survivorship/long-term treatment effects (e.g., ongoing treatment, fatigue, neuropathy, lymphoedema, chronic pain)
This group is also for anyonein the process of getting a diagnosisfor a chronic illness while dealing with disabilitythat impacts their quality of life.
Session topics may include…
The interactions between chronic pain, identity, and grief
How the body’s stress system works when you live with chronic illness
Intersectionality, ableism, and the social weight of illness
Energy management and pacing strategies
Shame, stigma, and medical trauma, and how they create
further barriers to necessary medical careAnd more
A poll will be shared with participants to help shape the session topics!
Format and Accessibility
Virtual, closed group (max. 8 participants)
Bi-weekly sessions
Camera is optional; feel free to go on/off as it feels comfortable (or completely off if that’s what you need!)
No requirement to verbally share (you can participate by listening, using chat, or simply being present)
Please email santyna.brar@thewitchstherapist.com about any other accessibility needs!
Investment
Equity and Inclusion Rate: $15
These rates are available as drop-ins via card payment or e-transfer after each session. Please email santyna.brar@thewitchstherapist.com for all drop-in rate changes and payment questions.
Dates and Times
Biweekly on Mondays at 4:00-5:30 PM Eastern:
Monday, June 22, 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026
Monday, July 20, 2026
Monday, August 3, 2026
Monday, August 17, 2026
Monday, September 14, 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
Biweekly on Wednesdays at 3:30-5:00 PM Eastern:
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Locations You Can Join From
This group is being offered to people living in the following provinces:
Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Interested?
Ready to begin your journey of support through your chronic illness?
We’re here to help.
Book your session here
Important note: While Santyna is a regulated health professional, this group is not a substitute for individual occupational therapy or group psychotherapy. It is a psychoeducation and support-focused group, and it does not provide individualized assessment or treatment.