The Open Hearth:

Choose-Your-Own Spoonie Circle

a virtual chronic illness support group

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?

a dark grey hearth fire with glowing orange flames traveling up the forward most logs

The Open Hearth is a chronic illness peer support group offered virtually in a “drop-in” or “choose your session” format.

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.

Offered by The Witch’s Therapist, a Spiritual Psychotherapist collective.

Santyna Brar, Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist (She/They)

Santyna Brar is a licensed occupational therapist and psychotherapist.

She brings a lived experience with chronic illness (hEDS, dysautonomia, MCAS) to her practice.

She also offers practical tools and strategies to support with navigating life transitions, pacing, and self-trust and self-esteem.

Each session includes a supportive sharing space guided and held by Santyna.

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)

  • Gynaecological 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 anyone in the process of getting a diagnosis for a chronic illness while dealing with disability that impacts their quality of life. 

Format and Accessibility

  • Virtual, open group (max. 8 participants)

  • Drop-in / “Choose Your Own” Sessions

  • Camera is optional; feel free to go on/off as it feels comfortable (or completely off if that’s what you need!)

Please email santyna.brar@thewitchstherapist.com about any other accessibility needs!

Pricing

Standard Rate: $25

Equity and Inclusion Rate: $15

Community Support Rate: $35

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 and payment questions.

Upcoming “Drop-In” Dates

Biweekly on Monday

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, August 31, 2026

  • Monday, September 14, 2026

Biweekly on Wednesday

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 chronic illness support 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.

Length of Sessions

Length depends on the number of participants who join us that day:

  • 1 hour if ≤ 5 people attend the session, or

  • 1.5 hours if > 5 people attend

Please note, you are not confirmed to attend these sessions until the group’s consent form, including norms and expectations, has been read, reviewed, and signed on Jane App.

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.