Lorna Griffin-Fillier — Boundaries, Safety, and Building a Life of Connection

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Lorna Griffin Fillier, Professional Practice Leader with Nova Scotia Health and Vice Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Board of Trustees, for a deeply insightful conversation about trauma, connection, and what it really means to care for our mental health.With more than 20 years of experience as a trauma clinician, Lorna shares how her work has shaped her understanding of the connection between mental and physical health — and why the two can’t be separated. She speaks to the impact of complex trauma, the importance of relational safety, and how boundaries are less about controlling others and more about understanding what we need to feel safe.Together, they explore the pressure to always be “on,” the limits of traditional self-care, and why true wellbeing is rooted in connection, meaning, and intentional living. Lorna also offers practical insight into shifting out of black-and-white thinking, tapping into curiosity, and building the skills that help us navigate difficult moments.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how trauma-informed, community-based approaches can strengthen mental wellness across Nova Scotia.Content note: This episode may include discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.⸻About Lorna Griffin-FillierLorna Griffin-Fillier is a social worker, therapist, community leader, and mental health advocate passionate about helping people navigate everything from grief, trauma and forced identity transition, to complex relational experiences and central nervous system activation. Her clinical work also spans mental health education for teams and workplaces, providing a fresh take on the interconnectedness between mental wellness and relational responsibility. As Professional Practice Leader with Interprofessional Practice and Learning at Nova Scotia Health, Lorna acts as a consultant to the organization as they strive to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care health care.Outside of work, Lorna is the Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, where she’s spent more than five years championing grants and community-driven mental health initiatives.⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason