S2 · Ep 3: Adoption, Identity, and Healing — Walking Out of the FOG | Ludivine Blais | The MindSpa Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The MindSpa Podcast, Tina Wilston and Michelle Massunken are joined by Ludivine Blais, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), for a thoughtful conversation on adoption, identity, and the experience often described as FOG: fear, obligation, and guilt.As a transracial adoptee from China raised in a white French Canadian family, Ludivine Blais reflects on the ongoing process of navigating identity between love received and culture lost. She shares how the one-child policy, international adoption systems, and early attachment experiences can shape identity development in complex and sometimes conflicting ways.The conversation explores how therapy can adapt to an individual’s readiness. For some adoptees, approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may support the process of naming loss without overwhelming the nervous system. For others, exploring ethical questions, power dynamics, and adoption narratives becomes an important part of making sense of their experience.Tina Wilston and Ludivine Blais also discuss identity dissonance, and the emotional reality of belonging and grief existing at the same time. They reflect on how cultural awareness, attachment patterns, and unanswered questions can influence long-term wellbeing.This episode offers a grounded and compassionate exploration of adoption and identity, inviting listeners to consider how healing can unfold gradually, with space for both clarity and complexity.Guest: Ludivine BlaisLudivine Blais is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #19585) and a member of the MindSpa Mental Health team. She offers individual therapy to adults in Kanata and online, supporting concerns such as anxiety, burnout, trauma, and emotional regulation using evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices.Connect With Ludivine BlaisWebsite  | LinkedInPlease note: Ludivine Blais is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and practices under clinical supervision in accordance with CRPO standards.The MindSpa PodcastThoughtful conversations about mental health, relationships, identity, healing, grounded in clinical expertise and steady human insight.HostsTina Wilston, M.Ed., Registered Psychotherapist Co-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health CentreLinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookMichelle Massunken, MSW, RSWCo-Owner, MindSpa Mental Health CentreLinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookMindSpa Mental Health CentreOttawa - Kanata & Gloucesterthemindspa.caLinkedIn, instagramListen onApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube