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November 21, 2025
AT A GLANCE
- Katie is a caregiver at L’Entre-Deux, a therapeutic respite centre offering a program for women facing mental health challenges.
- Her professional training, combined with her lived experience, helps her support others in finding hope and working toward a better quality of life.
- L’Entre-Deux recently built a 7-unit housing project to help program graduates continue their healing journey in a safe, affordable space.
- Katie has already seen a shift in the residents — a renewed sense of emotional independence and confidence that comes with the security of a safe, affordable space to call home.
“I’m honoured to be able to speak about the important work we do at L’Entre-Deux and specifically, my contribution,” says Katie.
Through her personal experience of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Katie was able to overcome many obstacles to achieve emotional balance and well-being. Driven by her passion for helping others, she then earned her certification in Special Care Counselling and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Facilitation (MBSR).
Today, she is thankful to be able to use her lived experience and professional knowledge to help women facing similar issues from a place of empathy, wisdom and skillful intervention.
“We’re a rare and valuable resource,” says Katie. “Not many organizations cater to women struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, yet there is a very high demand.”
Respite centre adds housing to the mix
L’Entre-Deux is a therapeutic respite centre for women facing mental health challenges such as depression and Borderline Personality Disorder.
The organization offers a 15- to 19-week program with 24/7 support, helping participants develop tools and skills to improve their well-being.
Recognizing the important role of housing in helping program participants continue their journey, the organization built a 7-unit housing development. This enables residents to apply what they’ve learned in a safe environment.
“With access to housing after completing the 15-week program, they’re now able to continue their journey with peace of mind,” said Bianca Lizotte, Board Chair of L’Entre-Deux.
Little steps become big steps
Katie is visibly excited when she speaks about her role at L’Entre-Deux. Together with her colleagues, she helps residents apply what they have learned in the program and transition into their lives with new tools.
“In our program, we explore mental, emotional, behavioural and relationship patterns to help the women better understand themselves,” says Katie. “We also explore therapeutic approaches and provide tools to empower them to make positive changes. Through trial and error, they take some of the ideas and strategies and leave others depending on what works for them.”
The work resonates immensely with Katie and is inspired by the women who cross her path. They come to L’Entre-Deux with challenges such as depression, addiction and low self-esteem. Based on the degree to which they invest, they leave with a renewed sense of hope and confidence.
“We’ve had many encouraging success stories,” Katie shares. “Having a safe place to live on-site helps the process enormously. The little steps become big steps, which we get to witness firsthand. Also, the residents live in safety and dignity and can focus on healing. The new units have made a tremendous difference.”
Recipe for success
In addition to personal development, the facility encourages group gatherings.
The highlight of each week is the community meal, which brings residents together in a safe and neutral space.
Residents receive a recipe and ingredients to prepare a group meal. Once the meal is ready, they sit down to enjoy it together.
Katie says the evening offers many benefits. It builds on the power of community and relationships. It’s fertile ground for deepening the work residents completed during the 15-week program. And it helps them deepen their self-awareness.
For residents, L’Entre-Deux is the key ingredient in their healing process. For Katie, it’s a source of inspiration and a place where therapy is complemented by friendship, kindness and celebrating each other’s successes.
“These women are beautiful. They’re intelligent, kind, creative and funny, and I’m honoured to help them find more harmony from within. Happily, the gift is reciprocal. They offer me just as much as I give them,” says Katie.
KEY FACTS
- L’Entre-Deux – Phase II is a 7-unit affordable housing project for women living with mental health challenges.
- The project was supported by the Government of Canada and the Province of Quebec through the Canada – Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement.
