Get to know the people behind your favourite places & spaces in downtown Burlington! We’ll be introducing you to new owners & businesses throughout the year!

Meet Sarah Johnston, owner of Blooming Rose Therapy.

1). Tell us a little bit about yourself – what’s your background?

Hi! My name is Sarah and I am the owner and one of 3 therapists at Blooming Rose Therapy. I have been working in mental health 10 years with a focus on supporting young people and adults through mental health challenges. I have a passion for providing a safe place for individuals to explore their inner self and foster change.
I am from an Italian background, love to cook and read. I spend my free time exploring cities, being outside, watching tv & movies, growing my plant collection and traveling.

 2). Tell us about Blooming Rose Therapy

At Blooming Rose Therapy we believe in the importance of connection and growth. We nurture a space to feel comforted and safe as we build understanding towards what is blocking you in fostering change. We support individuals, and couples, without judgement, to help them feel at ease while exploring themes of self-esteem, relationship concerns, trauma, familial conflicts, identity, anxiety, depression and grief/loss.

We offer unique programs for a deeper understanding of self, including an astrology & therapy program. In this service, we explore your psyche on a deeper level through your birth chart, and couple this with therapy to unpack findings from a therapeutic lens. We also offer a yoga & therapy program, which allows for individual yoga sessions that support the body in healing while receiving therapy sessions to unpack stored trauma, anxiety and depression.

3). You’ve got a few ties to our downtown community – tell us about the work you’ve done with Our Haven, and then tell us about your association with Express Italian Eatery!

I have been fortunate enough to work with some local Downtown Burlington businesses. Working with Our Haven Studios, we have collaborated on a Trauma and Dance workshop that allowed participants to learn about trauma, coping tools, and explore healing aspects of dance on their nervous system. Further, Express Italian Eatery holds a special place in my heart for delicious Italian food. My cousin, from Italy, is the head chef serving up some delicious and authentic eats!

4). Why did you choose Burlington Downtown as the place you wanted to open your business?

Burlington has always had a special place in my heart! The charming downtown shops, vibe and water call to me. I am from the countryside of Burlington and coming toward the water always felt healing. I have been a part of the Burlington area for my whole life. When setting up Blooming Rose Therapy, I decided I wanted to support my own community with their respective mental health journey’s.

5). What downtown businesses do you frequent and do business with?

I am a frequent guest of Express Italian Eatery, I love good Italian food! I also bank with Scotiabank, love me some Burro tacos, Son of a Peach pizza, and Kelly’s snickerdoodle cookies. I can spend hours in Centro browsing and buying plants, and in the Book Nook exploring endless reads. Coffee and bakery from Pearls, Lettuce Love lunches and ice cream with Lola Chocolate Bar and Sweet House.

6). What are you most looking forward to this year – personal goals, professional goals, exciting trips … what’s bringing you joy in 2024?

I am most looking forward to growing my practice, including my EMDR training for a unique approach to trauma therapy. I am also excited to spend more time with family including some new additions, and travel somewhere new! Any recommendations are welcome.