A term that sometimes gets thrown around loosely, “OCD” or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is defined by a pattern of unwanted thoughts or fears that lead to repetitive behaviors. Although many mistakenly think over organizing or over-cleaning are signs of OCD, true OCD is much more complicated than such behaviors. Suffering from this mental illness can be…
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with many children and teenagers who happen to be autistic. Often their parents are very worried. They worry about their child’s future and how people will treat their child. They have this concern because society tends to treat autism like some terrible disease. Many people…
Our primary job as parents is to teach our children healthy habits of self-discipline and self-regulation. I wholeheartedly believe the most successful way to do this is by connecting to our children in a calm, safe, attuned, and curious manner. When children feel safe, they have the freedom to explore, take risks and develop in…
I start almost every parenting blog with the statement “parenting is hard; really really hard”, and that’s because every time I sit down to reflect on parenting issues, that is the first thought that pops into my mind. I am a professional licensed counselor, and I too mess this parenting thing up… often…. maybe almost…
Let’s get one thing clear: Parenting is hard. Parenting is really, really hard! I am a parent of two wonderful, energetic, curious, and sometimes mischievous kids. My little ones are five and eight years old and watching them grow and develop is a true joy. Even therapists’ children have meltdowns, blows ups, power struggles, and…
Divorce brings a lot of new situations in to a people’s lives especially if you have children. Hopefully, when you and your spouse divorced it was done in a civil manner and the children were not put in the middle of the divorce. This is the ideal situation, however, we do not always get the…
This year most high schools will be having graduation ceremonies. Due to the success of the Coronavirus vaccines, the CDC has acknowledged that it would be safe to hold graduation ceremonies again. Last year many high schools had traditional ceremonies and this year most high schools will be having graduation ceremonies. This is different from…
I attended a book talk by James Clear on his book ‘Atomic Habits’ at the Rotman School here in Toronto in December 2019. The following post is my highlight notes of the event. ”Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – James Clear A New Take…
Many mental health clinicians and many people who have mental health issues agree that there is a big difference between how physical health and mental health are treated. In fact, most people agree there is a strong negative bias regarding mental health. The bias is so strong that many people who have mental health issues…
Many people assume Mother’s Day is a happy day for people because they can honor their mother. However, due to the pandemic and deaths due to the pandemic, Mothers Day this year maybe a very difficult day. We have many adults and children who are grieving the death of their mother or grandmother due to…