Working with teenagers, I often have parents who are concerned about their teenager using marijuana or alcohol. Besides the concern that their teenager may be using drugs or alcohol, they are concerned about their teenager becoming addicted. Besides marijuana and alcohol, parents are concerned about methamphetamines and heroin. Currently there is an epidemic of teenagers…
Many schools are starting to reopen. Also there are still schools operating remotely still. Either way many parents are tired about fighting over homework or telephone calls from school that about the fact that their child is not doing their homework again. As a result, some schools and family members may be suggesting to parents…
Writing can be a way to release your feelings of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19. It can serve as a way to seek clarity, decrease anxiety, and feel freedom and peace in a time when things may feel out of control at times. The technique brain dumping is a term popularized by David Allen’s…
Typically during the Holidays many people expect it to be a great family time and a great deal of fun for the kids. However, this year the Holidays are going to be significantly different due to the Coronavirus. In addition to the Coronavirus, the Holidays can be a very difficult time for a child who…
At this time of year most people are worried about finishing Christmas shopping before Christmas and making sure they get gifts for everyone they need to. This year due to the Coronavirus, the Holidays are going to be different including shopping for gifts. Furthermore, especially this year since many people are out of work, they…
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…
It seems nowadays more and more people are going to their pediatrician or general practicing physician for evaluating, diagnosing and prescribing medication for mental health problems. The general public is even being encouraged to do so in fact. (Check out https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html.) Many people trust their physicians and see them as the ultimate authority when it…
Just how the family influences a child’s development, the child also has an impact on his/her family. Now, a child with a disability has a special effect on his/her family, as the disability can become a source of stress for the parents, siblings, and the family in general. In such moments, consistent parenting and remaining…
We are extremely excited to announce that Montreal Art Therapy is coming to Toronto to offer therapy services to children and adolescents in Yorkville, Toronto. We will be offering art therapy and behavioral therapy to children aged 3-12 and art therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy to adolescents and young adults. Our office is just steps from…
It is the beginning of the school year and schools are starting to review and reassess children’s IEPs (Individualized Educational Plan) or 504 plans. I have been hearing from parents all over the country who are afraid about lies they are hearing at their child’s school. Many of these parents are panicked and overwhelmed. They…