It is characteristic of the emotions of the very young infant that they are of an extreme and powerful nature. ~ M. KleinI’ve always appreciated Object Relations Theory (ORT) however it’s one of “those” theories – so stick with me (and you might have to read this post twice to understand it . ORT comes…
The journey through grief is a profound and complex process, significantly more so for children and adolescents who face the death of a loved one. This blog explores the multifaceted nature of grief within the developmental stages of young individuals, the therapeutic avenues available, including art therapy and psychotherapy, and the concept of “good grief.”…
In the intricate dance of human connections, the steps are often learned early in life. Childhood attachment, the emotional bond that develops between a child and their caregiver, is a powerful predictor of the quality and nature of our adult relationships. This blog delves into the essence of attachment styles, their long-term impact, and the…
Why do immigrant women would benefit from psychotherapy? Immigrant women in Canada represent a diverse mosaic of cultures, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the fabric of Canadian society. Despite the opportunities and promises that migration offers, these women often face multifaceted challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. Their journey…
Why is receiving early mental health interventions important for Canadian youth? According to Statistics Canada, in 2021, individuals aged 15-24 (youth) made up about 12% of the Canadian population. Addressing the mental health issues of young adults is crucial for several reasons, as this stage of life is a critical period for personal, social,…
As of 2023, Indigenous youth in Toronto continue to grapple with a complex interplay of mental health issues, significantly influenced by historical trauma, systemic inequities, and ongoing challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care. The legacies of colonization, residential schools, and cultural dislocation have left profound impacts, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance…
The importance of mental well-being cannot be emphasized enough, especially for our young ones. With the stresses of modern life and the challenges the younger generation faces, psychotherapy, and particularly art therapy, emerges as a beacon of hope. What is Art Therapy? Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what art therapy entails. It is…
Mother’s Day is around the corner and many people will be celebrating it with the person who gave birth to them and raised them as a child. However, this is not the case for everyone. For some people their mother died during childbirth or due to cancer or she wasn’t around due to a drug…
I recently wrote an article about mass shootings and the impact they are having on children. In light of this week’s events it appears another article is needed. This week there were two mass shootings. One in Colorado and one in North Carolina. Additionally, the one in Colorado appears to be a hate crime…
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a modality, in which art and psychology are combine to address the presenting emotional and behavioral difficulties. The focus of art therapy sessions is often on exploring emotions, thoughts, and behaviors from a symbolic way, in which clients are not obliged to verbalize their thoughts or how they…