International students face a range of challenges when they first arrive in Canada, especially in a bustling city like Toronto. Some of the common difficulties they might encounter include: Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Differences in language, customs, social norms, and even weather can create a sense of isolation and…
Introduction In an increasingly fast-paced and demanding world, maintaining mental wellness has become a paramount concern. The pressures of modern life can lead to stress, anxiety, and even more serious mental health conditions. While seeking professional help is essential, individuals can also play an active role in promoting their mental well-being through various strategies. One…
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based model of therapy that aims to teach people new skills and strategies that can enable them into creating fulfilling lives.1 What is DBT? Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). DBT is designed to help manage emotional dysregulation, increased distress tolerance, and improve…
Starting therapy at a young age in the face, specially when the child has experienced a traumatic event, is important for several reasons: Early intervention and prevention: Trauma, particularly when experienced during childhood, can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By starting therapy early, it is possible to intervene and…
What are the mental health issues of indigenous people in Canada? Indigenous mental health issues in Canada have been a significant concern for many years. Indigenous peoples in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges compared to the general population. These issues are rooted in a…
What is imposter syndrome? According to Harvard Business Review, imposter syndrome is “loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments.” People who suffer from imposter syndrome question whether they merit the success they have had throughout their careers. Imposter…
Art therapy and Trauma informed art therapy Art therapy is a combination of psychological approaches and art to address psychological, psycho-social, emotional, and behavioral issues. The goal of art therapy sessions is often to improve the individual’s overall well-being and reduce the negative symptoms of disorders. According to the American Art Therapy Association, “art therapy…
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…
Self care is the ultimate buzz word in therapy. We are bombarded with reminders to practice self care as a coping skill, to decrease stress, to recharge our batteries. But what actually constitutes self care? Visions of spa days and yoga classes come to mind, but seem out of reach for a typical day as…
Coping with mental health issues during the winter and during Covid can be very difficult. Many of the options available to people during the spring and summer are not available during the winter which makes dealing with mental health issues during the winter difficult. I have many patients who report having a harder time dealing…