Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of changing environments so that an individual and their family can have a better life. ABA is most commonly known as an evidence-based treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), but its efficacy certainly does not end …
Relationship stress? There may be more options than you think … Couples Therapy and Mediation
Life is ultimately about our relationships – at home – friends, family, and children – and at work – colleagues, bosses. Maintaining important relationships requires both time and emotional energy – and, at the end of the day, it may often seem that we don’t …
Behaviour Analysis: Building Skills and Abilities and Reducing Challenges
The field of Behaviour Analysis grew out of the scientific study of principles of learning and behaviour. It has two main branches: experimental and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The experimental analysis of behaviour is the basic science of this field and has over many decades …
Debunking Misconceptions about Depression
Mental health issues are very commonplace in our society and they are on the rise. In fact, depression continues to be the fastest-growing diagnosis in Canada. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 1 in 5 people in Ontario experiences a mental …
Autism Spectrum Disorder: What is it? What to do.
What does Autism look like? It is often said that if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may seem incredibly different from one person to another based on the varying characteristics of what …
How your mother got it wrong
Remember the last time your mother told you to “Take a deep breath!” You were frazzled or angry or frustrated and she was just trying to help. To please her you reluctantly took a deep breath. Then you held it and then let it out. …
Assessing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder affects people of all ages but is usually diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Unfortunately, there is no medical or diagnostic laboratory test for ADHD. Thus, it is important that an individual is given a comprehensive assessment of current symptoms, before a diagnosis of …
Helping Your Anxious Child During the New School Year
During the fall and early winter we receive many referrals from parents concerned about their child’s anxiety, particularly related to the new school year, new curriculum, new teachers, and new classmates. We have put together some ideas to help you assist your children through this difficult transition.
Goal Setting!
Spring is a great time of year to take stock of our lives. With more sunshine and warmer weather we often have more energy and we are ready to tackle some outstanding goals or formulate new ones. Goal setting is not an inborn skill, but rather one that requires practice and development in order to maximize our chance of succeeding.
Supporting Others Through Grief and Loss
When someone who we are close to experiences the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to help. Often people may not say anything at all, fearful that they will say the wrong thing, or they may try to cheer the person up or offer advice on how to cope. Sometimes we resort to clichéd responses, such as “Time heals all wounds.”