ASSESSMENTS The only way to truly understand the needs of individuals with learning differences is through comprehensive assessment and clinical guidance. At Little Oaks, we are extremely passionate about the topic of access to high quality, comprehensive assessments. We routinely advocate for the rights of clients and access to services (including often subsidizing our own assessments through internship and practicum programs in our clinics). The only way to truly understand the needs of individuals with learning differences is through comprehensive assessment and clinical gui ..read more

Transitions back to class for teens and young adults can be a tough adjustment. Most of us have some jitters starting the night before the first day, while some may suffer even more with debilitating anxiety that can interfere with getting a solid start to the “new year”. Some tips on preparing for getting back into the routine of back to class: 1. Get a good night’s sleep. The lax routine of summer often includes staying up and waking up later. The first week back to classes can be a rude awakening, as one gets accustomed to waking up early, and to an alarm clock. Prepare yourself well in adv ..read more

We have always had an open-door policy in our house when it comes to tough topics as well as the notion that when children ask, they are ready for an honest discussion. It is my personal belief that we should all be encouraging conversations with children and youth about mental health. Not only to create a safe space for them but to reduce the stigma behind it, regardless of whether it is prevalent in your family or not. We also now have more research linking early intervention with prevention and promotion in the field of mental health (World Health Organization, 2004). Similar to the ‘birds ..read more

In Beyond the Label Christina bares her soul and shares her experiences with mental health and what guided her to becoming the thriving naturopathic doctor she is today. Her deeply moving story is complimented by naturopathic guidance to a healthy lifestyle and tips to help individuals living with diagnoses similar to hers and beyond. Written almost like a manual, with steps and important information to back it up along the way, this book is incredibly easy to read, can be used in various ways that best suit the reader and include: recipes, lists of nutrients and beneficial foods, prompts ..read more

Much of what we put into our body, and what we do with that energy is interconnected with our mental health. As a follow-up to my previous post, I wanted to share a list of steps to help you on your wellness journey and hopefully create a stronger understanding of the connectedness between the mind and the body. There is proficient research backing each of these elements and the ways in which they provide benefits (both cognitive and physical) and how they link to positive effects on symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Coming from someone who has lived with all three of these challenge ..read more

Parents play an essential role in helping children develop friendship skills. As an ADHD coach, I often provide support and work with parents with children with ADHD. More often than not, their child’s lack of friendships is their greatest concern. It can be hard for parents to see their child not getting invited to birthday parties or asked for playdates. Children with ADHD are often energetic, creative and have lots of ideas. They want to have friends and be liked by the group, but often just don't know how. Kids with ADHD have trouble with friendships for all kinds of different reasons. Her ..read more

April 7th marks World Health Day and in consideration of that I wanted to focus my thoughts this month on wellness and health promotion. Some of you might define health or wellness as a lack of disease or disability, and truthfully, if it were, there would be a large amount of us walking around “unwell” and “unhealthy”. The world health organization describes health as an overall state of wellbeing and includes 5-7 main domains: physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual (sometimes including environmental and financial).           ..read more

If like me you have read half of the “parenting” section at both Chapters and your local library, this book may very well be what you have been looking for this entire time. In fact, you may never feel the need to browse that section ever again. Alison Gopink paints a wonderful picture of what parenting looks like to the majority of us. From the basic psychology behind why we choose to become parents in the first place, to the not so simple evolution of parenting itself. Her honest writing is so relatable and yet brilliant in how she’s able to capture our somewhat flawed outlook on the subject ..read more

In this video for Conversations with Psychologists, Larissa Predy & Alara Hedebring talk about children with ADHD and how they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially while stuck at home during lockdowns. We are looking for parent insights (for parents in Alberta, Canada)! Please complete and share our survey: https://forms.gle/M8BtqRGdRy17XPfT7 For more information: www.littleoakspsychology.com Follow us @LittleOaksPsych on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube ..read more

Check out our recent Conversation on the video blog! This week on Conversations with Psychologists, Jen Benson, Registered Provisional Psychologist, shares about cultivating motivation and physical wellbeing during lockdowns and isolation. Little Oaks Psychology's director, Larissa Predy, talks with Jen about the various ways we can enlist motivation when we're feeling lonely or down or simply tired. Jen is Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Provisional Psychologist. Overall health and wellness has always played an important role in Jen’s life and she has been a leader in the health ..read more