We at Insight Psychology have come to understand that we have work to do to become a more culturally safe practice where all people feel welcome. We humbly acknowledge that we still have a lot to learn, and we wish to let our community know that we are committed to this learning. We want to share some of the initiatives that are underway at Insight Psychology to help us dismantle the systemic racism, inequality, and oppression that takes a toll on the daily lives of the people with whom we work. We have a book club that has become the anti-oppression committee that has been meeting since Sum ..read more

Our very own Dr. Gwen Dutrizac was recently featured on Healthspan Academy’s podcast! In this podcast, Gwen talks with Craig and Kyle about a variety of topics such as mental health during the pandemic dog ownership healthy habits self-awareness and changing unhelpful thinking patterns what it might be like to see a therapist, including hesitancy to start therapy some links between cognition and mental health Gwen’s daily priorities and habits The podcast can be heard at the following links: https://healthspanacademy.blubrry.net/2021/09/13/adopting-a-regimen-for-optimal-mental-well-being-wit ..read more

Like many members of our community, we were deeply disturbed this past May when the unmarked graves of children who were housed in the residential school in Kamloops were revealed. The knowledge that many other Indigenous children across Canada suffered a similar fate or were subjected to neglect and many forms of abuse weighs heavily in our hearts. The fact that children were maltreated in this dehumanizing way to erase their connection to family and culture is unconscionable. The legacy of trauma that was left behind, as well as other harms that have been caused by unjust policies, continue ..read more

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, waiting lists for mental health care are moving slower than usual. Here are some tips to help you through your waiting time. Explore Internet Resources Look for resources from reputable organizations that have research evidence to support their claims. Here are some examples: https://www.anxietycanada.com/ has evidence-based tips to help adults and children with anxiety. https://www.verywellmind.com/ has a wealth of mental health articles and also has an email newsletter. https://www.gottman.com/ has blogs and online workshops to help with couple and family relati ..read more

Families are making difficult decisions about whether or not to send their children to school in September. If you decide to send your children and they are nervous, here are some ideas to help manage the transition: Try exposure exercises to help with separation. If your children have been at your side since schools closed, try giving them increased opportunities for independence and time away from you. It also may be helpful to practice wearing a mask at home to make it feel more natural and automatic. Carve out time to ask your children about their thoughts and feelings about returning to ..read more

In times like this it is important to speak up. Also, as a white woman, this is not a time for me to speak. This is a time to amplify the voices of Black People, Indigenous People, and People of Colour. As we watch events unfold in the world, it is important to look within ourselves and within our families. Here are some reading lists to help: How to Be an Antiracist: Audiobook Picks These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids #BlackLivesMatter: A Reading List to Understand Systemic Racism & Uplift Black Authors #BlackLivesMatter Syllabus from Vancouver Public Library ..read more

Insight Psychology on Norfolk is opening for select services.  In accordance with Ministry of Health Recommendations, the guidelines from Ontario Psychological Association and the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the following measures will be in place to help us safely offer services: Please use the front street entrance only. Upon entering and leaving the office, please use the provided hand sanitizer, and we ask that you use the available disposable face masks. However, you can also wear your own masks. There are fewer clinicians working each day to minimize volume and physical co ..read more

Given concerns related to COVID-19, Insight Psychology on Norfolk has decided to suspend in-person clinical visits until further notice. Clinical care remains a top priority, so we are moving our appointments online and over the phone in a new service we are offering called “telepsychology”. To help our clients navigate this transition and answer common related questions, we have assembled this fact sheet. For more information, please consult the list of resources at the bottom, contact your clinician, or give us a call at 519-823-2323. Frequently Asked Questions What is telepsychology? Tele ..read more

We are limiting client contact Given recent developments and announcements by our government and public health officials, your team at Insight Psychology on Norfolk is putting our client’s, our community’s and all Canadian’s health and safety first. We have thus decided to limit all client contact to telephone and secure video formats. Our admin support staff will be checking phones as will individual clinicians. Know that we will do our absolute best to continue to meet you and your child’s mental health needs. Please contact your clinician directly if you have any questions or concerns. Thei ..read more

The first week in February (Feb 1-7 2020) was Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) in Canada. This is an educational initiative designed to bring more understanding towards eating problems, and to promote insight regarding the factors that contribute to the onset, severity, and maintenance of these problems. In honour of EDAW, we have prepared a short post with some suggestions on how to promote non-disordered eating (or “healthy” eating) in children and youth, which focus on creating an environment conducive to balanced eating thoughts and behaviours. Definitions: Before we dive into some su ..read more