Psychological assessments can help someone understand their mental health status, including personality traits, emotions, and cognitive abilities. They can also help clinicians make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. They often serve as the initial step in receiving the support we need to improve our mental health. What are Psychological Assessments for Adults? A psychological assessment aims to uncover mental health diagnoses, emphasize strengths, and identify areas for growth, providing valuable insights for future treatment considerations. There are many reasons to ge ..read more

How Do I Know If I Have Social Anxiety? Most of us can relate to a time we felt anxious, where that pit settled in the bottom of our stomachs as our heart rate picked up and sent waves of nervous energy through our bodies. But while most of us know what it’s like to feel anxious in social settings, dealing with a social anxiety disorder is a very different experience. Read to explore the signs of social anxiety disorder, treatments for social anxiety, and the differences between social phobia, shyness, and more. What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Social anxiety disorder (SAD), sometimes called ..read more

With many different types of therapy, you might face confusion about deciding which type is best for you. This is very common. However, performing thorough research on potential therapies can help you narrow down your search and determine which therapy (and therapist) might be a fit for your needs.  During your research, you have likely come across Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In fact, there are many different types of therapies that fall under the CBT umbrella, such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). DBT was created, in part, to address the deficits in the CBT method. It b ..read more

Mental health disorders don’t discriminate; they impact individuals of all ages. As such, children and adults alike can both benefit from psychotherapy. However, the approach isn’t necessarily the same. So, how does adult psychotherapy and child psychotherapy differ? Learn more about the key differences below and what you may want to consider when searching for child counselling versus counselling for adults. Key Differences Between Child and Adult Therapy Considering children are still developing, therapeutic approaches for children versus adults vary. The child’s age often guides how a thera ..read more

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been used since the 1980s. However, it wasn’t until recently that EMDR became more popular amongst the general population. Largely, this is because of major celebrities—such as Ashley Judd, Prince Harry, and Sandra Bullock—talking about how this therapeutic technique has helped them process trauma. And unlike some other popular therapeutic techniques discussed by celebrities and gurus alike, EMDR has some significant evidence to back it up. So, let’s explore the world of EMDR further. What is it exactly? How does it work? And ‌should you ..read more

Our thoughts are powerful; They influence our feelings and mood—and even our behaviour. Negative thoughts, in particular, can have significant adverse effects on our mental well-being and overall quality of life. However, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy, can help change the way we think, feel, and behave. This can help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, insomnia, and more, guiding us toward a healthier state of mind. So, let’s take a look at CBT, how it works, its benefits, and how you can harness the power of CBT t ..read more

Chronic pain is often referred to as the “invisible illness,” and though it may not be readily apparent, its impact on physical and mental well-being is significant. The condition can render some individuals bedridden and diminish their ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities. Moreover, it can leave them searching for answers regarding the cause of their persistent pain. However, those struggling with chronic pain need not feel alone, as about one in four Canadians over the age of 15 also experience this condition. Technically, chronic pain is characterized as any pain that endures ..read more

Change is tough, but it’s entirely possible — in fact, human beings are designed to adapt when necessary. That said, it isn’t always easy. Our internal dialogue and beliefs often prove to be the biggest hurdles when it comes to actually changing. So, what is a belief exactly? And, how can you “trick” your brain into creating positive changes in your life? In this article, we’re going to answer these questions and more to help you take a few steps forward to becoming a better version of you! What is a Belief? Our beliefs help us make sense of the world. Undeniably, the world is very complex. Th ..read more

Anxiety is more than just worrying — it may keep you up at night, stop you from trying new things, reduce your ability to function at school or work, impair relationships with friends or loved ones, and create physical discomfort or ailments. That said, there’s a lot you can do to help manage anxiety. With the right support and tools, it’s certainly possible to improve your battle with anxiety. However, if you’ve never experienced treatment before, you might feel apprehensive about where to start. In this article, we’ll help you determine when anxiety treatment is appropriate and how you can t ..read more

As a parent, it’s always tough to watch your child struggle. With the pandemic, it’s no surprise that more and more kids and youth are experiencing social anxiety. Social anxiety is associated with an intense fear of interacting with others. It’s triggered by various factors, including speaking in front of others, fear of being judged, fear of embarrassing oneself, reading out loud, or fear of being laughed at. A social anxiety disorder may affect areas of a person’s life, such as their relationships, well-being, academic performance, and career path. So, how can you help your child? What shou ..read more