Shape your own Story
50 and FABULOUS
I entered into a new era and gracefully embraced the big 5-0!!
Back to school: A new set of challenges this September
At the best of times, the beginning of a new school year can be challenging. Add a global pandemic into the mix and this time can be even tougher! So, be sensitive and patient with your children and keep lines of communication wide open.
Mom Guilt: Why we are better parents without it
As the mother of three teenagers, I am very familiar with the notion of trying to do it all. In almost two decades of being both a mom and a psychotherapist I have been exposed to a lot of women struggling with Mom Guilt. The perfection that many of us strive for is not only unrealistic, it’s unhealthy and something we need to talk more about.
5 reasons why the summer is the perfect time for a psychoeducational assessment
A psychoeducational assessment helps determine a child’s intellectual and academic abilities. The goal is simple: to understand how the child learns, where the child excels, struggles and everything in between. Our team prides itself on making this a fun, safe and nurturing experience. Plus, assessments CAN be empowering for children and teens, and enriching for parents and teachers.
Practicing Effective Learning Strategies During COVID-19
Being home, during COVID-19 without any academics is an excellent opportunity for your teen to reflect on how they learn best and to explore ways for them to enhance their success across all disciplines. High school poses a variety of challenges for students. Students have little control over what material is learnt in the classroom and how the information is presented to them.
COVID-19 and How to Manage Your Couple Relationship.
During this Covid-19 crisis, couples are finding themselves at home, together for longer periods of time than ever before. They are trying to juggle work demands, financial constraints and caring for their children. On top of that is the stress and confusion of the virus itself, and how long this social distancing will truly last. Being in such close quarters, under so much duress can create a lot of tension on the couple causing unnecessary arguments.
COVID-19 and Managing Your Mental Health
2020 has really kicked us in the butt so far. Who would’ve thought that a virus that started half way across the world would be at our door step so quickly, significantly impacting our physical and mental health. And while social distancing is the responsible and ethical approach to dealing with this crisis, it contradicts so many of the approaches that typically promote mental well-being.
How to Speak to Children about COVID-19
In my practice, as a social worker, I work with children, adolescents and young adults on a daily basis. I also have children of my own. Recently, I have been asked multiple questions about COVID-19: How do we talk to children and adolescents about this pandemic? What should I be doing with my kids during the social distancing period?
The Couple’s Quest
A therapist’s guide to couples communicationBy Christina Benedetti The Couple’s Quest: A therapist’s guide to couples communicationAs a couple therapist in Montreal, I have met hundreds of couples in search of fixing their relationship, rekindling their romance, trying to reconnect and heal their wounds.
When Anxiety Affects Your Ability to Parent
By Lisa Brookman, a clinical psychotherapist Anxiety can exacerbate even the simplest of parenting tasks and steal the gratification we should be receiving. But it is possible to gain control over your anxiety and create a healthy family dynamic.
How often do the words crazy, insane or psycho pop up in your everyday vocabulary?
By: Elizabeth Wiener- mental health advocate Last week, Lisa and I had the opportunity to reflect on the language of mental illness when we participated in a panel discussion for Bell Let’s Talk. The topic was the evolution of mental health stigma in the media.
You Can’t Live a Positive Life with a Negative Mind
Everybody wants to be happy; to have a life filled with love, health and good fortune. We all know that having a positive attitude feels better than a negative one. We know that positivity fuels success and makes life brighter.
7 Steps to Improve Communication With Your Partner
by Lisa Brookman, MSW, PSW My friends and I often discuss our relationships and support one another through our ups and downs. From sex to child rearing, nothing is taboo or too deep. So when Jane called me to vent the other day, I made the time to talk to her.