CBT Associates https://www.cbtassociates.com Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:51:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Virtual Workshop: Supporting Parents With ‘Return to Learning’ During COVID-19 https://www.cbtassociates.com/virtual-workshop-supporting-parents-with-return-to-learning-during-covid19/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/virtual-workshop-supporting-parents-with-return-to-learning-during-covid19/#respond Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:30:41 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=8164 CBT Associates can help you respond to the needs of individuals within your organization who require more support than is currently available to you. With our virtual workshops and webinars, we can provide evidence-based information, facilitate discussions, answer questions (in a planned or open Q&A setting), and create a safe and open environment for your
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CBT Associates can help you respond to the needs of individuals within your organization who require more support than is currently available to you.

With our virtual workshops and webinars, we can provide evidence-based information, facilitate discussions, answer questions (in a planned or open Q&A
setting), and create a safe and open environment for your employees to learn about and discuss mental health.

 

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Parents are being challenged and continue to face difficult decisions on how to support their children’s learning and mental health during the COVID crisis.
In this special workshop that can be offered to your employees and presented by Senior Clinical Director Dr. Khush Amaria, she will answer common questions parents have about:

  • Making difficult decisions
  • Managing guilt and anxiety
  • How to support themselves and their children in the face of stress and
    uncertainty associated with returning to academics

Whether children are in-school, home-schooled or some version of both – parents will benefit from understanding how to cope in the months to come.

 

FORMAT

Dr. Amaria can facilitate the presentation and discussion in a webinar-style format using your organization’s platforms. She will be presenting evidence-based
strategies to help parents cope and participants will be invited to ask questions during a facilitated Q&A period.

 

ABOUT DR. KHUSH AMARIA

Dr. Khush Amaria is a Senior Clinical Director at MindBeacon, which provides BEACON therapist-guided digital therapy and virtual/in-person therapy through the CBT Associates psychology clinic network. Prior to MindBeacon, Dr. Amaria was a Clinical and Health Psychologist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

Today Dr. Amaria provides treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, parent-child relational
difficulties, and other health- and coping-related problems. As part of her interest in community outreach, Dr. Amaria is involved in supporting parents,  educators and caregivers on topics related to general child and adolescent development, mental health in children and youth, social skills, and risk-taking behaviours in adolescence.

 

Contact your MindBeacon Account Manager to set up a virtual workshop for your organization or email us at info@cbtassociates.com for more information.

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Career Counselling & Support https://www.cbtassociates.com/career-counselling-and-support/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/career-counselling-and-support/#respond Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:39:23 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=8194 Are you:  choosing a college or university major?  in a job or career that does not quite seem to fit?  wanting greater satisfaction and meaning from your work?  considering a change of careers?  facing an unexpected change in your career path?  planning for a fulfilling retirement?  Career counselling can help!  Career counselling and support starts
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Are you: 

  • choosing a college or university major? 
  • in a job or career that does not quite seem to fit? 
  • wanting greater satisfaction and meaning from your work? 
  • considering a change of careers? 
  • facing an unexpected change in your career path? 
  • planning for a fulfilling retirement? 

Career counselling can help! 

Career counselling and support starts with an assessment of you current skills (e.g. education and training), interests (e.g. nature, business, helping, math), personality (e.g. sociable, logical, creative), and values (e.g. work life balance, need for challenge). With this information, combined with data about the work world (i.e., current workplace trends, income projections), and your reality (i.e., current income, age, work status) the career counsellor helps you to establish goals that are attainable, realistic and meaningful.  You will then be supported in developing a strategy to reach those goals including both short-term and long term steps.

 Why career planning? 

The easiest way to explain why you should engage in career planning is that getting what you want takes preparation.  That goes for anything from a job to a trip you want to take to a party you want to throw.  No matter how small or big the goal you need to take steps to reach it.

Planning is about doing what it takes to get to where you want to go. For example, if you wanted to throw an birthday party for a friend, you would plan it. You would take steps like choosing a date, making a guest list, inviting people, making a reservation at a restaurant and buy a cake. It’s the same with your future and your career. You pick a goal, and then you figure out what you need to do to accomplish it, and in what order.

If you think career counselling is something that could help you please reach out to CBT Associates and book an appointment with Dr. Rixi Abrahamsohn, Ph.D., C Psych. to start planning.

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Confronting Mask Discomfort https://www.cbtassociates.com/confronting-mask-discomfort/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/confronting-mask-discomfort/#respond Fri, 07 Aug 2020 19:45:45 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=8155 Masks, once reserved for Halloween and ski trips, are now an everyday necessity. Everyone from Old Navy to your grandma’s best friend are making them these days! But what is it like to actually wear one? Now that they are mandatory in indoor spaces pretty much everywhere across Canada, even the most hesitant among us
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Masks, once reserved for Halloween and ski trips, are now an everyday necessity. Everyone from Old Navy to your grandma’s best friend are making them these days! But what is it like to actually wear one? Now that they are mandatory in indoor spaces pretty much everywhere across Canada, even the most hesitant among us may need to venture into mask-wearing territory.

If you are planning to enter any public enclosed spaces, whether to go grocery shopping or to the dentist, you will most likely have to don a mask for a period of time.

Wearing a mask, along with regular hand washing, has long been known to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. Wearing one will allow you to go more places as things begin to open up, while at the same time helping to prevent another shutdown. Individual reactions to wearing a mask in public spaces will vary. Whether you are indifferent or downright fearful about masks, here are some tips to help you through it!

 

But wearing a mask gives me anxiety!

Most of us are not used to having something cover our faces for an extended period of time, and  there are many reasons wearing a mask may cause anxiety. Some people may experience symptoms of overheating or difficulty breathing which could trigger fear, anxiety, or panic sensations (those with pre-existing anxiety, panic, or trauma disorders may be particularly sensitive).

Because our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours are connected, uncomfortable physical sensations may trigger negative thoughts and emotions about masks that could lead to not wearing or other changes in behaviour – but it’s important to recognize that the fear response, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous (for instance, there is no evidence that masks create a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide or lack of oxygen for the wearer).

 

The Pressure’s On

When we wear a mask, we’re directly protecting others – but we’re also indirectly protecting ourselves. This is because the more people we see wearing masks, the more that signals to everyone that it is the right thing to do, and the more YOU end up being protected. Setting a positive example may help others more easily adopt this practice.

 

Mask Wearing Tips

Here are some ideas on how to make mask wearing more tolerable, and reduce any anxiety that you may be feeling about our new normal:

 

Find a mask that fits comfortably

You may need to experiment with different styles or fabrics of masks, as one may be more comfortable for you than another. Some styles have elastic around the ears and others have elastic that goes around the back of the head. Others have no elastic and instead are held in place by soft cloth that tucks behind the ears.

Finding a mask that fits you comfortably is a huge step towards being able to tolerate wearing it for longer periods of time.

 

Practice wearing a mask at home

To help yourself adjust, try wearing the mask for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing until you can wear it long enough to do whatever it is you need to do.

Starting small and working up over time can help you gradually increase your comfort and familiarity with the mask.

 

Reframe negative thoughts and feelings about masks

Rather than “This is terrible and I can’t stand it,” can you tell yourself “I won’t have to do this forever, and it will keep many people safe in the meantime”?

Reframing your negative thoughts using supportive and compassionate self-talk can help you learn to tolerate discomfort and stay focused on the bigger picture. Can you be okay with not being perfectly comfortable if you know that you will be helping others?

 

Try a breathing technique

Focusing on the discomfort may raise your anxiety levels and cause you to breathe more shallowly, which increases your anxiety levels, which causes you to breathe more shallowly, and so on.

Box breathing is a relaxation technique that can help you break this cycle; it involves breathing in for a count of four, holding that breath for a count of four, breathing out for a count of four, then holding the breath for another count of four before inhaling again.

Practicing box breathing – even for a few minutes – can start to calm the nervous system, and help you realize that it is possible to breathe calmly while wearing a mask.

 

Practice mindfulness while wearing a mask

If you notice discomfort, try to allow it to be without fighting it. Cultivating an attitude of acceptance towards the situation can give you more energy for other things.

Instead, direct your attention to other aspects of your experience – what you can see, hear, smell, or feel, for example.

 

Take breaks from mask wearing

If you do have to wear a mask for extended periods of time, try to find ways to give yourself mini breaks. This could be stepping outside for some fresh air, taking a visit to the restroom, or breaking down errands into smaller chunks that you are able to handle.

 

Know when it may be time to see a mental health professional

Are you avoiding going out even when you have to? Are you changing your life around in complex ways because of an aversion to wearing a mask?

Don’t let psychological factors hold you back from experiencing life! Seeking cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with a professional therapist can help you examine the connection between physical sensations, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and learn strategies for tolerating and overcoming fear and avoidance.

Remember: even small ways of exercising some control in a time that feels very out of control can be empowering. The more we all take the necessary precautions, the more we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from becoming ill.

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Mental Health & Your Employees https://www.cbtassociates.com/mental-health-your-employees/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/mental-health-your-employees/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:33:58 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=8117 Support Your Team With Wellness Seminars In These Uncertain Times   The challenges that many employees face today are truly unique: working remotely while trying to balance their jobs, families, and personal lives, contributing to positive social change, and preparing for an uncertain future in the time of COVID. Countless people will require more support
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Support Your Team With Wellness Seminars In These Uncertain Times

 

The challenges that many employees face today are truly unique: working remotely while trying to balance their jobs, families, and personal lives, contributing to positive social change, and preparing for an uncertain future in the time of COVID.

Countless people will require more support from their employers than ever before, which is why CBT Associates works closely with leadership teams to provide timely, practical workshops and seminars for employees. Customized to meet an organization’s needs, our seminars are cost-effective and helpful for a group of 5 or 50+.

Our Psychologists at CBT Associates can present on a variety of topics to support the mental health needs and wellness of employees and their families.

Some common areas of focus include:

  • Building resiliency and positive mental health
  • Identifying signs of stress, burnout, anxiety and depression
  • Strategies to manage symptoms and reduce distress
  • Stress management tools/tips for the long-term
  • Balancing work/life and competing responsibilities
  • Knowing when to reach out for further help (for self or others)
  • Children’s mental health and parenting during COVID
  • Normalizing concerns for ‘re-opening’ in a time of uncertainty

Our Psychologists can provide evidence-based information, facilitate discussions, answer questions (in a planned or open Q&A setting), and create a safe and open environment for employees to learn about and discuss mental health.

To learn more, please contact Dr Khush Amaria by email at dramaria@cbtassociates.com for a free consultation.

 

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(Re)Building Trust and Secure Attachment Bonds in Romantic Relationships: A Unique Couples Group Therapy Experience https://www.cbtassociates.com/rebuilding-trust-and-secure-attachment-bonds-in-romantic-relationships-couples-group-therapy/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/rebuilding-trust-and-secure-attachment-bonds-in-romantic-relationships-couples-group-therapy/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:16:54 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=8162 WHY GROUP THERAPY FOR COUPLES? During this unprecedented time of societal change, group therapy is an excellent way for couples to get cost-effective and evidence-based help and support for newly surfaced or longstanding struggles in their relationship. Weekend workshops are less personalized and interactive, whereas traditional couples therapy can be more intensive and expensive. Couples
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WHY GROUP THERAPY FOR COUPLES?

During this unprecedented time of societal change, group therapy is an excellent way for couples to get cost-effective and evidence-based help and support for newly surfaced or longstanding struggles in their relationship. Weekend workshops are less personalized and interactive, whereas traditional couples therapy can be more intensive and expensive. Couples group therapy
is an excellent option that allows for learning, active participation, and an opportunity to interact with other couples – at a cost that is much lower than traditional couples therapy.

 

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Led by Dr. Janine Cutler, C. Psych and Shankari Sharma, M.A., couples will be introduced to science-based descriptions of what healthy relationships look like, the types of conflict or avoidance that can harm relationships, tips for enhancing connection, coping and processing distressing changes in your relationship, methods for managing conflict, and creating shared meaning to build long-term strength in your life together.

Couples will learn ways to implement these strategies:

 

 

COMMUNICATION & CONNECTION ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES:

Learn how to enhance the love, affection, admiration and connection that is already present in your relationship. Learn healthy communication and negotiation styles, how to set appropriate boundaries, and how to build strategies to effectively meet each other’s needs.

 

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES:

Learn about the different types of difficulties couples encounter and how to resolve them.

 

DEALING WITH LIFE CHANGES & CHALLENGES:

Learn how to remain committed to one another, manage big emotions, accept differences in desires and expectations, negotiate well, and continue to grow individually and together.

 

SHARED MEANING STRATEGIES:

Learn strategies to enable couples to create their own rituals, roles, goals, and symbols that will help to honour each other’s individuality while also creating a shared meaning for their lives.

 

COST:

Total cost per couple is $1,200 for 8 sessions. Total fee for group is requested upon registration.

 

WHEN: 

12 weekly sessions

Monday Evenings 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

October 19 – December 7

 

WHERE:

Videoconferencing on Microsoft Teams

 

To register, please contact Rene Graham-Evans at 416-499-6373 or by email at infonorthyork@cbtassociates.com

 

PLEASE NOTE: This group is not suitable for individuals who are under the age of 18 years, single, or actively suicidal or threatening suicide. Group members cannot consume or be under the influence of alcohol or other substances during the group session. This group would not be suitable for individuals who are under the age of 18 years; single; or actively suicidal or threatening suicide. This group also would not be suitable for couples who are engaging in or at significant risk for domestic violence.

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You’ve decided on therapy. How do you choose a therapist? https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-do-you-choose-a-therapist/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-do-you-choose-a-therapist/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2019 15:12:42 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=7813 If you’re struggling with an issue, you may be considering therapy. Therapists can help you develop a set of skills to manage your thoughts and feelings and move forward in your life. But, how do you choose one? More importantly, how do you choose the right one? Here, we’ll help simplify the process, so you
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If you’re struggling with an issue, you may be considering therapy. Therapists can help you develop a set of skills to manage your thoughts and feelings and move forward in your life. But, how do you choose one? More importantly, how do you choose the right one?

Here, we’ll help simplify the process, so you know where to begin – and what to expect.

CBT helps change negative thoughts and feelings to help you feel better and move forward.

There are a number of different therapy styles. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is evidence-based and demonstrated to help with a number of health concerns, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders and substance abuse, to name a few. It’s also structured, so you’ll know what to expect in each session, and what progress looks like. This allows your therapist to focus each session to stay on task – to help give you the best chance to see positive results. CBT is considered the “gold standard” of psychological therapy, with decades of research behind its effectiveness.

To determine the right therapist, we focus on helping you.

Our CBT Associates practice has bios for each of our therapists on our website. A good place to start is to read through these to get a general sense of who our therapists are, their training and experiences, and what services they offer. You’ll notice different designations. Let’s break them down:

Psychologist
Completed doctoral studies (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and the required number of hours of practice (including a 1-year internship), year of supervised practice, and is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Psychological Associate
Completed masters level degree (e.g., MA or MSc) and then four years of practice in psychology, is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and considered equivalent to a Psychologist in scope of practice.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)
Completed doctoral studies (i.e., PhD or PsyD), a 1-year internship, and is in the final stage of acquiring their license for independent practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. All clinical work is supervised by a registered psychologist.

Resident (or Intern) in Clinical Psychology
A student-therapist who has completed all of their course requirements and are at the final year of completing their doctoral studies. All of their clinical services are supervised by a registered psychologist.

Social Worker
Completed masters level studies (i.e., MSW). All of our Social Workers are experienced in CBT and registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Registered Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists may have various training backgrounds, with a focus on providing psychotherapy for individuals, and are registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. All of our Psychotherapists are experienced in providing CBT.

The cost for therapy may depend on the type of practitioner. More expensive doesn’t always mean better. An experienced Registered Social Worker may have more years of professional practice than a Psychologist, who has freshly completed clinical training, for example. When considering therapists, other factors like gender, age, personality style and experience with specific issues are just as important. For example, if you identify as LGBTQ, or are experiencing post-partum depression, you may feel more comfortable speaking with a therapist familiar with those life experiences.

At CBT Associates, your first step is a free interview, called an intake interview, usually completed over the phone, to help identify your needs. We can then recommend a therapist who suits you and your availability.

Fit with your therapist can take time – and some fine-tuning.

A good way to know if it’s a good fit is to start sessions with your new therapist. It’s an opportunity for you to gauge if you feel comfortable. You may know this right away; or it may take some time. Try to be patient and give it 2-3 sessions. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your therapist to allow them to adjust the sessions as needed. If it still doesn’t feel right, you can always ask to switch to someone new.

At CBT Associates the first session is a structured, diagnostic-based assessment that thoroughly captures your history, symptoms, challenges, and reasons for seeking help. So, if you decide to switch to another therapist, your detailed profile and progress can be transferred, so you can pick up where you left off.

Building skills for a lifetime of change.

CBT is a type of therapy with an end goal: for you to to become empowered in maintaining your own mental health. You’ll build skills and learn techniques to help you observe your thoughts and feelings, and take different perspectives on your problems. Armed with these skills, you can continue to feel better, and move forward in your life on your own. A full course of therapy typically lasts 8-16 weekly sessions.

Taking the leap.

Acknowledging you need help is the first step in making a change. With the depth and breadth of experience in our clinics, you can find a therapist to provide the guidance you need to kickstart this change – and build skills to take control of your mental health, for life.

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How to get back in step when your relationship stumbles https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-to-get-back-in-step-when-your-relationship-stumbles/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-to-get-back-in-step-when-your-relationship-stumbles/#respond Tue, 16 Apr 2019 19:42:12 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=7846 Arguing with your romantic partner can be like a dance. Maybe the arguments started during a tense time in your lives. Your partner hurt your feelings, you probably hurt them back. You feel like you’re keeping score, or that you’re being judged. And any time a touchy topic comes up – managing money, friends and
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Arguing with your romantic partner can be like a dance.

Maybe the arguments started during a tense time in your lives. Your partner hurt your feelings, you probably hurt them back. You feel like you’re keeping score, or that you’re being judged. And any time a touchy topic comes up – managing money, friends and family, behaviour – you’re afraid to make it worse so eventually you seize up talking altogether. It’s like dancing with a partner who pulls away, or who pushes you away.

Couples who decide to approach therapy bring with them unique and individual histories and experiences. Because of their different perspectives on events and the feelings that resulted, a common request I hear in our first session is that they’d like to learn how to better communicate.

But ultimately, we need to figure out the dance – what song are they dancing to; what’s the pattern; what are their fears.

The Dance

In initial sessions, a psychologist is going to take time to understand where each person is coming from, and the pattern you’re in together. What brought you in, and what are you looking for? Did one person bring you both in, or is it mutual?

Most couples who have descended into arguing have fallen into one or more of three patterns.

  • Pursue/pursue – attacking each other, criticizing each other. Like a battle.
  • Pursue/withdraw – one “attacks” or anxiously pursues their partner; while the other person withdraws emotionally or defensively, by stonewalling or literally walking away.
  • Withdraw/withdraw – both partners have moved away from their shared intimacy.

Pursuing a partner may be coming from a good place in their heart –to preserve the relationship– but it can be expressed with negative behaviours, such as being insistent or controlling. A withdrawing partner may not trust that they can get what they want, so they pull away. These behaviours may ebb and flow, creating the couples’ dance.

If these are the styles of dance, then underlying insecurities and fears are the music.

Those insecurities need to be addressed. Ask yourself what you really want – what do you need – what do you long for? Do you feel unloved, alone or invalidated? Are you feeling afraid, controlled, guilty or inadequate?

Learning new moves

It may take a few sessions to recognize the dynamic. Learning to recognize and acknowledge the pattern you’re in is not the same as disrupting the pattern. To do that, you both need to start to listen, understand, and acknowledge where your partner is coming from. It’s not about winning – it’s about dancing in-step with one another.

To do this, try looking at it through this lens: “My partner thinks I don’t love them because of these behaviours I engage in.” Understanding how your partner sees your behaviour can help you resist the urge to behave a certain way.

We’re all better listeners when we don’t feel attacked. It may be important to start with “I” statements, such as “I feel that when you ignore me you don’t care about my feelings”, but ultimately getting to the point of using “Us” and “We” statements will help remind you of shared dreams and your partnership.

Attuning to your partner can be a tricky thing but listening and reflecting may help.

  • Ask open ended questions,
  • Ask for your partner to clarify and elaborate,
  • Then reflect back what you hear so they know you understand.

Communicating with empathy, like saying “it makes sense that you feel that way from this” and “I can see why you’re upset” helps you display that you understand how the other person is feeling.

Following these listening and reflecting steps can be hard! Often in practice, talking about something benign like favourite ice cream flavours helps couples to practice.

It’s a challenge to listen to each other and it can feel challenging to be heard. Learning new steps together is possible and, just like new dance moves, they can take time.

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What is a psychoeducational assessment and how can it help my child? https://www.cbtassociates.com/what-is-a-psychoeducational-assessment-and-how-can-it-help-my-child/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/what-is-a-psychoeducational-assessment-and-how-can-it-help-my-child/#respond Mon, 25 Feb 2019 22:24:22 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=7826 *CBT Associates does not provide psychoeducational assessments at this time, but can support parents and/or children who would benefit from understanding how best to support a child facing challenges in their social, emotional or developmental health. * Have you noticed your child struggling with reading or writing? Or, has their teacher mentioned they’re falling behind?
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*CBT Associates does not provide psychoeducational assessments at this time, but can support parents and/or children who would benefit from understanding how best to support a child facing challenges in their social, emotional or developmental health. *

Have you noticed your child struggling with reading or writing? Or, has their teacher mentioned they’re falling behind? Know that you’re not alone. Many children, and even adults, have difficulties with learning. The great news is there are many services available to help your child.

A good starting point is a psychoeducational assessment to identify challenges, or for a deeper, 360o view, a neuropsychological assessment. Here we’ll describe what they are, how they differ, and how they can benefit your child.

About psychoeducational assessments

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment involves a standardized assessment of a child’s intellectual and academic abilities. It is administered by a psychologist or psychometrist and combined with clinical interviews, observations, and historical records to help understand how your child learns, and identify if and how they’re struggling. It measures overall aptitude and academic achievement around core skills, such as reading, writing and math. It involves a number of techniques, including pencil and paper activities, verbal responses, and the evaluation of motor skills (e.g., drawing, playing with blocks). The assessment varies based on a child’s age.

The results can help the psychologist understand your child’s potential (i.e., if they are gifted or have a learning disability) and provide strategies to support them. During these assessments, other concerns are also evaluated, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety, and recommendations for your child are based on a combination of standardized test results and the evaluation of psychosocial and/or mental health issues.

How do I know if my child needs one?

Typically, your child’s school will suggest a psychoeducational assessment if they notice that they are falling behind their peers. Sometimes, a teacher will bring it up with you directly. You may also notice signs that your child is struggling with reading, writing or math and want to take action. Learning difficulties are usually noticed around Grade 1 or 2, but it can happen earlier or later.

How do I get one, and how long will it take?

In publicly-funded school boards across Ontario, an assessment may be recommended by your child’s school support team if you and your child’s teacher decide that it is the best way to help your child. The assessment is free and will be performed at your child’s school by a psychologist or psychometrist.

Unfortunately, wait times for a psychoeducational assessment through the school board can be several months. Every school board is different, and wait times vary.

Is there an alternative if I want one faster?

If you want an assessment quickly, private clinics are an option. At CBT Associates, we offer them within about a month. Some private insurance plans offer partial or complete coverage. It’s a good idea to first check with your provider to see if all or part of the cost is covered.

If the results show my child has a learning disability, what next?

If the results indicate your child has a learning disability, rest assured they can thrive and succeed. In Ontario, the results from the psychoeducational assessment go from the psychologist to the school. They act as recommendations that will help your child’s teacher and the school board design an individualized educational program (IEP) to accommodate your child’s needs, helping them progress and succeed.

In some situations, an underlying issue, such as stress or anxiety, may be mistaken as a learning disability. Psychologists, such as those at CBT Associates, are trained to look at your child from multiple angles (e.g., medical history, family dynamics, social behaviour) to help get to the root of the problem. They will then work with you and your child to develop a clear plan to move forward.

About neuropsychological assessments

What is a neuropsychological assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment takes the psychoeducational assessment to a much deeper level. It is a more comprehensive assessment to understand how children think and behave as it relates to brain function. The assessment usually takes a full day, and measures:

  • Learning & memory: ability to retain information and what kind
  • Executive functions: attention, planning and mental flexibility
  • Finite movements: coordination and dexterity
  • Social information processing: how a child understands social language and social cues

Rest assured that it is not an exhausting or challenging experience.  Your child will have many breaks, and be encouraged and supported during the whole process.

What is the difference from a psychoeducational assessment?

Both assessments are valuable, with the shared goal of helping set your child up for success. The neuropsychological assessment digs deeper than the psychoeducational assessment, with the goal of understanding how a child’s skills and behaviours relate to brain function.

The assessment is performed by neuropsychologists, who are specially trained in brain and behaviour relationships. Testing is done at a private clinic or hospital setting, not in schools. At CBT Associates, clinicians with deep expertise in neuropsychology provide the assessment.

While both assessments are typically done at an early age when issues tend to arise, they can also benefit adolescents and university-age students in identifying areas where they may need extra support.

Who should consider a neuropsychological assessment?

If you’re a parent looking to learn as much as you can about your child, a neuropsychological assessment is a good option. It reveals your child’s strengths and identifies ways to nurture them and help them thrive.

A neuropsychological assessment can be especially helpful for kids with developmental, mental health or behavioural issues, such as autism, epilepsy or bipolar disorder. The results will help the neuropsychologist identify strategies to help your child move forward. Some of this may go into an IEP with recommendations for accommodations for the school board to consider, and other results may recommend other forms of support, such as psychotherapy or speech therapy, for example.

Both give you a clear plan to help your child succeed.

Some parents may see that their child is struggling; others may not be sure. Either way, both assessments give you answers. Many parents feel relieved knowing that there is an issue, so that they can focus on getting their child the support they need. By identifying where your child needs help, and intervening early on, your child can thrive in school, and well beyond.

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How to Spot and Squash Holiday Stress https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-to-spot-and-squash-holiday-stress/ https://www.cbtassociates.com/how-to-spot-and-squash-holiday-stress/#respond Mon, 10 Dec 2018 20:27:11 +0000 https://www.cbtassociates.com/?p=7793 The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but the season – often packed with chores and commitments – comes with its own set of stressors. The expectations we put on ourselves are at an all-time high and as a result, anxiety tends to peak for many this time of year.
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The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but the season – often packed with chores and commitments – comes with its own set of stressors. The expectations we put on ourselves are at an all-time high and as a result, anxiety tends to peak for many this time of year.

Though not inherently good or bad, the holidays bring about a change in routine that can have persisting effects if managed improperly. As the season ramps up, understanding potential stress triggers, identifying the resulting behaviours and mitigating their impact will be crucial for staying happy and healthy.

Top Holiday Stressors

Get-togethers are a big part of what makes the holidays enjoyable, but even the most well-intentioned gatherings can be stress-filled. Conflict is not uncommon amongst family members who haven’t seen one another in a long time – particularly when hours are spent together catching up over cocktails, long drives and busy schedules. We’ve all been there: hot-topic conversations can quickly morph into arguments when a variety of viewpoints are around the table and can put a damper on an otherwise lighthearted reunion.

There are also many costs associated with the holidays. In addition to the spend on gifts that can result in a strained budget, there’s the expectation and the desire to give back to the community, as well as the potential for overextending your time commitments.

These pressures often come in the form of “should statements”: I should make the perfect dinner; I should buy the best presents; I should volunteer my time. If these expectations are not met, the resulting feelings of guilt may be overwhelming and can manifest in unhealthy ways.

Spotting Harmful Behaviours

Not only is it important to pay attention to how your loved ones are acting (or acting out), it’s vital to recognize when your own attitudes are starting to shift.

The biggest signs are often observed changes in “normal” behaviour. Someone who is typically outgoing and assured may become withdrawn and overly anxious if they’re experiencing holiday stress. This, in turn, can cause a change in regular eating habits or trigger irregular sleeping patterns that ultimately affect a person’s mood and overall outlook demeanor.

Spotting these harmful behaviours is the first step in managing them properly. Whether identified in yourself or in others, there are a number of simple and practical tactics that will help to get things back on track.

Managing Anxiety’s Impact

Though prioritizing self-care may seem counter-intuitive during the season of giving, it should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list this time of year. Planning ahead to ease the pressure of a busy schedule, setting and focusing on small, achievable daily goals, and carving out time for yourself are all ways to challenge the onset of holiday anxiety.

Further, though this is a commitment-heavy time of year, it’s not the time to abandon the usual support systems on which you depend to stay healthy. If you or someone you know is feeling overextended, it’s especially important to keep up with any professional mental health appointments that help you feel balanced and to put the stress management skills you’ve gained in your sessions into practice.

Whether or not you’re in the habit of speaking with an expert, it’s helpful to understand how the mind and body contribute to your everyday experiences. Having thought awareness, i.e. paying attention to how you’re feeling and how those emotions can influence your thinking, will help you to anticipate and better manage your own unhelpful responses.

For example, holiday stress can cause the kind of thinking that puts you in a bad mood, which can cause you to withdraw from activities that could actually lift your spirits. Rather than succumbing to negativity and coping through retreating, seek simple activities that bring you pleasure (like going for a walk or calling a friend), find comfort in something you’ve mastered (like playing the piano or painting a picture) and get your endorphins pumping with a physical activity (like carving out time for that workout or dance class). This is also known as behavioural activation.

Staving Off Post-Holiday Depression

A little flexibility can go a long way this time of year, so the ability to adjust your expectations of yourself and of others can result in a happier holiday season. But what about when the chaos dies down and life returns to normal?

Coming down after a hectic few weeks of socializing can be just as difficult as getting into the spirit. Once again, switching gears suddenly can cause unhealthy cognitive and behavioural patterns, but these are still manageable through the same techniques. Ease the transition by thinking about the activities you’ve had to put on hold to accommodate your holiday schedule and enjoy getting back into your regular routine. It’s also the ideal time of year to reflect on your accomplishments, to set new goals and to focus on how you can achieve them in the months ahead.

Finally, if there’s something specific about the holidays that brought you joy, look for ways to carry it over into your day-to-day life. Holding on to what makes the holidays special all year round will help you remain open to and hopeful for the wonderful things that lie ahead.


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A new Group Therapy course: Build resilience to painful emotions through DBT skills https://www.cbtassociates.com/group-therapy-course-dbt-skills/ Fri, 10 Aug 2018 13:53:49 +0000 http://cbtassociates.com/?p=4478 Download printable version If you feel you are making the same mistakes over and over, this group may be for you. People who are dealing with painful emotions that lead to feeling  constantly overwhelmed, experiencing interpersonal challenges or feeling dissatisfaction with life can typically benefit from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).   To “numb” your emotions,
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Download printable version

If you feel you are making the same mistakes over and over, this group may be for you. People who are dealing with painful emotions that lead to feeling  constantly overwhelmed, experiencing interpersonal challenges or feeling dissatisfaction with life can typically benefit from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

 

To “numb” your emotions, you may often make impulsive or bad decisions, engage in unhealthy relationships or unhealthy behaviours — such as drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity, or even self-harm. DBT can help you cope and refocus your feelings in a healthier way.

How does DBT work?

Through DBT, your pain and exposure to previously intolerable emotions will be acknowledged, and new and different solution-focused strategies to deal with them will be discussed. By focusing on the meaning and substance in your life, you will be able to learn to cope with your emotions and feelings.

What does this DBT skills group involve?

This program is led by two experienced psychologists – Dr. Rixi Abrahamsohn, PhD, CPsych, and Dr. Janine Cutler, PhD, CPsych.

To start, you will be introduced to DBT skills and mindfulness, and you’ll be guided through identifying values and goal setting. In subsequent sessions you will develop the following skills:

Personal effectiveness skills. Interact within your interpersonal relationships more effectively.

Emotion Regulation skills. Cope with and manage your emotions.

Distress Tolerance skills. Cope with distressing thoughts, feelings and situations.

When
15 weekly sessions
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 to Tuesday, January 15, 2019
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
There will be a two-week break over the Christmas & New Year holidays.

 

Where
CBT Associates,
North York clinic
4950 Yonge St, Suite 1810
North York, ON
M2N 6K1

 

Cost
$1,500
A discount will apply if we have a minimum of 10 participants
(maximum 15 participants)

 

Note: This group is for adults 18 years and older. Individuals who are actively suicidal, often threatening suicide, or at high risk of physical or verbal assault to other group members should not participate in this group. Group members cannot be consuming alcohol or drugs in the sessions.

Learn More / Sign Up

Contact our Intake Team: local 416-363-4228, toll-free 1-800-304-8018, email info@cbtassociates.com

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