Areas of Expertise
I have extensive training and clinical experience working with children and adolescents who experience learning, attention, social-emotional and behavioural difficulties (e.g., learning disabilities, ADHD, gifted, anxiety, mood disorders). I provide consultation to teachers and school personnel in order to best support the students I see, as well as evidence-based therapeutic interventions to children and adolescents with a wide range of concerns. I specialize in using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, I offer Parent Child Interaction Therapy for young children with behavioural and emotional difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
I assist children, teenagers, and adults dealing with anxiety disorders by using a therapeutic method known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is all about focusing on the present and tackling problems head-on. There's a wealth of scientific research spanning decades that proves its effectiveness.
In CBT, I guide clients in reshaping how they see themselves and the world around them. I also help them face situations that currently cause them fear or that they tend to avoid. Unlike many other practitioners, I actively engage in what's called "exposures" during therapy sessions. This can range from accompanying a child who's scared of dogs to a pet store, to being there with a client for a blood test if they have a fear of needles, or even practicing using public restrooms with patients who worry about germs and getting sick.
Each treatment plan is personalized based on a client's specific fears and goals.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention designed to help young children with behavioural and emotional difficulties. It is a short-term, structured therapy that focuses on improving the relationship between parents and children while teaching parents effective strategies to manage their child's behaviour. PCIT has been proven to be effective in helping parents and children build stronger, healthier relationships. It also helps children learn new skills and abilities to better regulate their behaviour and emotions.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Psychoeducational Assessments
A psychoeducational assessment is a structured evaluation of a child's intellectual and academic abilities. This assessment is conducted by a psychologist or a trained specialist and is complemented by conversations, observations, and past records to gain insight into how a child learns and to pinpoint any difficulties they might be facing. The assessment gauges overall aptitude and academic progress in key areas like reading, writing, and math. Various techniques are used, including written tasks, verbal responses, and assessing motor skills like drawing or building with blocks. The specific evaluation methods depend on the child's age.
The assessment results serve multiple purposes: they help the psychologist determine a child's potential (identifying giftedness or potential learning challenges), and they offer strategies to support the child's development. These assessments also explore related concerns like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety. Recommendations for the child take into account a combination of standardized test outcomes and assessments of their psychological and emotional well-being.