Abstract of talk “Stress” is a word that comes up very often not just in therapy but also in our daily lives. We often think of stress as something that is problematic, something that we want to get rid of and avoid. But what if thinking of stress as a problem is the problem? Based […]

Abstract of talk “Let go of the past!” This is something we often hear and believe is true. This pop psych claim often assumes that some people are hanged on their past, on some negative past events they have experienced, and that this is what hinders their future. This has led some people to believe that they should not think back […]

Abstract of talk What is trauma and how can we heal from it? Despite what is commonly believed, trauma is broader than just experiencing or witnessing a life threatening situation. It includes any negative event that significantly impairs how the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) functions. Traumatic events include negative early experiences with caregivers […]

Abstract of talk Among the most common questions I hear are about “insanity,” laymen terms used to describe those who appear out of touch with reality and/or exhibit bizarre behaviour. In psychiatric terms, these descriptions may describe psychosis, a psychiatric condition where an individual experiences a break from reality. To address misconceptions, I will explain […]

Abstract of talk Lauren turns six this year and is expected to attend elementary school. Her parents dropped her off on the first day of school with a breeze. It wasn’t until the third day when Lauren would start to complain of aches and pains in the morning, refusing to go to school. Even when […]

Abstract of talk Depression and anxiety are the most common and disabling mental illnesses and typically first develop in adolescence and early adulthood. However, the causes of these mental illnesses are poorly understood. In Part A, I will discuss personality traits as one widely-studied vulnerability factor for depression and anxiety. In Part B, I will […]