Executive functioning (EF) is the mental skill set that helps us plan, organize, manage time, and achieve goals. It’s essential for success in everyday life, impacting everything from getting ready for the day to completing complex projects at work. When these skills...
Coaching
Comparing and Contrasting Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are often confused due to the overlap in behaviors such as refusal, defiance, and avoidance of demands. However, these two profiles stem from different underlying causes and present in unique...
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Through a Neuroaffirming Lens: Navigating Challenges in Children and Adults
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is increasingly recognized as a distinct profile within the autism spectrum, though it remains a topic of debate and misunderstanding. It refers to a pattern of behavior where individuals exhibit extreme avoidance of everyday...
Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): With and Without Autism
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral condition characterized by a consistent pattern of defiance, disobedience, and hostility towards authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD may frequently lose their temper, argue with adults, refuse to...
Navigating Life Transitions: Reconnecting with Your Partner After the Kids Leave the Nest
As your children grow and become more independent, you may find yourself at a crossroads in life. After years of focusing on raising children, it’s common to experience a shift in your personal identity, your relationship with your partner, and the way you view your...
Embrace Summer for Personal Growth: The Benefits of Working with a Coach
Summer is a season of renewal, a perfect time to reflect, set goals, and realign your intentions. As the days grow longer and the pace of life slows down a bit, it offers an ideal opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. One powerful way to harness this...
Embracing Summer Adventures: Tips for Neurodivergent Families
Summer has definitely made its appearance. Whether you're in various regions of the US experiencing record high temperatures or in the Vancouver, Canada area where I am located, enjoying temperatures in the mid-20s to 30 degrees Celsius, we are clearly in the midst of...
Understanding Epigenetics and Trauma: A Pathway to Healing
In the intricate tapestry of our lives, the impact of trauma can linger far beyond the initial experience, leaving an indelible mark on our bodies and minds. As a registered clinical counsellor deeply committed to supporting individuals on their healing journey, I...
Embracing Neurodivergence and Healing from Trauma: A Journey to Self-Discovery
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. As a counselor and life coach specializing in neurodivergence and trauma, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges individuals face in navigating their unique paths to healing...
Navigating Trauma: From Crisis to Healing
I was struggling in medical school. I knew it was going to be hard, like drinking water from a fire hydrant with all of the materials that needed to be absorbed, but the experience was beyond comprehension. My first go of it ended in disaster. It involved a...