I am a firstborn daughter, and from an early age, I found myself naturally stepping into the roles of protector, perfectionist, and peacemaker. I’ve always been the responsible one—the one who made sure things got done, who looked out for others, and who felt the...
Adlerian Therapy: A Holistic and Positive Approach to Mental Health Many years ago, in an undergraduate theories of counseling class, I encountered the work of Alfred Adler. I’m not sure if that was my first introduction to Adler or if I had heard of him before, but...
Executive functioning refers to the set of mental skills that help individuals manage time, focus attention, plan and organize, and regulate behavior. These cognitive processes are essential for navigating daily life, academic success, and personal relationships....
Child custody for an autistic child with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile can present unique challenges, especially around routines, masking, and emotional regulation. The Impact of PDA on Routines and Transitions Children with PDA can appear to thrive on...
As middle-aged women, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads—children growing into their own lives, while we are left to rediscover ours. As a mother with my youngest now in their second year of university overseas, I can relate to the mix of emotions this phase...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...