- Hannah Brencher
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Psychological assessments provide a detailed analysis of an individual's verbal and visual cognitive (thinking) abilities, memory, executive functioning, and academic strengths and weaknesses. These assessments may also evaluate emotional, social, and behavioural characteristics and may include testing and diagnoses of conditions such as learning disabilities, ADHD, giftedness, developmental disabilities, autism, social/emotional, behavioural, mood-related challenges and more. Giftedness testing is also available. Psychological assessments can be completed with children, youth, and adults. Please note, we do not complete assessments for medical or legal purposes (i.e., forensic, worker's compensation, motor vehicle accidents, parenting capacity, custody and access cases).
* All assessments are administered by an experienced mental health professional using the latest diagnostic materials and technology.
Going to a therapist can provide benefits that go beyond just having someone to talk to who is able to listen without judgement or bias. A therapist can help you uncover unhealthy thought patterns, develop strategies for managing stress, build confidence and assertiveness, and become more aware of how you are feeling. Therapy can help you work toward healthier beliefs, behaviours, and coping strategies. It can also teach you new skills such as mindfulness, stress management, interpersonal skills and emotional regulation. Counselling can be an important step in healing, but is not just for those who are in crisis. Sometimes, just talking to a trained professional about the things that are bothering you or the secrets that you haven’t felt free to share with anyone else can help you to feel less burdened or overwhelmed.
* Virtual and in-person sessions are available.
Level Up is a neurocognitive therapy program designed to improve executive function and self-regulation skills in both children and adults using advanced neurofeedback techniques. The program utilizes a non-invasive BodyWave® armband to monitor brain activity through sensors measuring the electric currents given off by neurons firing in the brain. By integrating cognitive skill training and behavioural shaping, clients can visualize and enhance their focus in real-time, providing a tangible way to improve areas such as attention, impulsivity, working memory, task completion, organization, auditory processing, and self-regulation.
* Due to the program's specialized requirements, this service is offered exclusively in-person.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with significant impairments which can affect school, work, relationships, and daily life. ADHD coaching is a psychological intervention that specifically targets the core impairments associated with ADHD such as planning, time management, multitasking, shifting focus, goal setting, organization and problem solving. ADHD Coaching is a psychological service that is overseen by a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. There are currently three ADHD coaching services offered:
* Virtual or in-person
sessions are available.
Literacy for Life is a reading remediation program designed for struggling readers and children who have a diagnosis of a Learning Disability that affects word reading and spelling, which is sometimes referred to as 'Dyslexia'. The core program employs a
structured literacy approach. We believe that every child has the right to a scientifically-driven, interactive, explicit and structured reading instruction that focuses on the foundational skills of reading through a multi-sensory approach. Our psychoeducational intervention programs is tailored to meet the needs of each student’s unique learning profile.
Literacy for Life is a psychological service that is overseen by a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
* Virtual and in-person sessions are available.
Influenced by the theory and science of interpersonal neurobiology, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) supports emotion-processing and healing by harnessing the power of caregiver-child relationships. Whether a child is experiencing emotional dysregulation, behavioural challenges, mental health concerns, or difficult life experiences, EFFT aims to give caregivers the skills and confidence to navigate challenging situations. This therapy model is relatively short-term, usually involving 4 to 6 one hour parent/caregiver sessions.
* This services is currently offered virtually.
Art for the Heart is an art-based program designed to promote expression and emotional exploration, all while encouraging a positive mental outlook. During this 6-week small group program, participants will use a multitude of art media to create spontaneous works of art following directed prompts and will be encouraged to share their work with facilitators and peers to foster conversation and build community. Group members will gain a better understanding of self both through the process of creating the art, as well as the product that is created.
* Next Session TBD!
Our experienced school psychology professionals can work closely with you to navigate the complexities of your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and school programming needs. We provide comprehensive assistance, from reviewing external assessment reports to offering guidance on the most suitable educational resources and pathways for your child. Our team is also adept at consulting on various school-related concerns, ensuring that your voice and your child's needs are heard and addressed effectively within the educational system. We strive to create a collaborative framework between parents, educators, and students where your child's educational and developmental needs are met with expertise and empathy.
- Arianna Huffington
Please note, we are not a crisis centre. If this is a psychiatric crisis, mental health, or medical emergency, please go to your local emergency department, call 9-1-1, or a local distress line.
Durham Mental Health Services: 1-800-742-1890
Ontario Shores Crisis Line: 1-800-263-2679