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THE CENTRE FOR NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
& EMOTIONAL WELLNESS BLOG


The Thoughts We Carry Quietly: “If I don’t do it, no one else will”
Sarah is the one people call when something needs to be handled or when someone needs help. When a friend needs help, she rearranges her day. When her child struggles, she drops what she’s doing without hesitation. When her mother needs her to bring her an appointment, she will take time off work and make up the time after hours. She often tells herself she’ll get to her things later—after the emails are sent, the kids are settled, the family favors are done. But later rare

Dr. Olivia Chu Yau
May 62 min read


Beyond the Performance: A Guide to Authentic Self-Esteem
In a world that constantly tells us how to "show up," we often confuse confidence with self-esteem. While they sound similar, they are fundamentally different. Confidence is about what you can do (your external performance); self-esteem is about how you are (your internal worth). What is Self-Esteem, Actually? At its core, self-esteem is the internal evaluation of your own worth. It is the lens through which you view your competence, your character, and your right to exist. I

Thanara Rajakulendran
Apr 55 min read


Techniques of Culturally Appropriate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CACBT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a well-known practice in Western culture, but it can be applied to diverse cultures after many years of practice. Like Hinton (2011), by using key techniques, CACBT uses a unique approach that can be adapted in different ways for marginalized populations. Significantly, Hwang et al. (2015) assert that Asian Americans are twice as effective using CACBT as CBT because cultural adaptation is efficient. Comparatively, Naz et al. (2019) explain

Ting Jiang
Mar 175 min read


How Occupational Therapy Can Support Autistic Children: A Neuro-affirming Approach
Occupational therapy plays an important role in supporting autistic children to participate meaningfully in everyday life. Instead of focusing on “fixing” a child, therapy nowadays increasingly embraces neuro-affirming care. This post briefly discusses how occupational therapy can help autistic children, the benefits of neuro-affirming care, and practical ways this concept can be integrated. How Occupational Therapy Helps Autistic Children Occupational therapy focuses on enab

Agnes Wong
Feb 54 min read


What Is Neuropsychology: How Brain Function Affects Thinking, Emotions, and Behaviour
“I am a neuropsychologist, and my responsibility is to help people understand how their brain functions affect thinking, emotions, and behaviours. I use specialized assessment tools to evaluate cognitive abilities and guide treatment, rehabilitation, and support.” Many people have heard of psychology, but not often neuropsychology. Yet, neuropsychology plays an important role in how we navigate everyday life, especially when someone starts noticing changes in memory, attentio

Jenkin Mok
Jan 75 min read


How Family Counselling Can Address Common Issues: A Case Study
Family counselling has evolved into an integral element of mental health support, addressing the intricate dynamics that challenge modern families. In Markham, a city denoted by its cultural diversity and economic vitality, the need for such support is notably pronounced. This guide investigates the practical explanation of relational issues through targeted family counselling, demonstrated by a case study from the local area. Understanding these dynamics is paramount for dev

Elizabeth Yorski
Dec 26, 20253 min read


When the Leaves Fall: How the Changing Seasons Affect Our Mood and What We Can Do About It
As the warmth of summer fades and the crisp air of autumn settles in, many of us feel a shift, not just in temperature, but deep within ourselves. The golden evenings grow shorter, mornings arrive with a chill, and the vibrant colours of fall surround us. While some people feel cozy and energized by the season, others may notice a quiet heaviness creeping in, feeling more tired, a little down, or not quite like themselves. If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone. Our moods are

Thanara Rajakulendran
Nov 12, 20254 min read


Gifted or Just Bright? Why Testing Brings Clarity
Many parents notice early on that their child seems to stand out. Maybe they were talking in full sentences long before other kids their age, or they devour books meant for much older students. Maybe they ask deep, philosophical questions (“Why do people die?” “What’s the meaning of fairness?”) that leave adults pausing mid-answer. It’s natural to wonder: Is my child gifted? Or are they just bright and curious? This is where gifted testing comes in - as a tool for clarity, un

Dr. Olivia Chu Yau
Oct 8, 20254 min read


Managing Differences in Desire in a Relationship
Finding a partner who matches our level of desire and drive can be rare. How we feel about ourselves and our connection to our partner can rely heavily on the synchronicity of this. Managing two opposing sets of needs in a relationship can sometimes feel like an issue of compatibility. But, there is so much we can explore that can ultimately change how we experience sex and intimacy in our partnerships. External factors, sexual functioning, and even personality type can influ

Jackie Moncada
May 21, 20253 min read


Why the Safe and Sound Protocol Works: The Science Behind It
A non-invasive therapy approach gaining significant popularity recently is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). Designed to boost the autonomic nervous system, it mainly helps control emotions, so lowering stress reactions and improving social contact. But why exactly is the SSP so effective? The scientific foundation of it includes ideas of sound therapy, neuroplasticity, and the polyvagal hypothesis. What is the Safe and Sound Protocol? Based on his work with the Polyvagal

Dr. Olivia Chu Yau
Oct 29, 20244 min read


Teen Therapy: Addressing Mental Health Challenges During Adolescence
Recognizing the profound impact on mental health during the formative teenage years is important. This guide is dedicated to illuminating critical mental health issues that adolescents face and exploring the supportive therapies available to guide them through these turbulent times. Identifying Common Mental Health Disorders Adolescence is a really important time when kids go through a lot of changes. Sometimes, these changes can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety

Gifty Dem
Oct 27, 20246 min read


The Benefits of Child Therapy: Supporting Mental Health from a Young Age
Child therapy emphasizes the needs of young children and their families. By providing a safe space and using researched techniques, children learn to express their feelings, cope with stress, and guide social dynamics. This form of therapy empowering kids with the tools they need to succeed. The Critical Role of Early Intervention Early intervention in a child, therapy can profoundly affect a child's development. Early on resolution of emotional and behavioral problems pre

Dr. Olivia Chu Yau
Oct 14, 20243 min read


Boundaries
What are boundaries? Many people have heard about boundaries but they don’t know what they are. So, what do you think boundaries are? You may feel like boundaries could be something to keep people out. Many contradictions and problems in life are caused by blurred boundaries. It often makes us feel like we have to say "yes" to others’ requests. We put so much effort and focus on other people’s problems. That it makes us pay less attention to our own problems. Boundary-keepin

Ting Jiang
Apr 24, 20243 min read


7 Tips To Prepare Myself Or My Child For A Psychological Assessment
These 7 tips will help prepare you or your child for a psychological assessment and help yeild accurate and optimal results.

Anna Gorbatski
Jan 16, 20245 min read
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