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Recently, a parent I work with shared something that stayed with me: “My daughter says I don’t validate her the way her therapist does.” She said this with sadness and frustration. Despite trying so hard to be present and supportive, she was left feeling as though she was somehow not doing enough. It raises an important question for many parents: should they aim to speak to their teens the way therapists do? In my work as a family therapist, I do often introduce skills like a

It’s a snowy day here in Ottawa as I write this, and I’m struck by how quickly the holidays are approaching. For those who are looking forward to time with family and friends, I hope this season brings moments of joy, connection, and rest — whatever it is you most need right now. And for those who are feeling something different: grief, loneliness, strained relationships, or simply exhaustion, I want you to know you are not alone. These conversations are far more common in my

In October, I had a wonderful trip south with my daughter, who’s in her first year of university. It was so much fun to spend time together over her fall reading week. She loves her Psychology and Neuroscience courses, and I’ll admit, it feels pretty special that she shares my fascination with mental health and how our brains work.​Lately, I’ve noticed how what she’s learning in class is shaping some of her habits and reinforcing some great decisions. There’s something about

Why your teen ’ s big feelings aren ’ t a sign of failure — they ’ re a call for connection. Parenting a teen can feel like walking through an emotional storm. One moment you’re laughing together, the next there are slammed doors or tears you didn’t see coming.You want to help, but nothing seems to work. Suddenly, you’re both feeling hurt and disconnected. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 💭 What Teens Tell Me In my therapy sessions with teens, I often hear things

A note before we begin: This newsletter includes content related to death and grief, including the death of a child and losses due to...

With the end of the school year just days away, and my youngest child about to graduate from high school, I have been reflecting a lot...

Two days ago, I finished facilitating the final session of a EFFT-based workshop for parents of teens. These dedicated parents who...

It’s been a full few weeks, and I have a few meaningful updates to share. First, a belated Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms reading...

Anxiety in young people is reaching unprecedented levels. As researcher Zach Rausch notes, in a recent After Babel article: "By 2022,...