Paediatric Occupational Therapy
We have recently welcomed a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Arohi Atre, BOT, MSOT, OT Reg. (Ont), to our team at Acorn Counselling. What is her role and what can you expect when working with a Paediatric Occupational Therapist? What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy (OT) works to improve function in daily...
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Resources: COVID-19 Supports for Children and Families During Social Distancing
During this challenging time, I wanted to have a space to share resources about Covid-19 and children with the kids and families in our community. This page will be updated on an ongoing basis, as resources are found and developed. You will find stories, workbooks, colouring pages, and other general...
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COVID-19: SPECIAL UPDATE
Dear Clients and Parents, You are no doubt aware of the current situation with COVID-19/Coronavirus in our country and the recent diagnoses in Hamilton. As information about the COVID-19 is reported, we want you to know that we are closely monitoring the news about the evolving situation. At this time,...
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Child Anxiety – Part 4 – What DOES Work!
What DOES Work? This is a loaded question, since child anxiety manifests differently for different people. Usually, it is not just one answer either, and a number of things together can be most effective. These things should touch on each aspect of anxiety you read about so far, including biological...
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Child Anxiety – Part 3 – What Doesn’t Work
What doesn’t work? There are a number of things that parents or caregivers try to do to help their anxious child. Some of the things that may not be the most helpful, and I will address why, include: Reassurance (alone) Everyone benefits from a vote of confidence, for sure. However,...
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Child Anxiety – Part 2 – What does Anxiety Do?
Anxiety recruits the whole family through "accommodation" What does Anxiety Do? Anxiety causes all of us to try to keep ourselves safe. There are a number of behaviours that kids can engage in when they are feeling anxious. When kids are able to tolerate the uncomfortable feelings of anxiety, they...
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Child Anxiety – Part 1
More than 1 in 3 children between the ages of 3-17 have anxiety symptoms that could be classified as problematic. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons that people come to us for help. We often hear things like: “My child is afraid of doing things they used to...
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The Magic of Play Therapy
When my daughter was a young toddler, we went through a phase where bath-times became a nightmare. Especially hair washing. It was so hard. She would scream, and cry, and hide, and refuse to let me wash her hair. And I would inhale deeply, try not to get frustrated, and...
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Free Mini E-Course for Parents of Anxious Kids
We know it can be hard as a parent to know if your child is having issues with anxiety. In this 5-part series, we uncover ways you can help your child and family members ease worry and increase confidence.