ACT is “a psychological intervention based on modern behavioural psychology,” and is defined as “a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that challenges the ground rules of most Western psychology.” (Dr. Russ Harris, 2011). The goal in ACT is to help patients create a rich and meaningful life and develop mindfulness skills alongside the existence of pain and suffering.

Acceptance is an alternative to our instinct to avoid thinking about negative-or potentially negative-experiences. It is the active choice to allow unpleasant experiences to exist, without trying to deny or change them.

Behaviour problems may be related to a number of factors. We first work to determine possible causes, underlying issues, and functions of behaviour to help manage even complex behavioural challenges.

Sessions with a qualified Behaviour Specialist or Psychologist. Behavioural sessions take an applied science of human behaviour approach to improving problematic behaviours or training and developing adaptive behaviours. From the underlying philosophy of behaviourism, clinicians use numerous techniques and treatment approaches for analyzing and changing behaviour to improve the lives of individuals and their families.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is evidence-based, effective form of therapy. By understanding the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how they can influence each other, CBT uses many well-researched techniques. Your therapist will identify which CBT strategy is best suited to your particular needs.

CBT is not generally considered a risky therapy, though there are some things to keep in mind:

• Some types of CBT, like exposure therapy, can increase stress and anxiety while you’re working your way through it.

• CBT does not work overnight. CBT can be thought of as a lifestyle change that you can build on and improve upon throughout your life.

• It takes commitment and willingness to work on new techniques between sessions and after therapy has ended.

Family therapy or family counseling is a form of treatment that is designed to address specific issues affecting the health and functioning of a family. It can be used to help a family through a difficult period of time, a major transition, or mental or behavioral health problems in family members (Family Therapy, 2014).

Family therapy can employ techniques and exercises from cognitive therapy, behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, or other types of individual therapy. Like with other types of treatment, the techniques employed will depend on the specific problems the client or clients present with.

Behavioural or emotional problems in children are common reasons to visit a family therapist. A child’s problems do not exist in a vacuum; they exist in the context of the family and will likely need to be addressed within the context of the family (Herkov, 2016).

The Initial Family Therapy Session will help to determine if this modality is best suited to your situation. Generally, Family Therapy involves a parent (or in most cases more than one parent) and one or more teenage through to adult children.

A useful alternative to Family Therapy when dealing with younger children or primarily parenting concerns, may be Parent Therapy.

Initially, your therapist will establish a clear understanding of the main concerns, obtain pertinent history, and work together with you to set a plan for Family Therapy.

Specific techniques employed and often integrated:

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; based on social learning theory and attachment theory).

• Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT; grounded in attachment theory and experiential therapy, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness, regulation, and responsiveness within families).

• Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS; developed by Dr. Ross Greene, CPS shifts the focus from modifying challenging behaviours to collaboratively solving the problems that cause those behaviours. It recognizes that challenging behaviours are often a result of lagging skills and unmet needs).

• Parent Management Training (PMT; based on principles of behaviour modification and social learning theory).

• Family Systems Therapy (views the family as a system where each member's behaviour influences and is influenced by others).

• Sensory-Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART; based on the understanding that sensory processing differences can significantly impact emotional regulation and behaviour in neurodiverse individuals).

Learning specialists help to improve your child’s homework experience as well as your own. Unique learning needs are directly supported in addition to parental training for continuity of supports.

Sessions with an educational specialist. ILS sessions with a Specialist are not tutoring but are designed specifically for and with exceptional learning needs in mind to teach evidence based strategies for homework and studying. Children with learning differences require a unique and individually designed approach for learning, education, and supports.

Receiving support from a learning specialist is appropriate for individuals who could benefit from personalized assistance in their educational journey, especially children with learning differences.

Clinicians individualize sessions by teaching strategies for managing homework efficiently, providing insights into educational resources, and helping clients develop self-advocacy skills. Our specialists collaborate with clients to provide tailored support both within and outside the classroom. Whether addressing specific learning difficulties or enhancing overall study skills, learning support aims to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed for success.

Mental health counselling is appropriate for individuals seeking support in navigating a variety of challenges that impact their well-being.

Therapists can support clients experiencing a diverse array of challenges, ranging from depression, anxiety, and self-esteem to navigating major or minor life changes. Our skilled counselors meet clients where they are, addressing concerns such as work-life balance, coping with a diagnosis, and navigating relationships. Ultimately, these sessions are personalized to help clients set and achieve personal goals, fostering a path towards improved mental health and overall wellness.

Neurodiversity Consulting offers all ages support and affirming care with specific concerns related to Adult ADHD, ASD and learning disabilities or Parenting Neurodiverse Children/Youth. Supports include general life challenges, school and career guidance and strategies for success, as well as anxieties, mood concerns, and relationship issues common in neurodiverse individuals.

Neurodiversity Specialists support clients with various aspects of navigating their life and circumstances to empower growth and change. They are committed to helping people understand their strengths and specific challenges to develop effective skills necessary for achieving academic, career, family, and life goals. The approach is practical, straightforward and goal-directed, and focuses on solutions to help clients cope and effectively manage challenges in life.

Neurodiversity specialists help you to become the student, professional, or person you've always wanted to be with effective organization and time management. Neurodiversity specialists help with school, life, career planning, goal setting, and helping you reach your potential. It is a collaborative process between you and your consultant.

With specialized training in ADHD, ASD and learning disabilities sessions are intended to help with goal setting, problem solving, motivation and procrastination, learning or career strategies, relationships, and other problem areas common for individuals with neurodivergencies.

You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from a therapist with this knowledge base.

Parenting Counsellling may be accessed by parents navigating a spectrum of challenges, including issues like defiance and other behavioural difficulties.

Typically, parents seek consultation with us on issues like:

• behavioural challenges

• questions about discipline

• frustration with their child or adolescent

• concern about their child’s emotional health

• attempts to make sense of a child’s experiences at school

• improving attachment and connection

• helping a child through significant life transitions

Our services support parents as they foster and repair parent-child relationships, establish effective routines, and plan for transitions. Additionally, our dedicated counsellors help individuals manage parental stress to enhance their own emotional well-being.

We also aim to help parents understand developmentally typical or atypical behaviour, including providing support for those parenting children with neurodiversity or newly diagnosed conditions. These sessions can offer valuable insights into learning about your child's diagnosis, empowering parents with knowledge and strategies for positive family dynamics.

Specific techniques employed:

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; based on social learning theory and attachment theory).

• Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP; draws from attachment theory, developmental psychopathology, and trauma-informed care).

• Family Therapy (focusing on secure parent-youth relationships, behaviour regulation, emotional connection and regulation, and neurodiversity affirming psychoeducation for healthy development). See above for more details.

• Parent Management Training (PMT; based on principles of behaviour modification and social learning theory).

While gifted individuals have many and varied strengths, they so often struggle with social relationships and emotional regulation. A therapist who understands the unique profile and needs of a gifted individual is crucial to a successful therapeutic experience. Specialized training, experience, and skills are required of the therapist, and a trusting rapport sets the stage for a fruitful process. We collaborate with individuals to help them meet their full potential and allowing them to become the best they can be.

Children, youth, and young adults have many things in common. Transitions are amongst them. Specifically, psychologists at Little Oaks work to help youth and young adults transition into new settings, whether it is supported-living for individuals with high needs, or post-secondary studies, or the work environment. Many people find support during these times helpful and beneficial.

Therapeutic play provides a safe and non-threatening space for neurodiverse children to express themselves, process emotions, and develop social skills through play. Therapists are trained in play therapy techniques and have extensive experience working with neurodiverse children.

Therapeutic play is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to help children ages 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play. Therapeutic play normally takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.

Therapeutic play helps children with social or emotional deficits learn to communicate better, change their behaviour, develop problem-solving skills, and relate to others in positive ways. It is appropriate for children undergoing or witnessing stressful events in their lives, such as a serious illness or hospitalization, domestic violence, abuse, trauma, a family crisis, or an upsetting change in their environment. Therapeutic play can help children with academic and social problems, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, or anger, as well as those with attention deficit disorders or who are on the autism spectrum.

As we age, many people are still learning who they are or who they want to be. Whether you are struggling with a specific problem, like mood, anxiety, worries, relationship problems, or learning issues, or are just looking for some general support, we are here to help. We use strategies that are effective and help you find your way as quickly as possible. We would like to help you achieve your goals and live your life to its fullest potential. For more information about our theoretical approach, see our team bios.

In the beginning, some people may find it difficult, stressful, or uncomfortable to confront their problems. Your therapist will work with you at your pace to help you reach your goals.

Personalised, judgement free therapy for youth ages 13-17.

At Little Oaks, we recognize that adolescence is a time of immense growth and change, within a mind that is transitioning from child to adult; but the journey can be long and tumultuous. We consider it our goal to identify and share hope with families. We may offer insights and recommend resources, all in an effort to share hope. Many adults become distanced from adolescence and it can become confusing to know what to say and how to handle situations. Adults often have difficulty understanding and relating to youth, especially youth in crisis. We make it a point to help adults (and teens) understand the journey of adolescence. Children and youth deserve our efforts to understand, and it is our goal to help in this process.