Videos & Supportive Insights

One of the most powerful things we can offer our children is the experience of feeling understood. When a child is upset, disappointed, anxious, or angry, our instinct as parents is often to fix it. We reassure them, explain why something isn’t a big deal, offer a solution, or try to help them see the situation differently. But sometimes, before children are ready for solutions, they need something else first: Validation. What Is Validation? Validation is communicating to you

“Surprises are fun… unless you’re an anxious brain.” Have you ever told your child, “We’re leaving in five minutes!” only to be met with tears, frustration, or a complete refusal to move? It might not be defiance—it might be that their brain simply didn’t have enough time to prepare. What is Front-Loading? Front-loading means giving your child information before something happens, rather than right as it’s happening. It helps their brain get ready for what’s coming, reducing

“I can’t do it unless it’s perfect.” Sound familiar? Perfectionism isn’t about having high standards—it’s usually about fear. Fear of making mistakes. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of not being “good enough.” As parents, it’s tempting to jump in with reassurance (“You’re amazing!”) or try to fix the problem. But what children often need most is permission to be imperfect. Here are three simple things to try out if you notice "perfection fear thoughts" creeping in: Praise

Meet Pterodacytl! I am excited to begin incorporating canine-assisted therapy into my practice. You may occasionally see Ptery (see video below to meet him), my friendly Cavapoo, in the playroom as he works alongside me and progresses toward formal therapy dog certification. Ptery at the Office Canine-assisted therapy can provide children and teens with a unique opportunity to learn and practice important skills in a comfortable and engaging way. Interacting with a therapy

The Artwork Moment Imagine your child comes running out of school holding a piece of artwork they’re proud of. You reach out to take a look. “No!” they yell. As parents, it can be easy for our brains to jump to conclusions. That was rude. Why are they yelling at me? Everyone is watching. I was just trying to help. When we feel embarrassed, pressured, frustrated, or triggered, it’s easy to react from those feelings. But what happens if we pause and get curious instead? What if

Small Kittens, Small Steps Sometimes I like to explain counselling by comparing it to fostering kittens. Kittens and Counselling When tiny foster kittens come into a home, they need consistency. They need regular feeding, comfort, play, routines, and connection. We wouldn’t just check on them once a month and expect them to feel safe, confident, and thriving. Emotional growth often works similarly. Why Consistency Helps Families sometimes ask about recommendations for frequen

What Is Brain Priming? When a child’s brain spends a lot of time in stress, overwhelm, or “survival mode,” their brain can become primed for dysregulation. This means their nervous system starts expecting danger, frustration, or discomfort — even during small everyday situations. Things like being told “no,” getting dressed, transitions, sibling conflict, or minor disappointments can quickly lead to big reactions because their brain is already on high alert. On the other hand

As parents, many of us grow up hearing phrases like: “Calm down.”“ Use your words.” “Take a deep breath.” But when children are overwhelmed, upset, angry, anxious, or dysregulated, their brains often cannot access those skills independently yet. This is where co-regulation comes in. Watch: The Dance of Co-Regulation Co-Regulation: Helping Your Child Borrow Calm What Is Co-Regulation? Co-regulation is the process of helping a child regulate their emotions through connection wi

There’s something really special about opening a new box of toys—not just for the excitement, but for the possibilities inside. As I prepare to open my new space, I Hart Therapy, I’ve been carefully selecting each item that will live in the playroom. Every toy, figure, and material is chosen with intention—to support children in expressing themselves, understanding their emotions, and exploring who they are in a safe and meaningful way. Today, I wanted to invite you into that