These are uncertain times. We cling to the news searching for truth, but often at the cost of our health. Many of us feel alone, scared, and overwhelmed by the quarantine measures affecting our family and sanity. In this online forum, Kate Toye and Vince Gowmon will create a safe place to explore questions and propose answers to help navigate these unchartered waters. Topics of conversation may include responding to fear and anxiety, resourcing ourselves for self-care, addressing difficult family dynamics, and looking at the bigger picture, what all this may mean for humanity and life as we’ve known it. We promise you no definitive truth, but a safe and loving space where truth may find you in your hearts.

September 24th- Vince Gowmon 6:30- 8:00 pm: Health and Healing in Troubled and Changing Times

October 20th- Institute of Child Psychology 6:30- 8:30 pm: Childhood Anxiety

Panic attacks, racing thoughts, headaches and stomach aches, separation anxiety, phobias, obsessions/compulsions, aggression, tantrums, and avoidance... Anxiety has many faces, and at this workshop participants will learn about the psychological and physiological roots of anxiety, why it is on the rise in our children, and what to do to help children and adolescents better manage it. Research and theory in the field of mental health, education, and interpersonal neurobiology will be explored and professionals will be given resources and direct tools to help the children and adolescents they work with to overcome this emotional obstacle and foster stronger emotion regulation.

December 1- Institute of Child Psychology 6:30-8:30 pm: Power of Play

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play is to the child what talk is to the adult. It is a medium for expressing feelings, exploring relationships, describing experiences, disclosing wishes, and self-fulfillment. Children express themselves and their needs, relive their past, and connect with others through play.

In this workshop we will learn to understand your child’s play and the benefits to using (and encouraging) “play” to help your child develop resilience. We will also explore how play is related to development of the brain, and how play deprivation can adversely affect children. Strategies on how to engage with your child in their play to help them overcome issues related to anger, sadness, trauma, difficult transitions or behavioural issues will also be explored.

Cost for each session is $10.00.

For more information contact Janet Huffman at janetehuffman@gmail.com.