Yes, you read that right. Not gluten-, not dairy-, but an Intolerance of Uncertainty, which is a key driver within anxiety (Koerner & Dugas, 2006). When one has a medical allergy, they experience very strong physical reactions when exposed to even a small trace of the substance they’re allergic to. Intolerance of uncertainty is like a psychological allergy, where even a miniscule amount of uncertainty in a situation, creates negative and uncomfortable effects, such as excessive worrying and physical symptoms of anxiety. No matter how unlikely an outcome is, such as being in a plane crash, unless one can achieve 100% certainty of the outcome, it will be worried about. This intolerance of uncertainty can go as far as those with anxiety even preferring a negative outcome to their problem, over an uncertain one (Hello, self-sabotage!). 

So what are some telltale signs that you have an intolerance of uncertainty?

No, not hives, anaphylactic shock, or swelling. Some of the most common ways those with anxiety may act in the face of uncertainty include:

• Avoiding doing uncertain things altogether
  • Avoiding investing in therapy because it’s uncertain what the outcome will be or how the experience will feel
• Making up obstacles or excuses to not do things
  •  “I know exercise would be good for me, but what if I end up injuring myself?”
• Procrastinating
  • Avoiding asking a friend for a favour because you’re uncertain of how they’ll respond
• Having difficulty delegating tasks or trusting others
  • Doing all the chores yourself because you can’t be certain that your partner will do it “right”
• Seeking excessive information before making decisions or acting
  • Researching several different options of blenders from several different stores before buying one 
• Seeking reassurance from others
  • Asking multiple people in your life for advice or reassurance about the same problem, or asking them to decide for you

Intolerance of uncertainty is due to unhelpful beliefs held about uncertainty: That it is dangerous, that we cannot cope with it, and that it must be avoided at all costs (Koerner & Dugas, 2006). However, operating under those beliefs only strengthens the adverse reaction to uncertainty, shrinks your comfort zone, and exhausts you from constantly trying to achieve certainty in a world where it’s impossible to not come across uncertainty in some way or another. Read on for part 2 of how to face uncertainty if you identify as uncertainty-intolerant.

Reference:

 Koerner, N., & Dugas, M. J. (2006). A cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder: The role of intolerance of uncertainty. Worry and its psychological disorders: Theory, assessment and treatment, 201-216.Erin Tatarnic, R.P. is a registered psychotherapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR). She provides psychotherapy to individual adults experiencing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive concerns, depression, relationship difficulties, and coping with neurodiversity differences. Erin works from a client-centred approach using a cognitive-behavioural framework (CBT), while also integrating therapeutic techniques from emotion-focused therapy (EFT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

This article is part of a series based on experiences I lived as a psychologist, client or simple observer.

I – Listen first 

The B.A. I had taken in Psychology was primarily experimental and theoretical, not clinical. It was then, at the beginning of the Master’s in Psychology that we were eager to learn how to practice psychotherapy. The very first class of the first course we had (Clinical Psychology) was definitely an eye (ear?) opener. 

Prof. Josef Schubert, a wonderful teacher, came into the classroom with a tape recorder. He looked at us and without a preamble, he asked: “What brings a person to therapy?” 

One student answered: “A student who moved from another city to go to university and doesn’t find himself comfortable?” 

Without allowing time for anybody else to talk, Schubert asked: “What would a therapist say to such a client?” 

Another student replied: “Ask him how he is adapting?” 

Schubert said that we would do a role playing. He asked the two students who had answered his previous questions to come to the front and sit opposite each other and he defined that the student who had answered the first question would be the client and the other one would be the therapist. 

Schubert started the recording and let them talk for about a minute. He then asked the two participants to remain silent at the beginning of the debate and he asked the rest of us: “What happened here?” 

In retrospect I am shy to say that we came with highly vaporous ideas about what the client was feeling, what he wanted, what he needed in reality, how good or bad the therapist had been and other comments of that sort. 

Schubert raised his hand and stopped us cold. He asked again, pointing at the two empty chairs: “What happened here?” Most of us remained quiet while some attempted even more vaporous ideas that Schubert cut short. “What did they say?” Again, he cut short those who attempted to loosely reconstruct the dialogue. “What did they say, exactly?” he asked. We knew better now, and we remained silent. Schubert reconstructed the dialogue word by word and then he played the recording. He had not missed one word. 

We were fascinated, surprised, afraid, expectant. Schubert went on to explain to us that to listen means just that, to listen, to pay attention to everything that is said. He then added that it is also important to take into account the tones of voice, body signals, pauses and other signals. Before dismissing us until the next class he told us that we were going to spend the whole semester learning how to listen. 

We knew that the road ahead meant lots of work and at the same time we felt that it was a good idea to start from absolute scratch. 

David Mibashan holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa. For almost 40 years he has worked, as a Registered Psychologist, with people who felt depressed, anxious, at the verge of burn out or just not satisfied with some aspects of their life. Together with his clients, he has dealt with traumas, grief, giftedness, disabilities, immigration issues, among others. He utilizes a Humanistic / Existential approach integrating elements of Psychodrama, Gestalt and Systemic approaches. He works in English, French and Spanish.

This article is part of a series based on experiences I lived as a psychologist, client or simple observer.

Some people have a difficult childhood. Some of the difficulties are external to the family (earthquakes, famines, repressive governments and other causes). Some are internal to the family but unavoidable (death, illness and other causes). In many cases, however, the problems stem from within the family, generally started by the parents or caretakers and suffered by everybody in the house. Some parents are immature (irrelevant of their age) to take care of the children; some never wanted to have children but they do; some have quarrels with their partners and take it out on the children; addictions are another trigger; and there are other causes as well. 

Children need the care of their parents and that includes shelter, food, attention, comforting and understanding, among other things. When a child does not receive these things, many times they tend to normalize the situation. “What happens to me is what happens in a house”, they might think. Furthermore, many times children feel responsible or even guilty for the misbehaviours of their parents. They often think that they probably weren’t good enough and what they receive is their punishment. 

Neglected children many times carry a weight on their shoulders into adulthood. Some heal by themselves or with the help of the Social Services or mental health aid. Many carry on productive and enjoyable lives, probably different than what they would have chosen if they came from a different background, but satisfying lives nonetheless. 

There is an issue of utmost importance. Some people who had a difficult childhood inflict similar damage onto their own children, continuing the chain of abuse. Sometimes those parents justify their behaviour based on their own experiences as children. However, children are vulnerable and it is up to the caretakers to treat them properly. If the caretakers were themselves abused as children, this is their opportunity to break up the chain of abuse. Most vicious circles have one redeeming aspect: no matter where you cut it, the circle is over. 

It is not easy to take a stand and change, protecting their children instead of mistreating them. It is, however, very rewarding to be able to do that and to see their children grow up in a healthy way. Most times their children do not even realize that they were treated much better than their parents were because for them everything is normal. That feeling, on the part of the children, is also a reward, it means that they were spared from hell without them even knowing that.

David Mibashan holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa. For almost 40 years he has worked, as a Registered Psychologist, with people who felt depressed, anxious, at the verge of burn out or just not satisfied with some aspects of their life. Together with his clients, he has dealt with traumas, grief, giftedness, disabilities, immigration issues, among others. He utilizes a Humanistic / Existential approach integrating elements of Psychodrama, Gestalt and Systemic approaches. He works in English, French and Spanish. 

Living as a neurodivergent person with undiagnosed and unsupported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or an Autism Spectrum diagnosis can lead to a great number of difficulties in a variety of life domains, including with work or school – challenges organizing, planning, implementing or completing tasks, understanding and remembering what another person has said, being overstimulated by and having difficulties filtering out sensory stimuli (e.g., bright florescent lights, ambient sounds, perfumes and smells, people walking in the area), dealing with unexpected changes and last minute taskings (e.g., new unexpected assignment, or scheduled meeting) – but also managing self-care at home, and navigating relationships with family, friends, or other loved ones. 

Spoon theory is a commonly discussed metaphor in the neurodivergent community (and for persons with disabilities) to capture the nature of physical and psychological resources for dealing with life demands – there are only so many spoons (e.g., energy, psychological resources) to go around, and what is available may be inconsistently available within and across days for the neurodivergent person. The neurodivergent person is often trying to manage their resources to balance their physical activity, their focus, their social demands and relationships, to mitigate the impact of sensory stimuli, and manage language and executive functioning needs. It is a lot more to handle (pun intended) for neurodiverse people, who in turn are often prone to burnout and mental health distress.

Diagnosis – The Road to Validation, Support, and Accommodations

For many, receiving a formal diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding about years of challenges and personal struggles. Before being diagnosed with ADHD or Autism, many individuals face a constant internal battle. They may have a sense that something is different about the way they experience the world, but they often don’t know how to articulate or even identify it. The experiences for the person with ADHD and/or Autism can lead to a great deal of confusion and self-doubt. For those who grew up with undiagnosed neurodivergence, the challenges are often compounded by others’ lack of understanding, empathy, or capacity to support. 

An ADHD and/or Autism assessment can not only lead to validation and understanding, but also to tangible supports to help give you, or your loved one, personalized tools and strategies, resources (e.g., guides, books), or work or school accommodations. Completing an assessment may also lead to assistance in completing an application to grant access to government supports (e.g., Disability Tax Credit, Ontario Disability Support Program, Developmental Services Ontario, etc.)

The Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR) is proud to offer an assessment service for  Adults, Children and Adolescents to be able to diagnose and support Autism, ADHD, and other related challenges – learning difficulties, and psychological diagnoses affecting mood, anxiety, or trauma, among others, to help you or your loved one build a more secure, resilient self. 

A variety of assessments are available – all of which are organized to understand and support symptoms and functioning, and to diagnose neurodivergence and related conditions: 

• Psychological assessment can lead to a diagnostic profile to recognize symptoms and functioning, and validate conditions that are present for the person
• Psychoeducational assessment is organized more for academic settings – to inform a school of accommodation needs, and involves cognitive and academic testing to diagnose learning disorders
• Neuropsychological assessment involves in-depth cognitive testing to develop a cognitive profile, to understand strengths and weaknesses that can lead to adaptive and accommodation supports in life and at work or school. 

If you think you, or your loved one may be neurodivergent, CFIR can help connect you with an appropriate clinician. Assessment clinicians offer free consultations to understand your needs, and to discuss an assessment and plan of action. Assessments are offered in English and in French. You can book in with an available assessor by visiting this page: https://cfir.ca/contact-us/initial-appointment/, or you may speak with a member of our administrative team by contacting the centre by email (admin@cfir.ca), or phone (1-855-779-2347). 

Dr. Marc Bedard, C.Psych. is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, a Partner, and Director, Training at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR). Dr. Bedard provides psychological services to individual adults experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties related to mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and sleep disruptions. He also provides neuropsychological and psychological assessment services to individuals with acquired brain injury, post-concussive difficulties, and to diagnose and support neurodiverse peoples (e.g., Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Finding Strength in the Storm—Ways to Cope with Infertility

Infertility is a hard road, but it doesn’t have to be one you walk alone. Here are some ways to care for your heart and mind along the way:

1.Build Your Village
Find people who can hold space for you—whether it’s a trusted friend, a support group, or others who’ve walked this path. Sharing your story can lighten the emotional load and remind you that you’re not alone.

2. Seek Professional Support
Therapy can provide a safe space to process grief, manage stress, and navigate this journey with resilience. At the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR), we’re here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate, evidence-based support.

3. Practice Radical Self-Compassion
Infertility is not a reflection of your worth. Be kind to yourself. Honour your emotions without judgment, and recognize that your value isn’t tied to this journey.

4. Prioritize Honest Communication
Talk openly with your partner. Share your feelings, fears, and hopes so you can navigate this together as a team. Strengthening your connection will help you weather the ups and downs.

5. Ground Yourself in Restorative Practices
Mindfulness, journaling, gentle movement, or even moments of stillness can help ease emotional overwhelm and create space for clarity.

Infertility doesn’t define you. Your story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. As we honour Canadian Fertility Awareness Week, let’s break the silence together. You are worthy of love, compassion, and support. At CFIR, our therapists are here to guide you, offering care and understanding as you navigate this journey towards healing and hope.  

Help is here. 

Laura Moore, MPsy., is an integrative therapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR) in Toronto, specializing in providing compassionate support to individuals and couples on their fertility journey. With expertise in relationship dynamics and the emotional complexities of fertility, Laura creates a safe space to address challenges such as fertility treatments, grief, loss, and maintaining connection in relationships. She also supports clients navigating intimacy, infidelity, separation, and rebuilding after trauma. Laura is dedicated to helping you feel seen, understood, and supported as you move through this deeply personal experience.

Understanding the Emotional Toll of Infertility

Infertility is so much more than a medical condition—it’s an emotional journey, one that can feel profoundly isolating. During Canadian Fertility Awareness Week, we invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and acknowledge the full weight of what you may be carrying.

Infertility often feels like an endless cycle of hope and heartbreak. One moment, there’s the spark of possibility; the next, the crushing realization that another month has passed without the answer you’ve been longing for. This journey doesn’t just challenge your body—it can challenge your identity, relationships, and sense of self-worth.

Maybe you’ve felt the sharp ache of grief opening yet another baby shower invitation. Maybe you’ve experienced the burn of shame when someone casually asks, “When are you having kids?” Or maybe you’ve wrestled with a pang of jealousy you didn’t expect when someone else shares their joyful pregnancy news. These feelings can be overwhelming, but they are also deeply human. They don’t make you weak—they make you real.

The silence surrounding infertility can make it feel even heavier. Many don’t know how to approach the topic, leaving you to navigate this deeply personal struggle alone. But you don’t have to. Sharing your story with someone who understands can be the first step toward healing. Connection is the antidote to isolation, and you deserve to feel seen and supported.

Laura Moore, MPsy., is an integrative therapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR) in Toronto, specializing in providing compassionate support to individuals and couples on their fertility journey. With expertise in relationship dynamics and the emotional complexities of fertility, Laura creates a safe space to address challenges such as fertility treatments, grief, loss, and maintaining connection in relationships. She also supports clients navigating intimacy, infidelity, separation, and rebuilding after trauma. Laura is dedicated to helping you feel seen, understood, and supported as you move through this deeply personal experience.

In this blog series, we will define health psychology, explore the relationship between mental and physical health, and provide tools to help cope with the impacts of chronic illness.

Health psychology is the study of biological, psychological, and socio-environmental processes that impact physical health and illness. The field places great emphasis on examining the bidirectional relationship between mental and physical health. Chronic illness refers to illnesses or conditions that are of long duration and generally slow progression (WHO, 2018). Common chronic illnesses include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. Research shows that individuals with chronic illness are more likely to experience mental health issues including anxiety and depression. But did you know the reverse is also true? Individuals with mental illness are more likely to experience chronic illness. Research shows that individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma experience higher rates of chronic illness. We will discuss the pathways underlying the relationship between mental and physical illness in the second part of this blog series.

Chronic illnesses can impact our lives deeply and can make us feel alone. In health psychology, we support clients throughout their health journey from the onset of symptoms, to advocating for themselves within healthcare, receiving a new diagnosis, coping with physical limitations or loss of independence, navigating impacts on identity and relationships, and adjusting way of life and plans for the future. We also help clients modify health behaviours such as appetite, exercise, alcohol/substance use, and address barriers to treatment that may be contributing to or worsening physical symptoms.

Health psychology providers utilize a biopsychosocial approach, that aims to recognize the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to or worsening health issues. Treatment approaches may include: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based techniques.

If you or a loved one are facing health challenges, please know we are here to support you.

Dr. Megan Dann, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice) is a Clinical and Health Psychologist nearing the end of supervised practice. She is currently supervised by Dr. Lila Hakim, C.Psych. and Dr. Natalina Salmaso, C.Psych. She provides assessment and treatment services for adults and couples. Dr. Megan Dann, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice) utilizes a holistic, biopsychosocial, integrative and trauma-informed approach to help clients with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep difficulties, alcohol/substance use, chronic illness and pain.

References

Andrasik, F., Goodie, J. L., & Peterson, A. L. (Eds.). (2015). Biopsychosocial assessment in clinical health psychology. The Guilford Press.

Bobo, W. V., Grossardt. B. R., Virani, S., St Sauver, J.L., Boyd, C. M., Rocca, W. A. Association of

Depression and Anxiety with the Accumulation of Chronic Conditions. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 May 2;5(5):e229817. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.9817. PMID: 35499825; PMCID: PMC9062691.

Herrera, P.A., Campos-Romero, S., Szabo, W., Marenez, P., Guajardo, V., Rojas, G. Understanding the Relationship between Depression and Chronic Diseases Such as Diabetes and Hypertension:

A Grounded Theory Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 12130.

hgps://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212130

National Institute of Mental Health. 2024. Understanding the Link between chronic disease and depression. NIH Publica7on No. 24-MH-9018.

hgps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic–illness–mental–health#part_6118

World Health Organization [WHO]. (2018). World health statistics 2018: monitoring health for the SDGs, sustainable development goals. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press. 

Dual Process Model Blog Post

PART 1

Grieving the loss of a loved one can leave us feeling lost, disconcerted and searching for a roadmap through an incredibly difficult time. Many of us may be familiar with the Five Stages of Grief by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross (1973), in which a grieving person moves from denial, to anger, bargaining and depression, finally arriving at acceptance. However, few of us fit neatly into a linear journey. Navigating a world changed by loss takes time, patience, self-compassion and more than a little allowance for things to fall apart and be put back together.

The problem with expecting a linear journey through grief is that we may perceive ourselves as grieving incorrectly or regressing when a good day is followed by a bad day. The Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (DPM) by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut (2010) offers a different approach to grief. The DPM suggests that those who are grieving face two major types of stressors: loss-oriented stressors and restoration-oriented stressors. Loss-orientation involves “grief work”, which includes feeling sorrow, anger, and yearning for your loved one, as well as thinking about the loss or the event. Restoration-orientation involves life necessities such as practical day-to-day tasks like working, shopping or cleaning, as well as taking on new roles and responsibilities after the loss, and periods when you might be temporarily distracted from the loss altogether. As we grieve, we move back and forth between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented stressors.

Art therapy can provide support while navigating the complex and non-linear journey of grief. Through creative expression, we can explore complex feelings that may be difficult to verbalize, allowing space to confront and process loss in a safe environment. Art therapy focuses on the process of creative expression rather than the final product, so you do not need to be an artist to benefit from it.

In the second part of this blog, I describe a simple sewing exercise I use to introduce clients to the DPM.

PART 2

In part one of this blog, we were introduced to the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (DPM) developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut (2010). This model illustrates how those who are grieving move back and forth between two types of stressors: loss-oriented stressors, which involve processing grief, and restoration-oriented stressors, which focus on present-day life and changing roles. In part two, I will introduce you to an art therapy activity designed to help grieving clients engage with this process. This meditative sewing exercise requires simple stitches made into fabric using just a piece of fabric, some thread, and a sewing needle of any size. In this exercise, the rise of the needle represents moments spent confronting restoration-oriented stressors, while the fall of the needle symbolizes the time dedicated to facing loss-oriented stressors.

I ask my client to make their first stitch and, if it is comfortable, to match their breath with the rise and fall of the needle. As they bring the needle up through the fabric, I invite them to focus on something in the present – perhaps a task at work or school that needs their attention. Then, when they lower the needle, we shift focus to their grief, allowing any emotions that arise – be it sadness, anger, or something else – to surface.

Throughout the process, I help them acknowledge the present moments as the needle rises, such as new responsibilities they’ve take on. When it lowers, I provide space for them to explore feelings relating to grief or reflect on the story of their loss. I guide them at their own pace, continuing until they feel ready to conclude the exercise.

As we examine stitches we’ve created, I highlight how they may not be perfectly even, reflecting the non-linear nature of grief. Just as our journey through grief is not always linear, the time spent facing loss-oriented and restoration-oriented stressors is not always equal. Navigating grief is a deeply personal experience that involves moving between these two types of stressors. Each person must move through grief at their own pace, allowing space to work through emotions and build a new sense of personal meaning. The DPM offers a valuable framework for understanding this dynamic, while art therapy can provide a creative outlet for processing complex emotions. Ultimately, it is in embracing the ebb and flow of the process that we begin to stitch together a tapestry of healing and resilience.

If you or someone you know is coping with loss, our team is here to support you on this journey.

Stephanie Myles, DTATI, RP(Q), is registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and a professional art therapist. She offers in-person and online psychotherapy and art therapy services to adult individuals experiencing grief, loss, depression, anxiety, or a history of childhood trauma.

Kübler-Ross, E. (1973). On death and dying. Routledge.

Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (2010). The dual process model of coping with bereavement: A decade on. OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, 61(4). 273-289.

When it comes to mental health, one important but often overlooked area is the connection between neurodiversity and eating disorders. Neurodiversity covers a range of conditions, particularly ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges in their daily lives—and food and eating habits are no exception.

For individuals with ADHD and ASD, factors like sensory sensitivities, difficulties with executive functioning (like planning and organization), and social communication challenges can heavily influence their relationship with food (Cobbaert et al., 2024). For example, some may find certain textures or tastes unbearable, leading to restrictive eating patterns. Others may struggle with impulsivity or emotional regulation, which can sometimes lead to episodes of binge eating (Cobbaert et al., 2024). Additionally, neurodivergent individuals often have a natural tendency toward routines, which can sometimes show up as strict food rules or eating rituals, making disordered eating habits harder to manage (Cobbaert et al., 2024).

Despite the clear links, the overlap between neurodiversity and eating disorders hasn’t received much attention in healthcare. However, research is revealing that neurodivergent individuals tend to have a harder time with eating disorder treatment than neurotypical individuals (Babb et al., 2022; Svedlund et al., 2017). That’s why it’s so important for mental health professionals to understand the specific challenges that neurodivergent people face with food and to offer treatment options that are tailored to their needs.

Effective therapy needs to address both neurodivergence and eating habits holistically. For example, treatment might need to consider sensory sensitivities or adjust communication methods to better connect with neurodivergent clients. When therapy is personalized like this, it’s more likely to help individuals build healthier relationships with food and with themselves.

Breaking the stigma around neurodiversity and eating issues is essential. Everyone deserves a safe, understanding space to explore their relationship with food and body image. Finding a therapist who truly understands the connection between neurodivergence and disordered eating can be transformative, offering support that respects both your individuality and your journey.

If you’re dealing with the dual challenges of neurodiversity and disordered eating, know there’s help tailored to your experience. Therapy can provide tools for self-acceptance and empower you to build a healthier relationship with food and yourself.

REFERENCES

Babb, C., Brede, J., Jones, C. R., Serpell, L., Mandy, W., & Fox, J. (2022). A comparison of the eating disorder service experiences of autistic and non‐autistic women in the UK. European Eating Disorders Review, 30(5), 616-627.

Cobbaert, L., Rose, A., Elwyn, R., Silverstein, S., Schweizer, K., Thomas, E., & Miskovic-Wheatley, J. (2024). Neurodivergence, intersectionality, and eating disorders: a lived experience-led narrative review. PsyArXiv Preprints, 14.

Svedlund, N. E., Norring, C., Ginsberg, Y., & von Hausswolff-Juhlin, Y. (2017). Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adult eating disorder patients. BMC psychiatry, 17, 1-9.

Loreana La Civita (B.A.Hons) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR) working under the clinical supervision of Dr. Jean Kim (C.Psych). Loreana provides psychological services to adolescents and adults and has a special interest in treating individuals with eating disorders, body image concerns, neurodiversity (e.g., ADHD, ASD, OCD) and trauma. Using an integrative approach that combines therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Loreana is passionate about providing tailored support to neurodivergent individuals on their journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

“Know thyself” has been a key existential invitation from Grecque philosophers and different psychological, religious and spiritual practices have contributed to shaping the concept of self-observation as a way to support this quest.

To understand the power of self-observation, it is important to mention awareness (or lack of) and patterns in the way individuals connect to themselves, others and the world around. Sometimes, it could feel like there is a loop or a sense of repetition in human experiences that it is difficult to break. However, observing oneself can help in loosening the grip of these loops while making room for curiosity, openness and learning. 

In the development of the concept, different contributions have tried to break self-observation down to make it understandable. For some, it is about studying oneself and perhaps failing, at the beginning, because it takes time to create space for self-observation in people’s internal experience. The study of the self requires gathering data by observing, without judgement; then, some understanding begins to emerge about patterns of thought, emotions and body sensations. 

Like any other skill, this could be learned through trial and error. One way to support this effort is by directing the attention towards what the person wishes to observe while having the attention also on oneself (the observer). This could look like watching, without judgement, a silent film in which the spectator is the main character but without getting lost in the movie, able to watch while remembering who is watching and how.

Myriam Hernandez M.A., R.P., is a psychotherapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR). Myriam provides psychotherapy to adults and couples experiencing a wide range of challenges including interpersonal relationships, anxiety or depression, loss and grief.  She works using an integrative approach that draws from different theories and interventions to conceptualize cases and develop treatment plans tailored to the needs of each client.