I am closing down my practice and will focus on writing. I accept invites to book clubs, events and will sign and sell my books at your venues.
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Thursday, 29 January 2026
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Legal Issues For Writers with the Sisters of Crime - Tomorrow
Well since our Winter Blues Party has been cancelled which means we have to continue with our winter blues, I signed up for the Caption. If you are a writer I suggest you join an association. I belong to both the Crime Writers of Canada and the Sisters in Crime, here in Toronto and the U.S.A. It appears that all the meetings I have attended lately is in the States. I won't be sharing what I learn tomorrow because if you are a writer than you should sign up for it. What I will be sharing in future is anything that may benefit you in your journey as a writer. At writer events I have a lot of hopeful writers come to my table for tips. What I usually say is write, write, write. Just start and continue. I accomplished a lot and am seeing more than a dent as it comes to my taxes. In this new year I am hoping to once again keep on top which should be easier. Once I finish everything, I want to continue writing. In the mean time, attending book events where I can sell my books is a priority. So let me know if you know of anything. I want to get more serious about this.
Utilizing a Therapeutic Apology to Repair Family Relationships by Drs Sabey and Scott (Emotion Focused) Notes AAMFT
Move your body, feel your strength. Caregivers - what they need then and what are you working to change now? Invite the child to share about your experience either today, next week or a year from now. Want the conversation to continue. It can be a big point or a small one. Parents narcistic - this presentation is for parents who are willing to proceed. This is for parents who want to apologize. Use the empty chair ( I have used this numerous times) Have a parent do a try run of what they will tell their child. I have used it mainly for clients to talk to an empty chair and imagine their parent etc....that they want to express themselves to, their hurt etc......I have also suggested that they used the empty chair to pretend they are talking to me, if I wasn't readily available and there was no danger. Anyhow, back to the presentation, have the parent practice talking to the chair as a practice of what they will say to their child. How will the parent apologise?
I have been talking to you for quite a few years now. When my notes are short, it is mainly because I have talked to you about it some time in the past. If it is boring for me, it may be, because it has become redundant. I need new updated information, which is not always available, for certain fields. The data is there and it is changed a bit and called something else. This is why I needed a variety of interests and explorations for when I practiced. There is still lots to provide you from my notes. I did watch some interesting programs and tomorrow I will probably post one. Thank you for reading my blogs. I am still working on my taxes. Don't forget if you want to ask a question, do so here and I shall reply. What do you think? Oh - our winter's blue party was cancelled, due to our storm. I find that funny.
Monday, 26 January 2026
Friday, 23 January 2026
For Love of Country - Military Policewoman
Thoughts of the Week - Baby it is COLD outside
I have decided that I shall not touch the outside until I can stay outside more than 5min without frost bite. Functions are already being cancelled. I am ok with that. I am so glad that I have a shovelling service. I am certainly getting my money's worth. This morning I attended a Physician's Education Resource webinar held in Las Vegas - Improving Disease Remission inflammatory Bowel Disease. After the session, I sent them an email that I have retired as a Psychotherapist. I don't know how I got on their list but just so everyone knows I am not a physician. This was the second one I attended and I must admit I found it very interesting. I even did their little quiz, though I didn't submit it because I am not a physician and I did quite well. I have also finalized, did all the paper work and paid for the Word On The Street. That will be held during the end of September and will give you more information later. I still have not received the video from Uof T, but they did have 5000 of us attending, all alumni and from all over the world. So they have to edit the video before releasing it. I still have my desk on the main floor which I am donating as well as a worn out, decrepted one my parents bought me from Walmart. That is too hard to throw out because I remember how happy they were to surprise me with it. Perhaps I can make it look better somehow. I have offered the nice expensive desk to the Legion and if they don't come and pick it up this month, anyone else can have it. If you are interested, let me know. It would have to be a charity organization and not be sold for money. I was pleased to see that the Drug man, Weddings has been arrested. Our RCMP was at the site down South with other agencies. I have to admit, I would have preferred to just listen to the Police and FBI agents without the Director going on about Trump. He should have worn a Trump Jersey (sorry but I do need a break from the fan club). I actually wish I was down South at this moment, but my budget and car does not permit it. I have nothing against Americans. I have worked along side their military and do hope that we can all move on eventually. Will we be able to salvage our relationship? I think we can to some degree, unless this goes even further. He really needs to stop his rhetoric. He does not want us as the 51 State, because he would only get 15% of the vote which is peanuts and we of course would vote him out. Anyhow, if I had the budget, I would certainly be down South. Sorry! Heat beseaches me. My favourite places in the World is New York City and Disney World and that has not changed. Next week I am hoping to finish my taxes of last year for my tax guy. If I hadn't retired there was no way I would have been prepared, because of all the requests at the start of the new year. It feels good that all that is over. I felt that our college was micro managing and after all these years it became tiresome. I understand that their model is not being recommended to other provinces. I concur. I agree that the public needs to be protected. Perhaps there should be a course mandated for that. And now I just want to get a heads up for the best scones I have had in quite a while. I had a visitor (because I won't go out) and he brought scones, which I kept. Normally, I am more polite, but these were just so good. He told me it was from the Soverign Cafe at 1359 Davenport, South East of Davenport. I will certainly be checking it out. It looks tiny on the internet. Anyhow, have a good weekend. I am hoping to accomplish a lot next week except for one day at an already paid function, unless they re-schedule (Winter blues). Do not hesitate to ever ask a question. Check out my own websites. Bye world.
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Ok, I will be at Word on The Street and I will continue with my American Association
Well, I will be at Word On The Street. I will be sharing a table but that is ok. So, I want to be organized completely by then. I shall keep you briefed.
I have also decided to continue with my Association with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. I simply could not give them up, because they were the first Association I joined while still in school. They are having a Conference in Atlanta, but there is no way my car can endure the trip and I don't fly. I will now be on a budget so I have to determine how far my buck will fly. This first year will be an experiment for me. I already gave up donating to one hospital in Quebec, but I don't feel bad about that because I was asked to join a campaign where I could win a prize, but when I tried I was informed that since I am not living in Quebec, I am not qualified to win a prize. Really? I was then told that they get donations all over the world. So, you see, why should I continue donating? Bye bye Quebec. Not only are you losing doctors, hey.............Anyhow. I am saving a few bucks. So, I will continue to decide should I leave or should I stay?
This week will be spent socializing and trying to find time to continue working on my taxes. So, if I return this week, it will be to show you more pictures of the Montgomery Place. Or, I will get the video
on "Defying Dementia" which I encourage you to watch.
Til then, mon ami......bye bye......
Will I be at Word on The Street? OPP under fire for comments at a sexual assault course. Oh boy.
I just got approved to be at Word On The Street once again this year. I am now pondering if I want to pay the $800.00. I've been a regular since I wrote my first book. I replied stating I was hoping to pay less. This year I asked for a micro table which means half of the regular table and willingness to share with another author. I have to think about this. This is where my readers usually find me. Wish me luck.
Last night on the news the Ontario Provincial Police was under fire. There were three comments from Officers which upset the speaker, a survivor of sexual assault. I was surprised because I attended a three day sexual assault course held by an OPP female Officer. She was fantastic. The first speaker was a survivor who told us of her sexual assault experiences, to prepare us for what we were going to hear. The survivor had reported to the OPP Officer of her assault and she said she was able to relate her story to her because she never once looked at her watch. I penetrated that statement into the crevice of my brain. I have probably told that story here somewhere or not, but I think it is time to share it again because of the news last night. This woman on our first day stood at the front of the class room facing us as she told us of her father and brother sexually assaulting her until she was old enough to leave. After the report and the investigation began, her mother told her daughter that she had brought shame to her family and shut the door on her. At the time, I felt so bad for this courageous woman. I was also acutely aware that the OPP police woman never looked at her watch and this was important to the survivor. She was more important than the time. The survivor was thanked by the Officer and provided with a gift which is the norm for speakers. The three days consisted of more speakers from various communities and problem solving from various organizations. The purpose aside from educating us and watching bonched interviews was so we could return to our places of work and co-ordinate the same. At the end of the three days we provided our assessment. From what I can determine, the OPP sexual assault Course on last night's news condemned the written comments from a survior of sexual assault. My first question was why on earth did the survivor read these comments. One of the comments was that the survivor suffered trauma, was broken, and need to see a Psychologist. Police Officers are not therapists. My training consisted of three years of psychology at a Bachelar level. Another two years of a Masters program in Ministry and Spirituality combined with three years of Pastoral Counselling, one summer unit of Chaplaincy and an internship at a hospital working with People suffering from Aids, cancer and Palitive care. To say the least, I had an intense and extensive education, a far cry from a few weeks of this sexual assault training. The Police are not therapists or counsellors. They are hired to protect the public and enforce the law by charging people within a Judicial System. I remember how in my own training, I was made aware of how my feelings and mood could change within a day depending what was going on in our courses and field of studies. I had to consistenly learn what my biases were and was trained to separate biases from my decision making. I do not blame the OPP Officers who made the comments. I blame their instructors and managment. Last night news bashed the Officers and it was demanded that these Officers were to be terminated from working with sexual assault survivors. I disagree. It was brave whether right or wrong for these Officers to record what they thought. This is how they learn. Another thing that was drilled into us was that people are not cars. They are not broken etc.......We learned proper terminology and remember what is proper one time is not in another time and I have seen this over and over again through three different careers where everyone tries to get it right and not offend. It is not appropriate for survivors to read what is written about them from students trying to learn. A few weeks of intense learning simply is not enough and if it has to be, it has to be done right. What made our course work is that the survivor was there with the Officer who had been with her from the beginning. They had a rapport. There was respect. We did write a review at the end of the three days but it wasn't to be seen by anyone outside the OPP Office. In this situation, if it was leaked than heads should roll because confidentiality is always important so people can be corrected with an explaination. What was gleaned from a few, may have been the sentiment of others, but after this, Officers may be afraid to speak their minds and then how can they learn, if they are shamed into silence. This also isn't fair to the survivor since she is trying to be helpful and then felt judged. I think that a debriefing here is required for all the Officers. People come to their employment with a variety of experiences, some horrific, some with love. Biases is included in that and in particular jobs they need to not only learn what is acceptable but recognize biases and limitations of their knowledge by asking questions, so biases can be addressed. Biases is something I have always thought of throughout the years because of my training. What do you think?
Monday, 19 January 2026
Shame: Mirror Mirror Upon Thy Face: Who is to blame for Thy Shame? by Rehema Nyambura Gathumbi, MA-MFT. (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) High shame is linked to complicated grief and depression. Emotional Safety is important in a child. When bullied at school and fighting at home, they believe they are the problem. If relationships are strained over and over, we come to believe that we are not loveable. Strained connection > shame>strained connection. Trauma is the root beneath the shame. Shame begins as survival and ends as imprisonment. Shame distorts self-identity. Shame shifts. A person may not know they are suffering from shame. Infidelity - partners mirror resolved shame. Sees with other - feels seen and cared for. Look at history and will find shame. What is it about communication that causes the problem? Is shame there? In Africa there is about a billion people; many languages. How does language perpetuate shame? In Kenya, men do not cook. People would say, how can you do that? It’s for women - shame. Shame can block therapy. In therapy, “What is going on that you need to be seen in a certain way?” Mindfulness revives the brain. Stress reduces cortisol and activates parasympathetic system. Builds self compassion, shifts inner dialogue from shame to self criticism to acceptance. Shame can lead to avoidance. Ask a male client, “What does an identity of a man look like?” re: physical activity, recurring sport projects. I have worked a lot with shame, especially when it came to child sexual abuse. The child who became an adult came to believe that the responsibility was theirs as a child which at times was re-enforced by ignorant adults in their lives. Believe your child and let the authorities deal with it. (notes)
High shame is linked to complicated grief and depression. Emotional Safety is important in a child. When bullied at school and fighting at home, they believe they are the problem. If relationships are strained over and over, we come to believe that we are not loveable. Strained connection > shame>strained connection. Trauma is the root beneath the shame. Shame begins as survival and ends as imprisonment. Shame distorts self-identity. Shame shifts. A person may not know they are suffering from shame. Infidelity - partners mirror resolved shame. Sees with other - feels seen and cared for. Look at history and will find shame. What is it about communication that causes the problem? Is shame there? In Africa there is about a billion people; many languages. How does language perpetuate shame? In Kenya, men do not cook. People would say, how can you do that? It’s for women - shame. Shame can block therapy. In therapy, “What is going on that you need to be seen in a certain way?”
Mindfulness revives the brain. Stress reduces cortisol and activates parasympathetic system. Builds self compassion, shifts inner dialogue from shame to self criticism to acceptance. Shame can lead to avoidance. Ask a male client, “What does an identity of a man look like?” re: physical activity, recurring sport projects.
I have worked a lot with shame, especially when it came to child sexual abuse. The child who became an adult came to believe that the responsibility was theirs as a child which at times was re-enforced by ignorant adults in their lives. Believe your child and let the authorities deal with it.
I believe I have the slides and if you have questions please feel free to ask.
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Snow Day!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Defying Dementia
I just finished attending the webinar and I shall be getting the video when it is released. So, rather than providing you with my notes, I'll do better and post it as soon as I get it. I suggest you watch it because it is very informative. There were 5000 of us from around the world in attendance. This was the most attending from any seminar/conference I've been at. We are all alumni and that is satisfying. Good night world.
Working With Minors in Outpatient Eating Disorders by Jennifer Kendrick, MSSW, MFT
The focus here in particular was with blended and/or high-conflict families. I do have the slides so if you have questions, just ask. Kentucky doesn’t have an Eating Disorder Clinic (terrible, we are so lucky). Children are not included in meetings with care givers because it may induce more stress. It is important for everyone to be on the same page. Family based training should be implemented. Being able to move appropriately rather than BMI. Questions: How does it hungry feel like? How does feeling full feel like?
Next Shame
Saturday, 10 January 2026
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Defy Dementia - I will be attending on line
Julia Knapp
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
University of Toronto
invites University of Toronto alumni and friends to a reception and panel discussion on
Defy Dementia
with presenter and moderator
Dr. Allison Sekuler
Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience
President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation
Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto
Co-host of the Defy Dementia podcast
Join us for an inspiring evening where world-class researchers and clinicians break down the latest science on reducing your risk for dementia and keeping your mind strong for life. Expect an uplifting, myth-busting conversation about aging and the steps that anyone can take to reduce their risk through lifestyle factors like cognitive engagement, exercise, stress management, and sleep.
This event is in partnership with Baycrest, affiliated with the University of Toronto, and features insights from the Defy Dementia podcast — a Baycrest-produced series dedicated to empowering listeners with expert advice and practical strategies to reduce dementia risk.
Presenter and Moderator
Dr. Allison Sekuler (FSEP, FPsyS, FAPS) is the Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and President and Chief Scientist of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), and President and Chief Scientist of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).
A graduate of Pomona College (BA, Mathematics and Psychology) and the University of California, Berkeley (PhD, Psychology), Dr. Sekuler holds faculty positions in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto (Professor) and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University (Professor Emeritus).
Her research uses behavioural and neuroimaging approaches to understand how the brain processes visual information, with specific interests in face perception, motion processing, perceptual learning, neural plasticity, aging, and neurotechnology. Her research group was the first to show conclusively that older brains “rewire” themselves to compensate for functional changes, and her clinical and translational research aims to develop methods to prevent, detect, and treat age-related sensory and cognitive decline.
She has scientific and industry collaborations across North America, the EU, and Asia, and her work has been published in leading international journals, including Nature, Current Biology, and the Journal of Neuroscience. She chairs the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council’s Public Impact Value Proposition Committee and the Ontario Hospital Association Research & Innovation Committee; serves on the governing and advisory boards including Hamilton Health Sciences, the Connected Minds CFREF, and the Centre for AI and Society; and is a founding steering committee member of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.
She also is a longstanding and passionate supporter of research communication and public outreach, and a sought-after speaker, Webby-nominated podcaster, and commentator in national and international media. Co-founder of FoVea (Females of Vision et al.), an international organization to advance women in vision science, co-founder of the Ontario Hospital Association’s Research and Innovation Anti-Racism Taskforce, and official Ally in the Canadian Black Scientists Network, Dr. Sekuler is a highly respected advocate for women and under-represented groups in science, engineering, and technology. Dr. Sekuler has won numerous national and international awards for research, teaching, and leadership, including serving as the country’s first Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and being named one of WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada twice (2019, 2024).
Internationally, Dr. Sekuler has played a key role in advancing innovation and equity. During a recent mission to Thailand, she moderated the "Supporting Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship" panel, highlighting global strategies for inclusivity in STEM. She continues to represent Baycrest in its active collaboration with Aspen Tree Communities, with whom Baycrest is partnering to shape a model of healthy aging through cognitive health and dementia prevention. Dr. Sekuler also participated and led expert panels and public forums focused on Baycrest Academy’s Defy Dementia initiative, sharing insights on brain health and aging in international settings.
In her spare time, she proves that you’re never too old to learn: She picked up her first drumsticks a few years ago, joined a band, and recently earned her Drum Professional Certificate from Berklee College of Music.
Panelists
Dr. Tricia Woo is a geriatrician and professor of medicine at McMaster University, and a member of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research at McMaster and Hamilton Health Sciences. She completed her medical school and geriatric medicine residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Woo sees patients and their families who have been referred to her clinic by their primary care providers. She counsels people after they have received a diagnosis of dementia, advising them on their diagnosis, their prognosis, and how to slow the progression of the disease. She also talks to family members about their own genetic risk, advises them on whether or not they should take a genetic test, and helps them interpret the results.
Saiesha Aadhithan is a dedicated and thoughtful professional with a strong blend of scientific insight and technical skill. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology, where she developed a deep appreciation for understanding human behaviour and cognition. She currently works as an IT Apple Technician at Scotiabank, known for her patient, solutions-driven approach and ability to excel in fast-paced technical environments.
Raised in a close-knit family, Saiesha’s upbringing was deeply shaped by the guidance and love of her grandparents, who played an integral role throughout her life. Their influence instilled in her values of empathy, gratitude, and resilience—qualities she carries into everything she does.
Outside of work, she loves traveling, exploring new cultures, and finding inspiration through music and dance, creative outlets that bring balance and joy to her life.
Driven by curiosity and continuous growth, Saiesha brings authenticity, professionalism, and heart to every space she’s part of.
Have questions about this event?
Contact DUA Events at dua.events@utoronto.ca
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
MAID - What a cheap cop out for this psychiatrist. (A medical doctor with three years of psychology)
Excerpt from a House of Commons speech by B.C. Conservative MP Tamara Jansen laying out the “impossible paradox” of MAiD if her Bill C-218 isn’t passed.
Mr. Speaker, I want the members to imagine someone's son. He is in his forties and life has worn him down. He lives with a painful illness that leaves him sick, exhausted and often unable to leave the house. On top of that, he struggles with addictions, depression and anxiety, which have taken more from him than anyone can see from the outside. Some days, he can barely hold it together. He relies on his family for a place to live, food and help getting through the week. They are doing their best, and he is doing his best, but the weight of it is crushing.
One day, he finally meets a psychiatrist. He goes, hoping this might finally be the start of real help. His addictions still have not been treated, and his mental health care has not truly begun. He is vulnerable, scared and hanging on by a thread.
Instead of being offered a plan to get him stable, MAiD is raised as an option. The assessment moves ahead, and before he ever receives proper support for his mental health or addictions, he is approved. His MAiD provider drives him to the place where his life is ended. This is someone's son who needed help, not a final exit.
Believe it or not, this happened here in Canada, and this is where we are headed if we do not act. Unless Parliament chooses a different path, Canada will allow MAiD for people whose only condition is mental illness. Men and women struggling with depression, trauma or overwhelming psychological pain could be steered toward death by a system that too often cannot offer timely treatment, consistent follow-up or even basic support. This is why I brought forward Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act. It is simple. It asks Parliament to stop, consider what we have learned, and act responsibly before people are irretrievably harmed.
My grandparents immigrated here after World War II with very little. They chose Canada because it was a place where people had endless opportunities to better themselves, where neighbours watched out for each other and communities worked in unison to make a better life for all. They built a Canada where the vulnerable were cared for and the less privileged in society were valued and treated with equal care. Those fundamental values attracted millions of immigrants over the years.
Today, many Canadians fear we are losing those values. Canadians remain some of the most compassionate people, but our system is overwhelmed, stretched thin and unable to meet the needs of suffering people.
When people fall through the cracks, the easy temptation is to accept that failure is inevitable. When that happens, people facing mental illness can end up alone, waiting months, sometimes years, for specialized treatment. When help does not come, they lose hope. That moment of hopelessness should never be an opportunity for the State to end their lives through MAID.
When the House last debated MAID, mental illness was not part of the core discussion. It was added in a last-minute Senate amendment to Bill C-7. The implications were not fully understood by the House.
Psychiatrists across Canada, including chairs of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, (tell) us plainly there is no reliable way to predict when a mental illness is irremediable, which is a requirement in the MAiD law. People get worse, but they also get better, and most do. No test, scan or clinical tool can reliably tell us someone will never recover. All people deserve the opportunity to get better. No one should be encouraged to give up on themselves.
As legislators, we need to listen to what so many medical professionals are telling us, which is how hard it is to distinguish between suicidal ideation and MAiD…. If MAiD is expanded, we will be forced into an impossible paradox. A suicidal person calling a crisis line is urged to hold on. Yet if they request MAID, that same despair may be treated as justification for death. This is why Bill C-218 is necessary. I urge every member in the House to support (it) so Canada remains a nation that protects the vulnerable, offers treatment before despair and gives every person the chance to recover. Let us take this responsibility seriously.
Monday, 5 January 2026
Preparing for AI: The Blessings and the Curses plus what I am doing
One of the topics which we are not allowed to share was about Romantic Relationships with AI. At that point I stopped taking notes on the topic because I didn’t want to breach confidentiality. However, guess what was on the news in Canada? Yup, a marriage in Tokyo between AI Chat and a woman. She had fallen in love. I consider an official marriage between AI and a live person void. I also think that it should not be encouraged and illegal. The rest of the lecture was quite boring which is why I am not revealing the speaker or university. It was/is too basic.
My next book will be a fictional mystery about AI. Of course I have to get my house in order. At the moment I am dismantling my practice with mixed feelings. I did love my work but I also needed something new. I no longer had time to do all I needed to do. People I know have wasted no time to invite me to new volunteer positions, while I am still trying to step down from what I am involved in now. Any offers would have to really excite me but for now, I need to get my paperwork in order, as well as prepare my taxes which will take some time since I am way behind.
I wish the world a Happy New Year. I shall miss taking down my lights and Christmas tree. I have until the 6th and then, much too soon it seems, I shall close down that as well. That shall delay me more, but that is ok. Balance………..
What do you think?











