Forward Thinking Psychological Services

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Toronto, ON
Forward Thinking Psychological Services

Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff & her team of licensed healthcare professionals can help you develop the sk

We opened our virtual doors in July 2020. Our team is a collaborative multidisciplinary practice. We have psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and psychotherapists. We specialize in the treatment of OCD and related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, relational issues and life transitions. Our associates focus on the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy, and in treating youth, adults, couples, and families. We also deliver and integrate acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour behaviour therapy, mindfulness and more! The purpose of our page is to provide you with valuable information that will help you better understand issues related to your own mental health or that of a loved one. We welcome suggestions regarding information you might want to learn about, either on this forum or through our other social media outlets. Please connect with us at any time. We hope to work with you and help you move forward with the life you want!
in the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy, and in treating youth, adults, couples, and families. We also deliver and integrate acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour behaviour therapy, mindfulness and more! The purpose of our page is to provide you with valuable information that will help you better understand issues related to your own mental health or that of a loved one. We welcome suggestions regarding information you might want to learn about, either on this forum or through our other social media outlets. Please connect with us at any time. We hope to work with you and help you move forward with the life you want!

09/26/2025

Supporting a Teen Who’s Stressed or Anxious

When your teen is overwhelmed, saying “Don’t worry” often misses the mark. It can make them feel brushed off or misunderstood, when what they really need is to feel heard, supported, and not alone.

Instead of quick reassurances, try calm words that show you get it and are there to help them cope. Even small shifts, like listening, validating their feelings, or encouraging simple calming steps, can make a big difference.

And if anxiety starts getting in the way of school, friendships, or daily life, that’s a sign that extra support may help.

Your words matter more than you think.

09/12/2025

Heading back to university? You’re not alone if the thought feels heavy.
Starting a new school year can bring fresh excitement, and real stress. From anxiety and burnout to feeling overwhelmed, many students face tough mental health challenges that go beyond just coursework.

In our newest blog, we explore how academic pressure affects students’ wellbeing, and why reaching out for understanding and support early makes a difference.

If the start of the semester has you feeling off-balance, you deserve help, and there are tools that can help you thrive, not just get by.

Read more here: https://www.ftpsych.ca/2025/09/01/back-to-university-supporting-university-student-stress-and-improving-mental-health/

09/04/2025

School Refusal in Teens: What Parents Need to Know

School refusal isn’t just “not wanting to go to school.” It’s often rooted in anxiety, stress, or emotional distress, and it can be overwhelming for both teens and parents.

Here’s what you should know:
👉 What school refusal really is
👉 Signs to look out for
👉 Why it happens
👉 How parents can help at home
👉 When it’s time to seek professional support

Remember: school refusal is not “just a phase.” With understanding, consistent strategies, and the right support, teens can return to learning and thriving.

If you’re concerned about your teen, we’re here to help. Reach out today.

08/15/2025

Anxiety doesn’t always show up as panic attacks.
It can quietly weave into your days, making small tasks feel big, decisions exhausting, and your mind constantly “on.”

The good news? You can learn to notice the signs and calm your system when anxiety tries to take the wheel.

Swipe through for:
💡 Everyday signs you might be experiencing anxiety
🧠 Why your brain reacts this way
🛠 Grounding tools you can start using today

You don’t have to push through alone; small steps toward support can make a big difference.

08/13/2025

Why schoolwork can be so hard, even for motivated students.

For many teens, executive functioning skills, like planning, managing time, and holding information in mind, are the silent forces behind academic success. When these skills lag, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, or like a personal failure.

In our latest blog, we break down:
- What executive functioning really means
- How struggles with it affect learning and well-being
- Ways that assessments and support strategies can make a big difference

If keeping up with school feels harder than it should, you're not alone. There are tools and understanding waiting to help.

Read the full article here: https://www.ftpsych.ca/2025/08/09/the-impact-of-executive-functioning-challenges-on-academic-success/

08/08/2025

How to Support Your loved one with OCD - Without Feeding the Cycle

When your loved one is in distress, it’s natural to want to help them feel better, especially when they’re struggling with OCD.

But sometimes, the very things that feel supportive, like offering reassurance, answering repeated questions, or helping them avoid triggers, can accidentally strengthen the OCD cycle.

This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re human. And the good news? There is a way to support your loved one with empathy and effectiveness.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent coaching helps you:
- Understand the OCD cycle and how to respond to it calmly
- Learn how to reduce reassurance without damaging trust
- Support your loved ones’ long-term healing without getting stuck in the moment’s anxiety

💡 Try this shift:
Instead of: “It’s okay, you’re definitely clean.”
Try: “I know this feels hard. I believe you can sit with the discomfort for a moment.”

You’re not alone in this. With the right tools, parents can become powerful partners in their loved one's recovery.

🧠 Want to learn more about parent coaching or treatment for OCD? We’re here to help.
📩 DM us or visit our site to get started.
🗨️ Have you ever felt unsure how to help your loved on through anxiety or OCD? You’re not alone, share below or reach out.

08/05/2025

How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Family ... Without the Guilt

Setting boundaries with family isn’t easy, especially when you care deeply about them. But protecting your mental and emotional space doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a healthier one.

You don’t need to argue, explain yourself over and over, or feel guilty for saying “no.” You deserve respect, rest, and space, just like anyone else.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple ways to begin setting boundaries that feel right for you.

💬 Which one feels the hardest for you to practice?

08/01/2025

Adult Autism and Masking: The Mental Health Toll of Camouflaging

Why masking isn't just "fitting in".
For many autistic adults, masking is a daily survival strategy; smiling, mimicking, or suppressing natural responses to appear "typical". But over time, this comes at a serious emotional cost.

In our latest blog, we explore how masking impacts mental health, why many adults may not even realize they’re doing it, and what support can look like.

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.ftpsych.ca/2025/07/17/adult-autism-and-masking-the-mental-health-toll-of-camouflaging/

07/28/2025

Communication Skills for Healthier Relationships

Strong relationships aren’t built on mind-reading or winning arguments; they’re built on understanding. Whether it’s with a partner, friend, teen, or parent, how we speak and listen to each other matters.

Here are a few communication strategies that can help you feel more heard, and help others to feel safe opening up.

It’s okay if this takes practice. Small changes can make a big difference.

07/21/2025

We are proud to be celebrating our 5th anniversary.

What a wonderful journey! It has been such a pleasure to grow Forward Thinking Psychological Services over the past 5 years. A true honour and privilege to work with such a wonderful team. Thank you to our clients for your ongoing trust and to our team for their ongoing dedication and skill.

07/02/2025

5 Truths About OCD Doubt You Might Not Know

OCD is often misunderstood as being just about rituals, but at its core, it’s deeply rooted in doubt and imagined fears. If you've ever felt like your worries feel real but don’t make sense, you're not alone.

Here are 5 truths that can help shift how you see your OCD—and give you hope for a different kind of treatment.

📌 If traditional ERP hasn’t worked for you, there are other options. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that targets the why behind your thoughts—not just the behaviors that follow.

Swipe through (or scroll down) to learn more.
And if any of this sounds familiar, we’re here to help. Online therapy available in ON, NS, NB & BC.

07/01/2025

Happy Canada Day from Forward Thinking Psychological Services

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Toronto, ON

Website

https://ftpsych.ca/

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