Nancy Michel
The High Cost of Disconnection
An attractive 16 year old girl was describing how hard it was for her to go to school each day. She complained that while she had two friends at school, neither was in any of her classes. I suggested that...
My Child Won’t Listen
Parents often complain that their children "do not listen" and that is frequently a concern parents describe when they visit a child psychologist. When I met the parents of six year old Charlotte, they described daily power struggles over routine...
Caught in the Middle: Supporting the Child Through Parental Divorce
Last week I learned that a young couple I know had recently separated. I remembered their wedding and the promising future they imagined together. I don't know the circumstances of their separation but I do hope that they have tried...
ADHD in 2014
Most people have some understanding of what is meant by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, some may not realize that this diagnosis relies on specific criteria and needs to be made by a medical expert- a doctor or psychologist....
I Just Can’t Stop It
Eight year old Matthew, a handsome youngster in a Canucks jersey, appeared alert and polite, albeit a little anxious, when I greeted him in my waiting room. After settling Matthew into a drawing activity, I interviewed his parents regarding their...
You Too Can Help
A child's accommodation to parental divorce is influenced by his experiences at the time of separation. While most parents acknowledge concern for their children in the face of parental separation, many are nevertheless limited in their abilities to clearly understand...
Back-to-School Anxiety
While approaching a new school year is exciting for most children, others anticipate a new grade, a new classroom, and a new teacher with mounting anxiety, even dread. Research shows that some children are biologically predisposed to resist change and...
A Resolution for My Dad
Toby looked quizzically at his father, who paused as he considered the question his own sister, Toby’s aunt, had just posed. What was his New Year’s Resolution going to be? Toby’s own resolution had been easy- to continue in his...
Interview with a Child Psychologist
Longtime child and family psychologist, Nancy Michel, is interviewed here by psychologist, Simon Hearn. Simon: How did you get into working with children and families? Nancy: I've always enjoyed working with children. I find them intriguing. As a psychologist, it's...
