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Sometimes a real superhero lives in the heart of a child fighting a big battle

About

Dr. Dana David

Dr. David is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Her clinical practice areas and licensed competencies include clinical and school psychology as well as clinical neuropsychology with children and adolescents. She has been working in the field for over 20 years, providing therapy, assessment, and consultation.

 

Dr. David works with empathy, compassion, and self-described “realness” when supporting children and their parents in a methodical, individualized, and evidence-based manner. She strives to genuinely understand her clients as she creates an environment that allows them to feel safe and heard.

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Services

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”


- Madeleine L’Engle

How Can Dr. David Help?

Dr. David provides a range of services, which include individual therapy, multiple types of assessment, as well as consultation and professional development in different environments. She works towards uncovering "what is getting in the way" of a child's or adolescent's difficulties so that they develop the skills which allow them to personally recognize and demonstrate their true strengths to those around them with confidence and pride. Understanding how to use one's abilities to feel comfortable, empowered, and motivated leaves "the stuff getting in the way" to fade on the sidelines. 

ASSESSMENT

  • Psycho-Educational

  • Psychological

  • Neuropsychological

  • Gifted

  • Academic skills 

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Areas of Expertise Include:

  • Learning Disabilities (reading, written expression, mathematics)

  • Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Intellectual Disabilities 

  • Communication Disorders

Dr. David takes a multi-centered approach to assessment, reviewing medical and developmental information, school performance, teacher reports, mental health, as well as strengths and concerns from home and daily functioning. She has extensive experience with all learning disabilities, especially for children who are in multilingual home and/ or educational environments. With respect to brain injury and development, Dr. David has worked with children and adolescents presenting with conditions related to concussion, traumatic brain injury, leukemia, preterm birth, brain tumours, neurofibromatosis type 1, stroke, and other genetic, congenital and acquired medical conditions affecting brain development.

THERAPY

  • Individual therapy

  • Diagnostic assessment 

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Areas of Expertise Include: 

  • Anxiety

  • Perfectionism

  • Executive Functioning Skills

  • Attention

  • Social Skills

  • Managing Change

  • Self-Esteem

  • Understanding Learning Struggles

  • Specific Phobias

Dr. David primarily draws from a cognitive- behaviour therapy (CBT) approach that is creatively and playfully adapted to suit individual needs. With a developmental and systems theory foundation, multiple and interplaying factors are considered. Dr. David warmly allows her clients to feel safe, supported, and heard. ​

consultation

  • Parent

  • School

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Areas of Expertise Include:

  • Direction for "best next steps" to support a child

  • Understanding a child's diagnosis

  • Assistance with explaining a child's diagnosis to them

  • Developing a plan for support

  • Managing a child's ADHD

  • Psychological assessment review

  • Understanding a child's learning profile

  • School IEP Review

Parent consultation is often very helpful when there are concerns or questions regarding learning development, academic performance, behaviour, emotional skills, and social skills. Recommendations for home as well as tools to support the child and family are discussed and reviewed. Dr. David may also recommend a more comprehensive assessment with a psychologist or other regulated healthcare professional depending on the issues and history that are shared. Dr. David assists parents with reviewing school individual education plans and growth plans. She is available to speak with school staff and other healthcare professionals, when helpful. Parent consultation may also be a large part of therapy. Many parents/ caregivers find this to be very informative with respect to empowering their role in the home and relationship with family members. Establishing a balance between their needs and appreciating those of a child can strengthen these relationships, build trust, and lend to increased understanding, acceptance, and communication.

“What we see changes what we know.

What we know changes what we see.”

 

-Jean Piaget

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