Pain, suffering, loss, disappointment, anger, heartache, hopelessness, fear, sadness. These are all universal human experiences; they show up on the "difficult" side of the coin that is human existence; while joy, happiness, and vitality lie on the other side. While we cannot get rid of our painful thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations and urges, we can learn new ways to relate and respond to them, enabling us to live by our values and build a meaningful life full of vitality and fulfillment. This is my commitment to you as a Psychologist and fellow Human Being - to help you learn the vital and effective skills for building a better, more meaningful life and healthy, fulfilling relationships no matter what suffering and pain you have encountered along the way and that you are struggling with today.
Shanika Fridhandler, Registered Psychologist
Hi there and Welcome! My name is Shanika (rhymes with Monica!) and I'm so glad that you found my website! I am a Registered Psychologist and have been working in the field for over 16 years. Just as importantly, I am also a mother, spouse, daughter, sister, friend, and most basically, a human being, who also encounters pain and suffering now and then and faces struggles in life. Our struggles may be different, but we all share this in common. In other words, you are not alone! Experiencing difficult feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, and fear; and having unhelpful or painful thoughts is part of what makes us human. Sure, this is not a very enjoyable part of life or something we asked for, but nevertheless it is here.
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If you're noticing that your struggles are overwhelming and pulling you away from who and what matters most to you in life, then you've come to the right place. I would be honored to have the opportunity to work with you to assist you in learning new ways to handle and respond to these difficult experiences when they show up. Whether you are experiencing parenting challenges, relationship issues, past trauma, life stress, anxiety, depression, struggles with self-esteem, etc., our aim in working together will be to help you build healthy, fulfilling relationships and a life that is full of meaning and vitality.
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Shanika
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With over 12 years working as a psychologist in school-based mental health, I have extensive experience supporting children and adolescents struggling in school due to socio-emotional, mental health, and/or learning challenges. In my experience, it is also vital to provide support and consultation to the parents and teachers supporting these young people. If you and your child are facing these struggles, I can support you through this and also consult with your child's school/teachers.