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Autonomy vs. Automaticity: The Importance of Choice in Daily Routines

Much of daily life can be organized around the idea of automaticity . We’re encouraged to build habits so ingrained that we no longer need to think about them—wake up, brush teeth, answer emails, make dinner, repeat. Automaticity is often framed as efficiency: less effort, fewer decisions, and more productivity. But for many people, automaticity does not always create ease. In fact, it can quietly erode autonomy, increase internal resistance, and drain meaning from daily acti

Understanding Procrastination: What’s Beneath the Surface and How to Move Forward

Procrastination is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of motivation. But for most people, it’s not about being unwilling—it’s about being overwhelmed.  The moment you put something off, it can bring a mix of relief and guilt, but can make things feel more stressful as the deadline looms, or bring up feelings of shame for struggling to get to something that 'should' be easy, setting off a cycle that feels hard to break. From an occupational therapy and psychotherapy pers

What to Expect from Therapy: A Gentle Guide

Beginning therapy can feel like a mix of relief, hope, and uncertainty. Many people come into sessions with the wish that change will be...

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We acknowledge that the land on which we work and live is the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and is part of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant—an agreement to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

We recognize the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, and are committed to meaningful action in support of truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous sovereignty.

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