Dr. Anita Federici, Clinical Psychologist

Monday is International Women's Day and I am working on a talk trying to describe how I got to where I am today. And I am struggling because that journey has been a long one with a million layers and many challenges! One of the layers of my journey has involved the mental health system. From the time I was a kid, learning second-hand about mistreatment of family members housed in dark and dingy wards to role as a psychologist and hearing stories like the one I shared in my... post today. In 40 years, why is there still so much judgement and misunderstanding in our field?! I need to say that I work with so many AMAZING teams, hospitals, community organizations who inspire me with their dedication, efforts to improve care, and compassion for their clients. So it is to all of us to create change. One of the themes for this year's International Women's Day is "choose to challenge". Do not be a passive observer. Stand up when you see judgement on your unit. Help your colleagues understand the neurobiological underpinnings of emotion regulation and chronic suicidal and self-injurious behaviour. It is crucial that our inpatient, day treatment, and emergency room settings do not invalidate a patient's life. #choosetochallenge - #internationalwomensday #mentalhealth #womensupportingwomen #womensmentalhealth #eatingdisorderawareness #borderlinepersonalitydisorderawareness #bpd #suicideprevention #traumarecovery #traumainformed #psychologistsofinstagram See more

As part of a large DBT project to redesign inpatient, day treatment, and outpatient programming at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, I provided a tailored DBT training to 23 psychiatrists. The implementation process relies on the involvement of all team members and managers. Treating complex and multi-diagnostic presentations requires teams to have a shared framework for understanding emotion regulation, self-control tendencies, and how behaviours that interfere with ...treatment delivery are managed. Over the last 8 months, we have developed DBT- informed and transdiagnostic adolescent and adult outpatient and day treatment streams. We are implementing the inpatient tracks this spring. Well done everyone! - #dbt #dbtskills #inpatient #hospital #mentalhealth #programdesign #personalitydisorder #eatingdisorders #depressionhelp #anxiety #ontario #psychologistsofinstagram See more

I am so proud and inspired by this team!!! Thank you all for your commitment and energy. Great retreat day!! Posted @withregram @centreforpsychandemotionreg A very rare photo of (almost) our entire team! This morning we had the opportunity to come together as a team to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead. Over the course of 2020, our team has grown, our reach (virtually) has grown, and the demand for services have grown, however our mission remains th...e same. We have worked hard to advance and further develop our three major treatment tracks, through continuous training and consultation. Each member of our team brings not only a solid understanding and expertise in these areas, but also a solid commitment to the work and to each other. The strength of our team helps to move our clinicians, the practice, and most importantly, our clients, forward. This morning our team members shared that they were feeling proud, grateful, connected, and inspired about the work they do, and the plans we have in place for 2021. We are excited about the programs we will be able to offer and we look forward to continuing our commitment to training, consultation, advocacy, and evidence-based treatment . . . #CentreForPsychAndEmotionReg #CPER #Teamwork #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #Therapy #Treatment #DBT #CBT #CPT #EDTreatment

Whatever is happening right now, whatever the pain, the grief, the conflict - let it come, let it wash over you, watch it change in intensity, and know that it will shift. Work on allowing instead of suppressing. Work on observing the feelings rather than amplifying or attaching to them. ... Work on not judging yourself or your experiences. And know that everything changes, even if it’s hard to see that right now. There is something better coming for you. - #letitcome #nonjudgement #bodypositivity #edrecovery #bpd #traumarecovery #selflovejourney #anorexiarecover #bulimiafighter

Thrilled to be giving this talk for @sashbearorg on March 31st. Given high rates of eating disorders among those with borderline personality disorder, this talk is designed for parents and caregivers who want to know more. I will address the following topics: - Common signs and symptoms of eating disorders - Current information on causes and maintaining factors... - Adapted biosocial theory for eating disorders - How an eating disorder impacts emotion regulation - Treatment options and pathways - Strategies and help for parents (e.g., validating without enabling the ED) During the last 15 minutes I will take questions from participants. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_cP8WE9tjRIWElSYtTUqecQ - #bpd #eatingdisorderawareness #anorexia #emotionregulation #bulimia #borderlinepersonalitydisorder #suicideprevention #edrecovery #psychologistsofinstagram See more