Claim OwnershipTaking Good Care Podcast
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© Dr. Andrew H.C. Wong & Dr. David St. Arnault 2025
Description
In each weekly episode of the Taking Good Care Podcast, two practicing psychologists share real stories, unpack important topics in psychology, and invite guests with different expertise to offer their insights. Whether you’re in the mental health field or just curious, we aim to educate, entertain, and raise awareness about the many facets of psychological well-being. The hope is that you will walk away feeling a little more informed, a bit more connected, and maybe even inspired to take better care of yourself and those around you—with a few laughs along the way.
Dr. Andrew H.C. Wong, C. Psych. - https://www.awongpsych.com/ (IG @dr.awongpsych)
Dr. David St. Arnault, R. Psych. - https://www.glenora.net/
takinggoodcarepodcast@gmail.com
48 Episodes
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Following last episode’s introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave take the conversation further with a deeper look at how ASD is actually diagnosed. In this episode, they explore the key factors and clinical variables that determine whether a child or adult meets the diagnostic criteria. Along the way, they discuss why diagnostic accuracy matters, what can happen when assessments miss the mark, and how clinicians can ensure individuals receive the most appropriate evaluation and care.Whether you’re a psychology student, a parent, a professional, or simply curious to learn more about ASD, this episode offers an insightful and accessible look at the complexities behind getting the diagnosis right.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodiversity are widely discussed, and at times politically charged topics in today’s cultural landscape. In this first installment of a special multi-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave take a thoughtful, in-depth look at ASD from multiple angles.Together, they explore the history of the diagnosis, unpack the diagnostic criteria, and examine ongoing debates surrounding prevalence and epidemiology. With clarity and balance, they address key controversies while grounding the conversation in research, clinical insight, and real-world experience.Whether you’re an emerging mental health professional, an educator, a parent, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of autism and neurodiversity, this episode lays an essential foundation you won’t want to miss.
What exactly does a pediatric occupational therapist do and how do they work alongside psychologists to support kids?In this episode of Taking Good Care, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave chat with Venita Rajput and Kassandra Rago, the co-founders of Mighty OT’s. They break down how occupational therapy supports developing children, covering everything from emotional regulation and sensory sensitivities to feeding struggles and day-to-day routines.It’s an insightful conversation about teamwork, child development, and helping families feel empowered every step of the way.You can find out more about Mighty OT's at www.mightyots.ca and you can also follow them on Instagram @mightyots
Student mental health is shaped by a network of influences including students themselves, caregivers, teachers, and school leaders. Everyone plays a vital role. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with veteran Toronto principal, Vince Galea, to explore how schools can better support student well-being. Together, they examine why resilience rarely develops in isolation and why a collective, community-based approach is essential. The conversation highlights the critical need to equip educators with practical tools and strategies, and underscores how fostering a positive, respectful school culture benefits not only students, but teachers as well.Vince Galea is very active on social media and can be found @thefriendlyprincipal on Instagram.
How much does culture influence what happens in therapy, often without us realizing it? In part two of this two part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive deeper into the powerful, and often overlooked, role culture plays in the therapy room. From therapists’ personal values and hidden biases to the messages conveyed by an office space, and even how clients choose their therapists, this episode offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at the therapeutic relationship. Through compelling personal stories and real-world insights, the psychologists reveal why cultural awareness isn’t optional - it is essential for meaningful, effective care.
Culture is everywhere! It shapes our beliefs, behaviours, and sense of self in ways we don’t always notice. In the first of this two-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave take a deep dive into what culture is and how it influences our psychological development. From early childhood experiences to navigating today’s political climate, they explore how cultural forces impact us all. Along the way, the conversation gets candid, as both psychologists reflect on their own biases and perspectives, setting the stage for part two’s discussion on culture in the therapy room.
Many men still hesitate to talk openly about their mental health, fearing they’ll be seen as “weak” or overly vulnerable. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist, Nathan Foerger, for an honest conversation about the transformative power of group therapy for men. Together, they explore what makes a strong therapeutic group: 1) compassionate leadership, 2) psychological safety, and 3) genuinely supportive peers. The discussion also unpacks some of the biggest challenges facing men today, including loneliness, lack of intimacy, and the pressure to live up to rigid societal expectations. This episode offers a powerful introduction to group therapy and a nuanced look at the realities of men’s mental health.
Taking Good Care has explored many approaches to therapy, from individuals and couples to children and adults. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into the world of family therapy.They discuss family systems theory and the skill it takes to understand the complex dynamics, disruptions, and culture within families. Insightful, practical, and engaging, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about family therapy or considering it for themselves or their family.
Disordered eating is a deeply complex mental health challenge and recovery is rarely one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave are joined by clinical psychologist, Dr. Daniel Rochman, for a thoughtful conversation on the many forces that shape eating disorders and their treatment. Together, they explore the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence healing, and why understanding the whole person matters. The episode also dives into mentalization as a powerful therapeutic tool, offering insight into how greater self-awareness and understanding of others can support recovery. Whether you’re a clinician, someone in recovery, or simply curious, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope.
To kick off the New Year, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into one of the most talked-about and controversial topics in modern psychology: artificial intelligence. As conversations around using AI in therapy continue to grow, opinions remain divided. Some clinicians view AI as a threat to traditional practice, while others see promising opportunities to support mental health and personal growth. In this episode, the doctors explore both the potential benefits and the ethical concerns surrounding AI-assisted therapy. As technology continues to evolve, so does the field of psychology and this thought-provoking, entertaining discussion is one you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re curious about innovative approaches to mental well-being.
As 2026 approaches, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down for an unscripted conversation about something we all have strong feelings about: New Year’s resolutions. Love them or avoid them, they’re hard to ignore. Together, they explore why the journey and process matters more than the end result, and how shifting your focus from perfection to progress can make all the difference. Along the way, familiar themes of self-compassion and resilience naturally surface. If you’re starting to think about the year ahead, or feeling unsure about how to approach it, this episode is a thoughtful and encouraging listen.
In part two of our conversation on the treatment of depression, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave welcome psychiatrist Dr. Michael Martyna back to the Taking Good Care podcast. Responding to listener requests, Dr. Martyna joins the discussion to explore novel and innovative approaches to treatment-resistant depression. Recent advances in science and technology have expanded the options available to clinicians, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other emerging therapies. If you’re interested in cutting-edge medical science or if you or someone you know is living with treatment-resistant depression, this episode is a must-listen.
A major topic in psychology that this podcast has not yet covered is depression. In the first of a two-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave finally dive in. The episode explores three key areas: how major depressive disorder is diagnosed, practical strategies that can help lift low mood in the short term, and ways to begin addressing the inner self-critic that so often stands in the way of recovery. Whether you are a psychology student or someone navigating depressive symptoms yourself, this is a thoughtful and practical conversation you won’t want to miss.
While the holidays are often filled with excitement and cheer, they can also be overwhelming or emotionally difficult. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into how communication, self-kindness, and clear boundaries can make this season more manageable. They talk openly about coping with grief, navigating loss, and supporting neurodivergent children who may struggle with sensory overload. Throughout the episode, they share helpful tools to care for your mental well-being. It’s a meaningful conversation you’ll want to tune into this season!
Borderline personality disorder is often viewed as one of the most challenging mental health conditions to understand and treat. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist Dr. Mark Nicoll for a compelling conversation that separates fact from myth when it comes to borderline personality disorder in adolescents and teens. Together, they explore intense emotions, turbulent relationships, self-harm, and the many experiences that shape this diagnosis. Most importantly, Dr. Nicoll offers a clear, practical introduction to mentalization-based treatment — an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is making a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.Here are some helpful resources:1) Expert Education Series - The Sashbear Foundation2) Mentalizing: What it is and How to Do it with Carla Sharp, Ph.D.3) FAMILY EDUCATION WORKSHOP VIDEOS | National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder
Many people experience addiction in silence, and while substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs are commonly recognized, they are far from the only forms addiction can take. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave break down the diverse pathways that can lead someone into addictive behaviours and discuss why the journey toward recovery is often so challenging. They also explore the mental health conditions that frequently occur alongside addiction, shedding light on how interconnected and complex these struggles can be.
Brain injury rehabilitation is anything but straightforward and often deeply challenging. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Dr. Martin Logan, a registered neuropsychologist with decades of experience supporting people recovering from traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Together, they dive into an insightful discussion about the profound changes individuals and their families face after injury, the remarkable power of neuroplasticity, and why having a sense of purpose can be a game-changer during recovery. If you’ve ever taken a hit to the head, even a mild one, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
After their eye-opening talk about trauma with Dr. Janice Dicks, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave are back to continue the conversation. In this episode, they break down what healing from trauma can look like in real life by sharing practical ways to support recovery, how children experience trauma differently, and the surprising ways people can grow stronger after trauma. It’s an honest and hopeful discussion about moving forward, finding meaning, and building resilience.
In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into one of their favorite therapeutic approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Building on the foundations of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, ACT helps clients learn to accept what is beyond their control while committing to meaningful actions that foster change. Join Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave as they unpack the six core processes that make up ACT and discuss why this evidence-based approach has become such a valuable part of their clinical practice.
Collaboration across disciplines is essential in psychological practice. This week, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Ms. Angèle Lamontagne Looy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), to explore her experiences working with children and adults in rural communities. Together, they discuss the wide-ranging impacts of speech and language challenges from stuttering and pronunciation difficulties to struggles with social communication, and how these issues can affect mental health when left unaddressed. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this conversation highlights the crucial role of early intervention and the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in supporting communication and well-being.Should you require additional SLP resources, please see below:Speech-Language & Audiology Canadahttps://www.sac-oac.ca/for-the-public/Alberta https://www.acslpa.ca/slp-information/https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=7406Private SLP services: https://asapp.caResources:https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Pages/communication.aspxhttps://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Pediatric-Rehabilitation/Pages/talk-box.aspxOntario https://www.caslpo.comhttps://www.firstwords.ca/blog
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