1. Why did you decide to become a child psychologist?
Well, initially, I thought I was going to be a physician. I enrolled in Natural Sciences at McMaster. Surprisingly, my first-year psychology course ended up being my highest grade, and come second year, I decided to major in Biology and Psychology. When I saw that my Psychology grades continued to be so much higher than my other courses, I started to think about psychology as a career, largely because I was good at it. After I graduated from undergraduate studies, however, I had second thoughts and actually wrote my GMAT, considering work in hospital administration. But, I didn’t think I had the business acumen to make that last, and I knew I wanted to be more hands on in a helping profession. So… I found my way back to clinical psychology. Shortly after I started my master’s degree, a friend of mine died tragically by gun violence, and it inspired my research efforts in community violence with marginalized youth. I made the decision to do my post graduate training in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis on normative development, so that I could focus my work in the child and adolescent population.
2. What motivated you to open Belfon Psychology & Associates?
The rationale was three-fold. At the time of the decision, I was working in a hospital setting as a frontline psychologist. Psychology in systems was really moving toward more of a consultative role. Although I value and see the importance in this, it meant that there was less room and opportunity for working directly with clients. I was beginning to miss working with clients and making a direct impact on their lives, and private practice was an opportunity for me to do so. Second, I was cognizant of the need to be authentic as a consultant to others – and without a community practice, it was hard to stay current with the field. And finally, having my own clinic, would allow me to practice in the way that I saw fit – without the constraints of systems and government funders who invariably influence the work. So, I drew up a business plan for private practice. And, one day, while my wife was looking at real estate on MLS.ca (a hobby of hers), a listing for an office space popped up, and within a few months I hung a shingle!
3. What is the one thing you would say to our children and youth about how to cope in these challenging times?
I would say to young people, “of course you are upset by what is happening around the world.” That is a normal reaction, to a very abnormal situation. And then I would tell parents, “don’t over-pathologize your kids right now”. They have suffered much loss (death, graduations, school, sports, social outings), they have COVID anxiety, and are facing and addressing racial injustice. These are adjustments we are all struggling with. Kids are more resilient than we think, and if we are willing to talk about these issues with them, and if we can find ways to help them stay safely connected to the things that they value during these difficult times, it will make things seem a little less scary.
4. What is your Favorite?
a. Music: The sweet sound of my daughter’s singing
b. Travel: Anywhere in Europe
c. Food: Oxtail
d. Sports Team: Raps!
e. Book: Reading the Harry Potter series with my son (the experience not the book)