Dr.Peter Marshall has worked in the field of psychology for two decades either as a university instructor or a practicing clinician, and has also appeared on radio and television discussing his views on sexuality and assertiveness. Dr.Marshall has also as a member of the National Speakers Bureau, addressed audiences as the keynote speaker and other numerous public speaking engagements.

Directory of Topics

What's the Matter with Kids Today?

Work and Home: Two Jobs - No Life?

Smarter, Wiser, and Headed for Success

Fads, Theories, and the Realities of Education

Discipline and Self-Esteem

Raising Teenagers in the Nineties

The Sandwich Generation: The Challenge of Caring for Our Children and Our Parents

Working with the Learning Disabled Student

Surviving Stepfamilies Without a Fairy Godmother

From Socrates to Spock: Surviving the Child Care Experts

The Mental-Health Professional Disorder: No Laughing Matter?

Witnessing Spousal Violence: Impact, Causes, and Intervention

Resilience: Surviving Adversity and Trauma

The Impact of Television on Children: Risks and Benefits

What's the Matter with Kids Today?
Dr. Marshall reviews the bad press and alarming statistics that have led to the view that young people today are a lost generation. Refreshingly though, he also offers ample evidence that they are far more capable of meeting society's challenges than is often recognized. He also discusses how specific approaches to parenting and education contribute to the positive trends.

Work and Home: Two Jobs - No Life?
We live in an era of 'superparents' who are committed to both their careers and families. Balancing the demands of work and home, however, is no easy task. Parents want to be successful in their careers, but do their children lose out as a result? Dr. Marshall brings a practical, light-hearted approach to this subject matter, focusing on ways to balance and establish priorities so that all members of the family can emerge winners.

Smarter, Wiser, and Headed for Success
Contrary to what we often hear, there are many ways in which young people today are more highly educated and better prepared for the challenges of the working world than ever before. Dr. Marshall discusses how the ever-expanding role of teachers has played a major role in creating these positive but neglected trends.

Fads, Theories, and the Realities of Education
Throughout history education has been influenced by fads and theories, as well as by shifts in public opinion and political ideology. Dr. Marshall uses examples from the past as an introduction to addressing the critical issue that always faces those responsible for our school system - how to evaluate fashions and trends and determine if the decisions being made will enhance the quality of education.

Discipline and Self-Esteem
Teaching responsibility through effective discipline and helping children develop confidence and self-esteem are two of the most important tasks facing parents. Dr. Marshall offers guidance and suggestions that parents can apply with children of all ages.

Raising Teenagers in the Nineties
Addressing the many challenges that arise for both teenagers and their parents, Dr. Marshall provides practical advice to help everyone approach these difficult years with a sense of humour and a plan for success.

The Sandwich Generation: The Challenge of Caring for Our Children and Our Parents
The demographics are compelling--we can expect to spend more time caring for our elderly parents in some capacity than we do caring for our children. Contrary to the popular myth, we do not typically abandon our aging parents or set them adrift on ice-flows. Dr. Marshall discusses the challenges facing those in the middle of this 'sandwich' and discusses topics ranging from understanding aging, dealing with the emotional impact of caring for those who once cared for us, and practical approaches to planning.

Working with the Learning Disabled Student
The term "learning disability" is far from adequate. While it identifies that the student has areas of learning difficulty, it fails to acknowledge that, by definition, strengths are also present. Dr. Marshall has worked extensively with learning disabled children and adults. His work has focused on helping students understand their learning style in a way that is both realistic and gives them an awareness of their abilities. He discusses remedial strategies, as well as ways of accommodating learning disabilities, including assistive technology.

Surviving Stepfamilies Without a Fairy Godmother
By the year 2000, one-third of all children will be raised in stepfamilies. Debunking the myths and negative stereotypes associated with the word 'step,' Dr. Marshall acknowledges the very real challenges facing stepfamilies and assists them in devising workable 'scripts' for family life.

From Socrates to Spock: Surviving the Child Care Experts
History has produced countless child-rearing experts - sometimes with suggestions we would now consider silly, even dangerous - but never have there been as many 'experts' as there are today. In this address, Dr. Marshall speaks to the need for responsibility and accountability among parenting 'professionals' - and the need for parents and educators to use their own best judgement.

The Mental-Health Professional Disorder: No Laughing Matter?
According to Dr. Marshall's ground-breaking discovery, mental health professionals commonly suffer from an insecure self-identity and unresolved childhood conflicts: in lay terms, an inability to laugh at themselves. Dr. Marshall has named this syndrome Mental-Health Professional (MPD), but does concede it has absolutely no scientific merit and has been rejected by every reputable journal.

Witnessing Spousal Violence: Impact, Causes, and Intervention
Spousal violence is a prevalent problem in our society and has far-reaching effects on all members of the family. Identifying the causes and presenting the research, Dr. Marshall goes on to discuss the short- and long-term impact from the child's position as observer and outlines a multidisciplinary approach to intervention.

Resilience: Surviving Adversity and Trauma
The belief that problems are starting points and opportunities, rather than insurmountable obstacles, lies at the heart of resilience. The research has encompassed many areas, such as poverty, chronic mental and physical illness, traumatic injury, separation and divorce, and learning disabilities. Resilience requires utilizing the many resources that lie within the individual, family and community

The Impact of Television on Children: Risks and Benefits
The average child in North America spends more time watching television than any other activity, except sleeping. Dr. Marshall explores both the potential benefits of television and the ways in which it can have a negative impact on children's behaviour and thinking.