WHAT TO EXPECT IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy involves a broad range of professional activities and services. This section offers information about some of the most common.

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MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING

During your first visit, questions will be asked about the presence of symptoms such as anxiety, panic, low mood, substance use, history of concussions, and trauma exposure. Your answers inform the direction of the interview and the types of questionnaires that would be most helpful to better understand your concerns.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Mental health conditions are treatable. Your responses in the interview and on questionnaires help the doctor to determine the pattern(s) of illness (e.g., a diagnosis) and to formulate a treatment approach.

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TREATMENT PLANNING

Starting at the first visit, treatment plans are developed collaboratively with clients, and re-examined over time to ensure progress in areas of priority.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING
SUPPORT

Counselling offers short term support to clients facing life stressors and transitions, such as divorce, separation, job loss, grief, and coping with a partner's physical or mental health condition (including addiction). Services are tailored to meet your needs.

Woman Walking in a bright Field, with a sense of freedom and intention

MENTAL HEALTH
TREATMENT

Sessions help clients learn to recognize patterns (stress, anxiety/mood, anger, relational), what triggers them, and their impact. With this information, clients are invited to make choices about the kind of change(s) they seek, and therapeutic work is oriented towards eliciting these shifts.

FOCUS ON HEALING

Therapeutic support can help clients cope with changes that emerge during or after an illness. Anxiety, depression, anger, grief, sleep problems, and changes in physical appearance or functioning are common, and may be difficult to discuss with family and friends. Tools and strategies are often introduced to enhance coping, communication, and social support.

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CHANGE STRATEGIES
INFORMED BY SCIENCE

The strategies, techniques and tools used to assist clients have been carefully studied and found to be effective in clinical research. Clinical approaches to care are also informed by current clinical practice guidelines.

CARE COORDINATION

Sometimes, clients' goals for recovery are best served when there is coordination with your medical team. As a Health Psychologist, my role is to identify when this level of care is in your best interest, and to discuss this option with you.