What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a highly trained professional who has one of three types of doctoral degrees in psychology from a recognized college or university: a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or EdD in Psychology (in clinical or counselling psychology). Doctorate programs typically take five to seven years to complete after completion of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. In the province of Ontario, an additional one or two years of supervised practice is required for registration as a psychologist.
How does therapy work?
Counselling and psychotherapy are collaborative processes.
- You begin with an initial consultation, generally a detailed interview to identify the issues you want to address and to determine a treatment plan.
- Usually, your treatment starts with weekly 60-minute one-to-one sessions and taper off as you see improvement in dealing with your issues.
How can therapy help me?
Therapy can help you to:
- clarify the issues that are troubling you,
- identify strategies to resolve or cope with those issues, and
- develop appropriate self-management practices.
What is depression?
Everyone feels sad or “blue” on occasion. Most people grieve over upsetting life experiences such as major illnesses, loss of jobs, divorce or a death in the family. These feelings of grief tend to become less intense on their own as time goes by.
Depression occurs when feelings of extreme sadness or despair last for two weeks or longer and interfere with activities of daily living, such as working or even eating and sleeping. Depressed individuals feel helpless and hopeless and blame themselves for their feelings. They stop participating in activities and become easily overwhelmed and exhausted. They may withdraw from family and friends.
What is anxiety?
Everyone is anxious and under stress at times. Situations such as having to meet tight deadlines at work or important social obligations often bring about anxious feelings. Often, such mild anxiety can help make you feel alert and able to focus on dealing with threatening or challenging circumstances more effectively.
However, when anxiety does not go away after the difficult situation is over, it can cause severe distress and disrupt your ability to function day to day. The frequency and intensity of the anxiety is often debilitating and overwhelming.
There are several types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder consists of general and recurring fears and worries.
- Panic Disorder occurs when you experience sudden, intense and unprovoked feelings of terror and dread that are out of proportion to the situation you find yourself in.
- Phobias are intense and irrational fears about certain objects or situations.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disruption of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that occurs after a traumatic experience such as a car accident or a natural disaster.
What are your fees?
Fees are charged on an hourly basis in accordance with guidelines set by the Ontario Psychological Association and are discussed when you make an appointment.
If you are receiving long-term disability benefits, you may also qualify for insurance coverage.
Are your fees covered by OHIP?
Clinical services are not covered by OHIP.
If you have extended health care benefits, you will typically receive either full or partial reimbursement for services rendered by registered psychologists depending on your specific benefits package.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You do not need a doctor’s referral unless your extended health care plan requires it as a condition to be reimbursed for psychological services.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Fees are payable by cash, cheque or e-transfer at the end of each treatment session.
What hours are you available?
Office hours are by appointment:
Wednesday— 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday — 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday — 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
How do I book a consultation or session?
Telephone my confidential voice mail: 905-815-0447 —or— call the Well-Life Centre: 905-465-2929.
How long does treatment take?
The length treatment varies with each individual and the issues he/she seeks to address this way.
Do you practice hypnosis?
Treatment options are discussed with each client. I practice clinical hypnosis and you can choose to include hypnosis in your treatment plan if and when appropriate.