SERVICES
Therapy
I work with teenagers and adults aged 15 years and older. I have been trained to deliver various types of treatment. The treatment I typically use is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), because research and my own experience have shown it to be very effective for many issues. However, depending on the problem and the client, other types of treatment may be used in addition to CBT (Example: Mindfulness; Schema Therapy).
Comprehensive Psychological Assessments
I provide psychological assessments that are primarily aimed at providing diagnoses, initial conceptualization of causal factors, and treatment recommendations. These assessments typically include semi-structured interviews, testing with validated psychological measures, a report and feedback. These assessments can be requested by a range of sources including an organization (ex: VAC; insurance company), another healthcare provider (ex: family physician) or directly by the patient. Assessments range in time required to complete, but typically take between 7 and 12 hours (including report). I've completed assessment reports for a range of organizations including the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, the RCMP, WSIB, and individual patients.
Primary Focus of Therapy Services
I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of problems. The following are some of the more common problems I see in my Ottawa practice:
Depression
Depression is a disorder that is becoming more prevalent in Western society. It can occur at any age, and tends to affect twice as many women as men. People who are depressed can experience a number of symptoms such as ongoing sadness, lack of motivation, sleep and/or appetite problems, suicidal thinking, and problems with concentration and memory. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a helpful form of treatment for many people. There is research evidence showing that CBT is more effective than medication. Furthermore, people who receive CBT are less likely to relapse than those who take medication. CBT also tends to be less expensive in the long run.
Anxiety/Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can mean many things, such as difficulty controlling worry, anxiety or panic in social situations, panic attacks, obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As with depression, anxiety problems occur across the lifespan, and tend to affect more women than men. CBT is an effective form of treatment, as demonstrated by many clinical trials. I have a strong background in treating PTSD associated with motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and trauma experienced by first responders (police; soldiers; paramedics; fire fighters). These issues affect many public servants working here in Ottawa.
"Self" Problems
One of the things that can cause anxiety, depression and general dissatisfaction with life, is an unhealthy sense of self. We all develop an idea of who we are through our experiences in life. For some, their self-concept will be negative and unhealthy for a variety of reasons. For example, other people can give us feedback about who we are through our daily interactions with them. When parents, friends, peers, and others give the impression there is something wrong or inadequate about us, it impacts how we see ourselves.
Based on many years of work with such problems, I wrote a book called The Need to be Liked, which examines how negative interpersonal experiences can shape our personalities in unhealthy ways (primarily through things like rejection and abandonment).
I also help people who have, or are worried about having, social skills problems.
Additional Services
In addition to my areas of specialization, I work with people who are having problems with relationships, existential concerns, assertiveness, stress, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. These issues can be addressed with treatment as well.
All treatment is provided in a professional and compassionate manner, and information is kept confidential in accordance with the regulations set forth by the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Therapy
I work with teenagers and adults aged 15 years and older. I have been trained to deliver various types of treatment. The treatment I typically use is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), because research and my own experience have shown it to be very effective for many issues. However, depending on the problem and the client, other types of treatment may be used in addition to CBT (Example: Mindfulness; Schema Therapy).
Comprehensive Psychological Assessments
I provide psychological assessments that are primarily aimed at providing diagnoses, initial conceptualization of causal factors, and treatment recommendations. These assessments typically include semi-structured interviews, testing with validated psychological measures, a report and feedback. These assessments can be requested by a range of sources including an organization (ex: VAC; insurance company), another healthcare provider (ex: family physician) or directly by the patient. Assessments range in time required to complete, but typically take between 7 and 12 hours (including report). I've completed assessment reports for a range of organizations including the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, the RCMP, WSIB, and individual patients.
Primary Focus of Therapy Services
I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of problems. The following are some of the more common problems I see in my Ottawa practice:
Depression
Depression is a disorder that is becoming more prevalent in Western society. It can occur at any age, and tends to affect twice as many women as men. People who are depressed can experience a number of symptoms such as ongoing sadness, lack of motivation, sleep and/or appetite problems, suicidal thinking, and problems with concentration and memory. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a helpful form of treatment for many people. There is research evidence showing that CBT is more effective than medication. Furthermore, people who receive CBT are less likely to relapse than those who take medication. CBT also tends to be less expensive in the long run.
Anxiety/Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can mean many things, such as difficulty controlling worry, anxiety or panic in social situations, panic attacks, obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As with depression, anxiety problems occur across the lifespan, and tend to affect more women than men. CBT is an effective form of treatment, as demonstrated by many clinical trials. I have a strong background in treating PTSD associated with motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and trauma experienced by first responders (police; soldiers; paramedics; fire fighters). These issues affect many public servants working here in Ottawa.
"Self" Problems
One of the things that can cause anxiety, depression and general dissatisfaction with life, is an unhealthy sense of self. We all develop an idea of who we are through our experiences in life. For some, their self-concept will be negative and unhealthy for a variety of reasons. For example, other people can give us feedback about who we are through our daily interactions with them. When parents, friends, peers, and others give the impression there is something wrong or inadequate about us, it impacts how we see ourselves.
Based on many years of work with such problems, I wrote a book called The Need to be Liked, which examines how negative interpersonal experiences can shape our personalities in unhealthy ways (primarily through things like rejection and abandonment).
I also help people who have, or are worried about having, social skills problems.
Additional Services
In addition to my areas of specialization, I work with people who are having problems with relationships, existential concerns, assertiveness, stress, perfectionism, and low self-esteem. These issues can be addressed with treatment as well.
All treatment is provided in a professional and compassionate manner, and information is kept confidential in accordance with the regulations set forth by the College of Psychologists of Ontario.