My success stems from

Training, experience &
a sense of humour

How many sessions will I need?

At the end of your first session, I will discuss a treatment plan with you. Treatment is typically short-term and solution-focused, with three to six sessions required for each main concern. Depending on the complexity of the problem, more sessions may be needed. Keep in mind that it is important to simply ask any questions you have about the timeline.

How will I know when it is time to terminate?

You will know when you are feeling better. We continue to evaluate the goals that you set at the first session, and determine the progress that you have made. When you have reached your goals, when you are feeling better, you will feel comfortable ending your treatment. Depending on your life circumstances and financial concerns, you may decide to stagger your treatment over longer periods.

How do I know that you can help me?

I have a wealth of experience and training and have assisted many clients with a wide range of personal concerns, including relationship difficulties, anxiety, stress, parenting issues, depression, work issues, and trauma. If you have specific issues that require help I cannot provide, I will refer you to a colleague or other specialist. Sometimes, this may happen in an initial phone conversation or it may occur later in treatment.

How much do you charge? Are your services covered by insurance?

My fees are determined by the schedule suggested for registered psychologists by the Manitoba Psychological Society. As of September 2018 the fee is $180.00/hour for new clients.

Because I am a registered psychologist, a portion of the fee is generally covered by most private insurers, but it is important to check with your insurance provider to find out the extent of your coverage. My office does not offer direct billing except in exceptional circumstances. Payment is required at the end of the session, by cheque or cash.

Hypnosis

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened and focused attention. There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. I am a member of the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis and have taken advanced training in hypnosis. Some of the questions I am frequently asked are listed below. Much of the information has been taken from the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis. Please refer to its website for more - ClinicalHypnosis.ca.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is simply a state of concentration and focused attention in a relaxed body. It is the same state that everyone experiences just before going to sleep.

What are common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not something that someone does to you. No-one controls your mind. No-one can make you reveal something during hypnosis that you don’t wish to reveal, and you can’t be hypnotized if you don’t want to be. You will not get “stuck” in a hypnotic trance. At any time, you can choose to ignore suggestions from the therapist, or alert yourself to come out of the hypnotic state. You will always come out of trance within a short time.

Will I be able to be hypnotized?

Some people find it easier to relax than others. About 80%-85%of people can go into a light trance. People vary in how quickly and deeply they can go into trance. For most hypnotherapeutic goals, a light trance is enough.

Even if you don’t enter even into a light trance, hypnosis may help you to relax and improve your suggestibility to constructive comments.

Is hypnosis safe?

Absolutely! As long as you are working with a professional who is trained in the application of hypnotherapy. It is essential that your hypnotist is ethical and competent, so that you can trust the process. Don’t hesitate to ask me about my professional training and experience.

Is it possible to put myself into a hypnotic trance?

Yes. With practice and especially after being taught the process, most people can enter into a self-hypnotic state. This is particularly useful if you want to reinforce positive change, because it can be done at a time that best suits you.

Will I be asleep when hypnotized?

No. After a session, many people don’t believe they have been hypnotized at all! However, there are differences in the brain waves of people who are asleep and those who have been HYPNOTIZED. When you are in a hypnotic trance, you can often talk with the hypnotist, both answering and asking questions, which does not happen when you’re asleep.

What does it feel like to be in a hypnotic state?

This varies from individual to individual. Some people say that they don’t feel much different when hypnotized—not like the zombie-like state seen in movies and stage presentations. Other people describe the sensation as being very calm and relaxed, like you feel just before going to sleep. In most cases, clients notice that their senses are more alert and aware. Some people remember everything that happens in the sessions, others have less conscious recall of events.

What conditions/situations have been successfully treated with hypnosis?

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Childbirth – the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis claims that (based on members’ anecdotal evidence) about 2/3 of women have been capable of using hypnosis as the sole analgesic for labor.
  • Sports and athletic performance
  • Smoking cessation
  • Weight control – this is a complex problem. Hypnosis can be one of the treatment choices.
  • Habit modification, e.g., nail biting, teeth grinding

How many sessions will I need?

This is determined by each person’s circumstances. Change is often brought about in 1-3 sessions.

I now have the capability to provide you with an individualized personal hypnosis recording. All you have to do to take your personalized recording home is to bring your phone, ipad or your own memory stick! It is important to remember that this recording will be developed for your own specific needs and will not be appropriate for anyone else.

EMDR

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed, by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, to alleviate distress caused by trauma. It is used for treating emotional difficulties arising from distressing life situations.

The American Psychological Association lists EMDR as one of three methods with empirical support for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Preliminary studies indicate that EMDR might be helpful with other disorders, such as: performance anxiety, pain disorder, social phobia, anxiety disorder, body image disturbance, and stress reduction.

Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom Departments of Health both indicate EMDR as a treatment of choice. The American Psychological Association lists EMDR as one of three methods with empirical support for treating PTSD.

EMDR quickly opens new windows on reality, allowing people to see solutions within themselves that they never knew were there. And it’s a therapy where the client is very much in charge, which can be particularly meaningful when people are recovering from having their power taken away by abuse and violation.

Laura S. Brown, Ph.D, Recipient of the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Service

Studies indicate EMDR is highly effective and the results are long-lasting.

How does EMDR work? When someone is very upset, their brain does not seem to process information the way it is supposed to. Consequently, a disturbing memory becomes "frozen in time" and the sensations are continually re-experienced, often with the same intensity as when the event occurred. This can then trigger negative thoughts and emotions in present day living. These negative thoughts, emotions and sensations then block the individual from achieving important goals and living life with full confidence and strength.

EMDR can clear the mind, so that the disturbing past images, sounds and feelings are no longer "relived" when the original event comes to mind. In fact, recent state-of-the-art brain-imaging indicates that EMDR facilitates communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, appearing to get all parts of the brain working together to process memory more effectively and accurately.

EMDR is one of the most researched psychotherapeutic treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What is the first session like?

Before proceeding with EMDR, I will meet with you in a first session to discuss your current concerns and background history. If it seems that EMDR is an appropriate treatment, you will be given information about it, so you can determine for yourself if it is something you want. When you start an EMDR session, you will identify the distressing event, the thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations you have when thinking about it. At the same time, we use a vibrating tapper held in each hand (bilateral stimulation). You will notice whatever comes to mind without making any conscious decision to direct or to control your thoughts. There is no right or wrong way to think through this process. Sets of tapping will continue until the memory becomes much less distressing, and you have developed more positive beliefs about yourself in relationship to that memory. It is important to realize that you are the one in charge. The majority of my clients report feeling significantly relieved and much calmer at the completion of two to three sessions.

Will my health insurance cover the cost?

EMDR is used in combination with other forms of treatment. Check the benefits of your heath plan to determine the coverage for working with a registered professional therapist or counsellor.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the specific problem, your history, and the complexity of the distressing memories. The amount of preparation needed varies from client to client. In most instances the active processing of memories should begin after one or two sessions. Once EMDR therapy is started, a typical course of treatment is three to ten sessions. Studies show that a single trauma can be processed within three sessions in 80-90% of the clients. The process is normally conducted weekly or every other week. Sessions can run from 60 to 90 minutes.

How do I know that EMDR works?

EMDR accelerates the healing process, and you should begin to notice positive changes physically, mentally and emotionally within the first few sessions. Experiences of several million people worldwide, and a number of scientific studies, have shown that EMDR works! For further references and a bibliography of research, visit these websites: www.emdrcanada.org, www.emdr.org and www.emdria.org.