REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

What is Psychotherapy icon

My Experience

Provide psychotherapy to individuals (at least 16 years of age). Provide assessments, including for motor vehicle accidents.

Among other things, I have:

  • extensive training (three internships) and practical experience (over 20 years) in assessing clients’ needs, assuring that they receive appropriate treatment
  • assessed and treated people, many of them suffering life threatening emotional problems, at Sarnia General Hospital, in my capacity as the Chief Psychologist
  • performed thousands of psychological assessments related to motor vehicle accidents, WSIB claims, etc.
  • trained in experiential, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and psycho-educational approaches
  • trained and experienced in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Hypnotherapy.
  • experienced working with veterans/present members of the armed forces
  • worked with many First Nations clients
  • worked with people involved in the criminal justice system, having contracted my services to the Sarnia Probation and Parole Office

Particular Areas of Interest

My particular areas of interest in which I have experience are quite varied, including:

  • Psychological impacts resulting from
    motor vehicle or workplace accidents
  • Relationship problems
  • Anger management
  • Trauma
  • Stress
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Pain management
  • Abuse issues
  • Loss (e.g., bereavement)
  • Work related problems
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexuality
  • Etc.
My Psychotherapy Approach

My Psychotherapy Approach

I use many different therapy techniques, including psycho-educational, supportive, cognitive-behavioural, and more insight oriented approaches, depending on the need. I take a client centered approach, respecting clients, building on their strengths. I provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can deal with their thoughts and feelings, and expand their choices to meet their own needs.

The picture of the stereotypical all-knowing analyst, leaning back in his chair, touching his beard as he reflects on the one or two insights he may or may not share with his patient, is not me. However, just feeding a client’s own words back to them, and inquiring, “how does that make you feel?” over and over again, is also not me.

My approach involves actively listening, as well as actively engaging in a dynamic dialogue about your feelings and thoughts. My approach is eclectic, doing what works. Perhaps we might discuss your past, and how it impacts on your present struggles. If you seek advice, I may actually give it if it appears to be in your best interest to do so. I might help you problem-solve and focus on the here and now, while creating a safe place for you to discuss whatever is on your mind. We will create your therapy experience together. Whether you stay for the shorter- or longer-term, we will try to make this an experience that is good and right for you.

Anxiety, depression, fear, anger and insecurity, etc. are all aspects of the human condition. Everybody has them to some degree, though of course they can reach a point of intensity where we feel the need to reach out for help.

If one or more of these challenges is troubling you, it is nothing to be ashamed of, and you are not alone. Working with a caring and experienced therapist can get you back on track sooner rather than later.

I treat my clients with the utmost respect and professionalism, while also providing them with practical feedback to manage their emotions more effectively, to cultivate more intimate connections in their relationships and to shape their lives in ways reflecting their deepest values.

What is Psychotherapy

What is Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is a really effective and commonly prescribed method of treatment for mental and emotional distress. Research shows that most people who participate in the psychotherapy process experience a significant improvement in their feelings and ability to cope with life's difficult times.

“As a healing practice and professional service, psychotherapy is effective and highly cost-effective. In controlled trials and in clinical practice, psychotherapy results in benefits that markedly exceed those experienced by individuals who need mental health services but do not receive psychotherapy.”
(American Psychological Association, August, 2012)

Most clients who come to see me, report feeling ‘stuck’, ‘overwhelmed’, ‘angry’, ‘frustrated’ or ‘frightened’ as the result of unwanted emotions or experiences. Often after suffering persistent feelings of sadness, overpowering anxiety or loneliness, workplace difficulties, the loss of a job, sexual problems, a divorce, or the death of a loved one, people seek my help.

Our conversations are meant to lead to a process of personal discovery and exploration which helps eliminate or control troubling and painful symptoms so that you can return to normal functioning. Our work together can be used to help you overcome a specific problem or to stimulate overall emotional growth and healing.

Fees

Fees

There are many types of coverage available for psychotherapy.

My fees are $225 per 50 minute session.
I accept payment by Cheque or Cash.

Psychological services in Ontario are not covered by OHIP.
However, other funding sources are often available, including funding related to:

  • WSIB
  • Private Insurance
  • Insurance companies for clients on short/long term disability
  • Employees or dependents through their places of employment (extended benefits)
  • First Nations/Inuit Health Branch for members of First Nations
  • Veterans/ present members of the armed forces
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  • University of Western extended health benefits
  • Lambton College through the office of disabilities

Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information with respect to funding sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Most people will have questions. In this section I make an attempt to answer the most commonly asked questions. Feel free to contact me should you have other questions.
How long is a session?
A session is 50 minutes.
How often should I come?
What will work for you will work for me. Some people benefit most from weekly or bi-weekly sessions while others require more time between sessions to absorb what they learn about themselves during the sessions. Sometimes practical considerations also play a role in determining the frequency of sessions.
Why is some psychotherapy long-term?
Some things in therapy can happen quite fast, but others take time. Psychotherapy is not always a “quick fix,” but the results are widely recognized to be long-term.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
One difference involves how we are trained. Psychologists go to graduate school; psychiatrists go to medical school where they receive the same general training as your general practitioner, and then specialize in psychiatry. The practical offshoot of the differences in training is that most psychologists have a deep grounding in psychological theory informing their clinical work, which is talk therapy, whereas most psychiatrists rely on a medical model to treat their patients, the treatment usually involving prescribing drugs [though there are some psychiatrists who provide some talk therapy also].
Do you offer psychotherapy via virtual technology?
Yes, this can be arranged. Though it is preferable to meet in person, virtual technology is an option when practicalities warrant.
What about confidentiality?
Many people with emotional problems avoid seeking help because they may not recognize that their symptoms are a sign of an illness such as depression, or because they feel embarrassed or fearful that "someone will find out" and that there might be negative consequences at school, work, or home, or because they fear they may lack adequate health insurance coverage. In all cases, the identities of clients and what they say are handled in a strictly confidential manner according to professional standards set out by the College of Psychologists.
Is this the type of therapy where I have to lie on a couch?
No. However there is one available if you feel like it!
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
As with most things in life, you don’t know until you try.
Are there any problems or types of clients with which you are uncomfortable dealing?
Over the years I have provided therapy to a wide variety of clients, each one with their own unique situation. I have seen people from different ethnicities, women and men, straight and gay, young and old, etc. If you’re comfortable with me then I’ll most likely be comfortable with you.
In terms of problem areas I feel that people suffering from eating disorders and drug/alcohol addictions can benefit from my services in the short term, though many require specialized programs for long term success.
Are you licensed?
Yes. My Ontario College of Psychologists registration number is 3181.
Contact

Contact