Areas of Speciality

Areas of Speciality

Anxiety
It is predicted that at least 1 in 10 Albertans will be adversely affected by anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety comes in many forms such as panic attacks with or without agoraphobia (avoidance), phobias or specific fears, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress and generalized anxiety and worry. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be very effective in the treatment of anxiety. Treatment also needs to include and involve the assessment and treatment of triggers and stresses that produce the anxiety.

Stressors that can trigger anxiety and depression include traumatic experiences, losses such as divorce, job loss, death of loved ones, low self-esteem, difficult or destructive relationships, unrealistic expectations from self or others, time pressures and so on.

Depression
Depression is a very common illness that can worsen if left untreated. Symptoms can include sadness, crying, feeling discouraged and hopeless, feeling worthless, low self esteem, self-blame, guilt, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, difficulty with memory, loss of interest in activities, loneliness, spending less time with friends and family, loss of motivation and pleasure, changes in sleep and appetite, feeling fatigue, loss of interest in sex, suicidal thoughts and plans. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very effective in the treatment of depression symptoms. Combined with psychotherapy to further explore stresses, losses or triggers for the symptoms can provide understanding and positive changes for the person suffering from this illness.

Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the essence of psychological well being. Low self-esteem or low self-respect has no gender, cultural or socioeconomic boundaries. Improving how you feel about yourself and how you view yourself can affect all areas of your life including promoting healthy relationships, work satisfaction and general happiness.

Stress Management
Balancing all the demands of our lives challenges most of us. Technically, stress is when those demands outweigh the ability to cope with them. Assessing these stressors and learning how to better manage them can make life more enjoyable.

Childhood Abuse
Unfortunately many adults suffered some form of abuse or neglect as children. For many, the impact of this abuse will follow them into adulthood. If these issues remain unresolved, relationships, careers and life satisfaction can be negatively impacted. Psychotherapy is a well-known treatment for these types of issues.