I am a registered psychotherapist in Waterloo Region and love supporting people like you. I offer counselling services and brain training using NeurOptimal® neurofeedback which naturally supports both mental and physical health. My ultimate goal is to empower you to reach your full potential.
I offer a range of services that support the emotional, physical and relational well-being needed to reach your full potential.
Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives.
I approach my clinical work as I approach my personal life. I’m always open to new possibilities, new ways of supporting people and new ways of being supported. Over the years, I have gravitated to models of therapy that are based in neurobiology while also explorative and respectful of individual experience. I most align myself with the Emotionally Focussed Couple Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness based therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma informed therapies.
My background is as a marriage and family therapist, so I always incorporate a family systems perspective. I work primarily with adults and couples to build more fulfilling personal and professional relationships.
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback was developed by Dr. Valdeane Brown and Dr. Susan Brown. They co-founded the Zengar Institute Inc. and launched the NeurOptimal system in the early 2000s. Its mission is to provide the most effective and safe brain training system to relieve suffering.
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback is an advanced type of neurofeedback that teaches self-regulation of brain function using real-time monitoring of brainwave activity. It uses a unique dynamical, non-linear approach and does not require diagnosis or target specific conditions. Instead, it helps optimize the brain's functioning by providing information to the central nervous system about its own activity.
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback is considered a "wellness device" used by anyone for brain training. It promotes flexibility, resilience, and overall well-being. It is used by individuals seeking performance enhancement, stress reduction, better sleep, and optimal mental and emotional states.
For more, visit our page on NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback.
Psychotherapy and neurofeedback complement each other wonderfully. Neurofeedback can work out underlying subconscious patterns that are rigid and no longer useful. Psychotherapy can help to explore and understand how the patterns developed, strategies to change the patterns and strategies to develop new effective responses and behaviors.
NeurOptimal focuses on promoting self-regulation of the brain, helping individuals become more aware of and in control of their mental and emotional states. This enhanced self-regulation can complement the work done in psychotherapy, providing clients with additional tools to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Both psychotherapy and NeurOptimal aim to reduce stress, but they approach it from different angles. Psychotherapy may involve exploring and addressing underlying issues contributing to stress, while NeurOptimal provides a neurofeedback training that supports the brain's ability to self-regulate and reduce stress.
Psychotherapy can provide targeted interventions and insights into specific psychological issues, helping individuals understand the root causes of their challenges. NeurOptimal, on the other hand, offers a more global approach, optimizing overall brain function. Together, they can address both specific issues and contribute to overall mental well-being.
Psychotherapy often involves learning strategies for emotional regulation and coping. NeurOptimal can enhance this process by training the brain to self-regulate, potentially leading to improved emotional resilience and regulation.
In cases of trauma, psychotherapy modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or trauma-focused therapies can be complemented by NeurOptimal. The neurofeedback system's gentle approach may offer additional support for individuals working through trauma.
NeurOptimal's potential to enhance cognitive function, including attention and focus, can be particularly beneficial when combined with psychotherapy. It can support individuals in staying present and engaged during therapy sessions.
Both psychotherapy and NeurOptimal can contribute to an integrated approach to mind and body well-being. Psychotherapy often involves verbal communication and exploration of thoughts and emotions, while NeurOptimal focuses on the brain's patterns and their impact on overall well-being.
While psychotherapy may address specific issues and challenges, NeurOptimal can contribute to personal growth and optimization by promoting flexibility and resilience in the brain's functioning.
Hear what some of my clients have to say.
Visit my office for appointments or fill out the form to contact me with questions or inquiries.