Hi, I'm
Cathy Voisin

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.

My Services

I offer a range of services that support the emotional, physical and relational well-being needed to reach your full potential.

Psychotherapy

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® Feedback

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.

How can therapy and neurofeedback
work together?

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.

Enhanced Self-Regulation

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.

Stress Reduction

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.

Targeted Intervention and Insight:

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.

Improved Emotional Regulation

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.

Support for Trauma Treatment

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.

Cognitive Enhancement

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.

Integration of Mind and Body

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.

Personal Growth and Optimization

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.

My Clients

Hear what some of my clients have to say.

"I have been seeing Cathy for a year now. My main focus was to better handle panic attacks that I would experience multiple times a week. Since using neurofeedback, the frequency, duration and intensity have substantially decreased. Having panic attacks since childhood I had tried many therapies and treatments only to find minimal effectiveness. I have been searching for something that would give me long lasting results. I am grateful to have found Cathy."

When I read about the benefits of neurofeedback, I was intrigued. As someone that deals with chronic pain, anxiety and an extremely demanding, high pressure career, I figured why not give it a try - nothing ventured, nothing gained. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would experience the remarkable changes that I have. After my very first visit, I noticed I was sleeping better and I had more energy. I’m now approaching my tenth session and I continue to see improvements and shifts. Overall, I feel happier and more positive. I’m able to face daily challenges calmly and without extreme emotion. By far, the greatest improvement is the reduction in my level of pain. I’ve been able to come completely off of a pain medication I’ve been dependent on for 7+ years. I have been recommending this to my friends and family, it has truly been life changing! If you’re open minded and self aware, especially of your mind body connection, you can experience these shifts and improvements as well.

When I started coming to these sessions, my objectives were to find peace and appropriately distance myself in certain situations.  I had been to other counsellors with not a lot of progress.  I felt like a hamster on a wheel, just going around in circles. What I received amazed me and was completely unexpected but so welcomed.  I have made progress on the peace and distancing but what really hit me was that one of my reactions to a trigger, was completely gone.  I noticed it after maybe my 3rd session.  For decades, a very negative and draining thought process would parade through my mind when triggered by something that was said, or actions of an individual.  This pattern of thought was gone.  When I tried to think about it, I couldn’t wrap my head around it.   Along with this, my stress levels have decreased and I am able to approach situations more objectively.

Location and Contact

Visit my office for appointments or fill out the form to contact me with questions or inquiries.

30 Dupont St. E., Unit L3, Waterloo, ON N2J 2G9
519-497-4816
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