1. What is a psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a professional who receives specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness. For more information, the Canadian Psychological Association has a detailed definition of what a psychologist is at http://www.cpa.ca/public/whatisapsychologist
2. How does the therapy process start?
The process begins by completing an assessment for therapy. We would spend approximately two hours together where I will ask you a number of questions about your presenting concerns, current symptoms, history, and goals for change. After that assessment is complete I will share with you my recommendations for treatment. Should you decide to pursue treatment, therapy will begin the following appointment.
3. What is the typical length of time spent in therapy?
This depends on a number of factors including the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you have had the difficulties. However CBT is typically a shorter term therapy and most people have between eight and 20 sessions.
4. Will I need medication?
As I am clinical psychologist and not a psychiatrist or physician, I do not prescribe medication. If you and your family doctor or psychiatrist decide that medication may be helpful for you, he or she will work with you to manage that aspect of your treatment. For mild to moderately severe mental health problems, research has shown that CBT is as effective as medication. For more severe mental health problems, a combination of medication and CBT may be most effective. Additionally, some people may benefit from medication to relieve some of their symptoms so they can more easily engage in therapy. The benefit of CBT is that you will develop skills to help cope with any difficulties you may have now or in the future. With medication, it is possible that the benefits may end when you stop taking the medication (i.e., your symptoms may return).
5. Will you share my personal or health information with anyone?
Your personal and health information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone unless I have your written consent to do so, except as required by law. The exceptions to your confidentiality include the following:
- When there is a clear and imminent risk of serious bodily harm to someone, including the possibility of self-harm, the proper authorities need to be notified.
- If a child or vulnerable adult is in need of protection, the appropriate agency needs to be notified.
- If a court of law were to subpoena my records, I would be required to provide them with a copy of my clinical file.
6. Where will my confidential information be kept?
Your confidential information will be kept in a clinical file in a locked cabinet in my locked office. The business suite also has a security system which is activated nightly.
7. What should I do if I’m in crisis?
I am not available for crisis services outside of my regular business hours. However, there are a number of resources that you can access if you are in a crisis. You can call the Distress Centre at (403)266-4357 OR you can present to any emergency room at any hospital in the city. You can also present to the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre Urgent Care department located at 1213 4th Street SW.
8. What are your business hours?
I work Mondays through Wednesdays and evening appointments are available.