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Services

Rea offers a range of psychological services to individuals, couples, families and groups, including psychotherapy, counselling, and performance enhancement. Populations served include adolescents, adults, and seniors. The role of the psychologist, distinction between treatments, limits of confidentiality, and types of services offered are described below.

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Psychologists have a lengthy academic training and know the latest research and statistics. In Alberta, the profession of psychology is governed by the College of Alberta Psychologists which falls under the Health Professions Act. Psychologists may use short term approaches like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or solution focused therapy which are often really useful. Sometimes, these treatments 'barely touch the sides' when it comes to more ingrained problems. For this reason, many psychologists choose to train further in different forms of psychotherapy.

  • Psychotherapy is seen as both a craft and a science and is based on the belief that we become who we are in relation to others (namely our primary attachment figures). Of note is that 75 percent of ALL human knowledge is attained by the age of five years! Hence psychotherapy takes aim at the underlying or deeper level of core beliefs that individuals hold about themselves, life, and relationships. In other words, the client's map of the world. Of note is that core beliefs are stored deeply in the brain in areas not accessible by 'talk therapy'. Changing these can transform function on a 'global' level. With this in mind, Rea relies predominantly on the new, 'power therapies': EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing), Brainspotting, and CRM (Comprehensive Resource Model). These treatments effectively access areas of the brain holding the root of dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, and behaviours by targeting both implicit and explicit memories at a neurobiological and cellular level. EMDR, Brainspotting and CRM incorporate the best of traditional therapies including: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies. Alternative energy healing practices that may be dovetailed into these approaches include: Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT), Reiki, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Tapas Acupressure Technique. Rea is a certified Reiki Master practitioner. Spiritual issues can be addressed using these therapies.

  • Counselling on the other hand, takes more of a surface approach to helping individuals to deal with the vicissitudes of daily hassles and stress of life. Counselling involves fully listening to what people have to say, providing support and strategies, and helping with problem solving. 

Choosing between one approach or the other largely depends on the nature of the presenting concern, an individual's needs, and the amount of time and resources that are available to make changes. Often but not always, a combination of therapy and counselling is required. As such, Rea uses a customized, "wrap around" approach to facilitate healing. This is a highly creative process! It involves complete collaboration with the client. Regardless of the treatment approach used, Rea is committed to providing comprehensive, competent, and compassionate care in a non-judgmental way that promotes a sense of safety.

Confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist is protected by law. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected or known child, dependent adult, or elder abuse. 
    In these cases, therapists are required by law to report these to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • When a client verbalizes an intent or plan to kill him/herself.
    Therapists make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in insuring personal safety. In the absence of cooperation,further measures may be taken without an individual's permission in order to ensure his or her safety.
  • When a client threatens serious bodily harm to another person(s).
    The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

Performance Enhancement

Rea works with athletes, performing artists, and business professionals to help them achieve their ideal performance state. Assistance is available in the following areas:

Rea uses EMDR and Brainspotting to resolve blocking, slumps, and performance anxiety.

Did you know that in many cases, benefits ca be used to help your golf game; or performance in another sport, business, or the performing arts?!

Other services are available upon request for individuals and teams. Please contact Rea for more information.

Listen to Rea's interview with Andrew Walker that was broadcast on the Fan 960 on June 3, 2011 

Presentations, Workshops, and Groups

A number of presentations are available on topics including stress, embracing change, addictions, developmental trauma, attachment, emotional IQ, effective parenting of child athletes, developing mental focus for sport, and coaching strategies for success.

The following workshops are being offered through Women's Health Resources in the fall of 2011:

Human Attachment Across the Lifespan - September 20, 2011

Infants are biologically programmed to develop optimal bonds with their caregivers for survival. Secure attachment fosters emotional safety and good mental health. Insecure attachment leads to low self-esteem, behavioral problems, inability to trust, and poor adult relationships. This workshop will be of interest to parents (and those contemplating pregnancy) who want to identify their attachment style and foster secure bonding in their families; as well as those wishing to break the cycle of unhealthy attachment.

To register or get more information on this workshop or the ones below, please contact Women's Health Resources @ (403) 944-2260 or visit their website: www.womenshealthcentre.ca. Click on the "workshops" link on the left hand side of the page.

What's Your Emotional IQ? - October 4, 2011

Emotions act like the dashboard lights in a car, to tell us when things are overheating, out of gas, or need maintenance. If we haven't learned to read our emotional gauges, we miss out on important information about our environment, react in maladaptive ways, or become disconnected from them completely. This can result in mood swings, depression, anxiety, and excessive guilt or anger. Come learn more about getting your emotions back on track and how to manage them more effectively.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma - November 15, 2011

Exposure to chronic traumatic stress during childhood alters brain development, emotional regulation, cognition, self image, and more. Traumatic events include sexual, physical, and emotional abuse; domestic violence; and parental substance abuse and mental illness. As adults, children exposed to interpersonal trauma often struggle with persistent depression, anxiety, and anger; and problems with adult attachment relationships and parenting. Participants will learn more about developmental trauma, limitations of "talk therapy" and medications; and alternative treatments that are highly effective.

To register or get more information on these workshops, please contact Women's Health Resources Website @ (403) 944-2260 or visit their website: www.womenshealthcentre.ca

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