Toronto Psychologist

Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

2009-07-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

One of our areas of expertise at DFPsych is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, or PTSD).

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that manifests itself as an ongoing emotional reaction to severe physical or psychological trauma.

In times of war, PTSD was referred to as ‘shell shock’ although today it still affects those who have witnessed or experienced horrific events such as a near-death experience, or psychological harm.

At DFPscyh, we address Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. This allows us to isolate the stressors of the event in the here and now, and identify the psychological triggers without the use of drugs or psychoanalysis.

We have been successful in treating many cases of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Contact us to find out more information, or click here: Toronto Psychologist link

Depression

2009-07-27T12:37:00.001-07:00

Everyone gets blue once in a while, but depression disorder is when the feeling quite simply won’t go away.

Depression is often characterized by a loss of pleasure, a decrease or increase in appetite, loss of interest in sex, a persistently anxious or unhappy mood, social withdrawal, low energy and more.

Depression is sometimes treated with psychoactive drugs. We prefer to help depression with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We strive to isolate the emotional response and triggers and help the patient through a step-by-step logical progression, where we identify emotional barriers and address them specifically.

With strength-based training, we believe it is possible to have long-lasting, positive results on patients.

To talk to someone at DFPsych click here.

Cognitive Psychology

2009-07-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

The human mind works in a consistent way. Mapping the mind in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a lot like mapping a computer. One reaction leads to another, and one neural pathway triggers the next. It is like a giant, electronic circuit board.

Scientists first found similarities between computers and the human mind when they mapped reaction times between words. They would ask subjects to press a buzzer when similar words were shown, and then measure the time interval between words to show the complexity of the neural pathway the thought process had to take.

For instance, by showing a word such as Animal and then Dog, and measuring the time it takes for people to react, we have a control. Next, they would show a world like Animal, and then Mammal, and wait for the reaction. By testing Mammal and then Dog, and then Animal and then Bird, and finally Mammal and then Bird, it is possible to identify the route that information travels along the brain, in terms of delays in timing.

In this way, psychologists have been able to determine that thoughts and emotions move along neural pathways much like electricity. And in the same way you can mend a damaged circuit, it is possible to mend a psychological block, such as depression, addiction or insomnia.

To talk to us more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, click here: Toronto Psychologist link.

Phobias

2009-07-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Phobias are intense, irrational fears brought about by a stimulus.

There are hundreds of phobias, and they are often characterized by an unreasonable fear that can cause avoidance and panic. Phobias are a relatively common type of anxiety disorder.

Here are a list of some of the more common fears:

1. Arachnophobia:
The fear of spiders.
This phobia tends to affect women more than men.

2. Ophidiophobia:
The fear of snakes.
Often attributed to evolutionary causes, personal experiences, or cultural influences.

3. Acrophobia:
The fear of heights.
This fear can lead to anxiety attacks and avoidance of high places.

4. Agoraphobia:
The fear of situations in which escape is difficult.
This may include crowded areas, open spaces, or situations that are likely to trigger a panic attack. People will begin avoiding these trigger events, sometimes to the point that they cease leaving their home. Approximately one third of people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia.

5. Cynophobia:
The fear of dogs.
This phobia is often associated with specific personal experiences, such as being bitten by a dog during childhood.

6. Astraphobia:
The fear of thunder and lightening.
Also known as Brontophobia, Tonitrophobia, or Ceraunophobia.

7. Trypanophobia:
The fear of injections.
Like many phobias, this fear often goes untreated because people avoid the triggering object and situation.

8. Social Phobias:
The fear of social situations.
In many cases, these phobias can become so severe that people avoid events, places, and people that are likely to trigger an anxiety attack.

9. Pteromerhanophobia:
The fear of flying.
Often treated using exposure therapy, in which the client is gradually and progressively introduced to flying.

10. Mysophobia:
The fear of germs or dirt.
May be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

There are many ways to treat phobia, however at DFPsych we prefer to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to break down the source of the fear, examine it, and treat it without drugs or hypnosis.

To find more about how we can treat your phobia, contact us today: Toronto Psychologist link.

Human Similarities

2009-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered if every human is completely different, you are only partially right. The way our brains our wired, much like how our bodies function, is very similar. So similar in fact, that you can observe replicable behavior in people based on environmental situations. This proves that humans are affected by mental stimuli in a consistent, and measureable way.

This makes it possible for us to address cognitive problems in a logical, step-by-step way.

One of the most famous studies was one where they measured the time it took to match two objects. As they moved the second object a few degrees, there was a consistent relationship between the number of degrees moved and the time it took to match. It formed a perfect bell curve. And this curve, is consistent across all humans.

Hard Science

2009-07-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

The concept of psychology is a relatively new one in regards to the traditional sciences, such as chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. It took until the acute observations of Sigmund Freud at the turn of this century to broach the subject of the study of the mind as a scientific endevaour. However, much controversy and skepticism followed his theories of pschoanalysis, which were largely self-reflective observations.

It wasn’t until social scientists such as Skinner and Watson brought measureable social psychology into the mainstream that psychology was accepted as a science.

Today, the concepts punctuated through the initial theories of psychological assessment still hold true today. Cognitive Behavioral Theory, in particular owes its roots to the early scientific work of such studies.

Today, psychology is regarded as a proper science.

Quitting Smoking Through Psychotherapy

2009-07-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest addictions to kick is smoking.

It is also one of the biggest killers out there.

At DFpsych, we use a CBT method to help patients wean themselves off cigarettes by identifying the immediate here and now reasons that you smoke. By breaking down the components of desire, it is possible to isolate individual triggers that cause you to light up.

With our help, we can help you to quit smoking once and for all, without gums, patches, drugs, acupuncture or hypnosis. Psychotherapy has a lasting effect, and it is a completely natural and effective way to stop addictive behavior once and for all.

For more information on how you can quit smoking with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, click here: Toronto psychologist link.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

2009-07-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

At DFPsych we primarily utilize a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) model. CBT can help you to change what you do, or your behavior, and how you think, or cognitive process. With positive reinforcement, you can grow to enjoy greater well-being and a healthier outlook on life. Unlike some other treatments, CBT focuses on immediate problems and chalenges. Causes of your distress or symptoms in the past take a backseat as we look for ways to improve your state of mind HERE and NOW. CBT can help you to make sense of overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts. When laid out in a logical way, it becomes easier to see how issues are connected and how they affect you.

At DFpsych we use CBT to treat the following:

Post-traumatic Stress
Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety, Panic Disorders, and General Anxiety Disorders)
Social-skills Training
Depression
Anger Management
Self-esteem
Substance Use and Gambling Addictions
Psychological Testing and Assessments
Stress Management
WSIB including: Return-to-Work Planning, Mid-life Crisis, File Reviews,
Couples and Families such as: Martial Discomfort, Assessments, Trust Issues, Grief.

For more information about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, click this link: Toronto psychologist link.

Treating Gambling Addictions

2009-07-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Toronto Psychologist Donna Ferguson has used strength-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address gambling addictions in the past.

Other psychologists in Toronto use other methods such as psychoanalysis to get to the root of the problem, or perhaps even prescribe drugs to treat impulsiveness.

CBT attempts to get to the logical foundation of the behavioral pattern, to assess the motivations and compulsions that drive one to gamble in the first place. Through thorough analysis, it is possible to identify the core, intrinsic mental patterns that lead to problem gambling and isolate them so that they can be addressed specifically.

To find out more about how Donna Ferguson can treat this dangerous addiction, please visit: Toronto psychologist link.

E-therapy for Insomniacs?

2009-07-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Insomnia, characterized by persistent difficulty to fall asleep or staying asleep, is a symptom that almost everyone in the world has suffered through at one point or another whether it is the occasional night of tossing and turning or years upon years of sleeplessness.

Those who experience chronic insomnia that occurs nightly for a minimum of one month are considered to have a sleep disorder. Recognizing not only that chronic insomnia is a major health problem with significant psychological, health, and economic consequences but also that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia, researchers at University of Virginia Health System have devised an online program that offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to patients with chronic insomnia. The online program (internet intervention) is based on CBT that incorporates stimulus control, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention.

To test this online CBT program, the group of researchers led by Dr. Lee M. Ritterband recruited 44 participants who had a history of sleep difficulties longer than 10 years on average and randomly assigned them to either the control group or the internet intervention group.

The result? The Internet intervention group showed significant improvements on the Insomnia Severity Index, decreases in waking up during sleep, and increases in sleep efficiency compared to the control group. Moreover, the group that received online-CBT maintained their improvements 6 months post-treatment which is good news for those of us sick of counting sheep.

Source:
Toronto Psychologist link

DFPsych – Who Are We?

2009-07-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

DFPsych is made up of a small but highly skilled team of Psychologists, Therapists and Psychology Interns. We provide highly specified psychological treatment within Toronto and the surrounding areas.

DF Psychological Services is owned and operated by a licensed psychologist who provides counseling, consultations and assessments.

We operate both on a referral basis from health care institutions and through self-referrals.

Other posts:
The Strength Based Philosophy
About Donna Ferguson
A Resource for Toronto Psychologists
Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

Choosing a Psychologist in Toronto

2009-07-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

As a Toronto psychologist, Donna Ferguson understands the overwhelming options for treatment that abound in Toronto today. There are many psychologists in Canada, however, when choosing a psychologist in Toronto it is essential to choose a psychologist that best suits your needs. Deciding on a psychologist is a very personal choice. It often entails finding a psychologist that connects with you on a personal level, and while there are many psychologists in Toronto, perhaps only a few of them bridge that connection.

If you are looking for a Toronto psychologist that has both the experience and the ability to maintain a relationship of trust and respect, then you should look no further than Donna Ferguson. Also known by her business of DFPsych, Donna is a Toronto psychologist with over ten years of experience and a professional background.

Other posts:
The Strength Based Philosophy
About Donna Ferguson
A Resource for Toronto Psychologists
Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

DFPsych's Strength-Based Philosophy

2009-07-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Support, guidance and encouragement are the keystones of self-development and change. This is what we strive to provide at DF Psych, through our strength-based philosophy.

Whether you seek positive change in your life, or the elimination of harmful thoughts, patterns or behaviors, we address every issue in a way that is objective, confidential and non-judgmental.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Everyone has difficulties from time to time, and our approach is to treat each and every case with understanding, professionalism and compassion. We address addictions and undesirable behaviors and help to create positive change.

We also believe in helping you to actualize your full potential. Whether it is to achieve goals, or to take a positive approach to life, we can help you to get in the mindset of success – whatever that success may be to you personally.

Other posts:
About Donna Ferguson
A Resource for Toronto Psychologists
Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

About Donna Ferguson

2009-07-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is my profile - with hyperlinks for easy reference.

Donna Ferguson is a Toronto psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She provides psychological assessments and treatments, specifically Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy focused, in the area of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and other Anxiety Disorders.

Dr. Ferguson also works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at the Psychological Trama Program, Work Stress and Health Program.

Her clinical research interests and areas of specialty include concurrent disorders in anxiety disorders and/or co-morbid depressive disorders with gambling pathology (in areas of assessment and intervention).

Dr. Ferguson has published research in problem gambling and has worked with clients in the area of gambling addiction. She has also published articles in the area of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dr. Ferguson is a graduate of the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of the Ontario Psychology Association and the Canadian Psychology Association. Dr. Ferguson is also listed with the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Other posts:
A Resource for Toronto Psychologists
Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

Toronto Psychologist

2009-07-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Toronto Psychologist

Psychologists in Toronto - A Resource

2009-07-14T02:52:00.001-07:00

Toronto Psychologist blog is a resource for clients (prospective or otherwise) to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy, psychology, therapy and psychology in Toronto.

Donna Ferguson, of DFPsych, makes the Toronto Psychology blog as complete as possible. She also strives to answer any questions you may have as we move along.

The Toronto Psychology blog is an organic experience so it is meant to evolve as time goes on.

The best psychologists in Toronto, as well as the best psychologist in the Toronto Area will agree that cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) is an effective, and less invasive means of treating patients.

Toronto psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, hypnotherapists, physicians, psychiatric nurses and mental health professionals can all use the Toronto Psychologist blog as a resource and, hopefully, a watering hole for new ideas and breakthroughs in the field of psychology.

Other posts:
Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

Toronto Psychologist Blog Topics

2009-07-14T01:28:00.001-07:00

1. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

An explanation of CBT and how it is different from classic psychoanalysis and social psychology.

To find out more, click here: Toronto Psychologist link

2. Insomnia

Not being able to sleep is often a psychosomatic condition.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

3. Smoking

CBT can help you to quit smoking without the use of gums, patches or drugs. The effects are often more effective, and more pervasive.

To find out more, click here: Toronto Psychologist link

4. Other Addictions

Gambling, cocaine, and prescription drugs can tear families apart. Addiction often stems from deep-seeded psychological conditions that can be resolved through CBT.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

5. The hard science of psychology

Controlled laboratory experiments can demonstrate replicable data to prove the effectiveness of CBT in scientific settings.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

6. The degree paradigm

In this experiment, the time it takes for a match to be made between two objects is directly dependent on the number of degrees they are from each other.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

7. The mammal → bird experiment

Here is another CBT experiment that measures the time between responses of two similar vs dissimilar words. Over a long enough timeline it is possible to map out a consistent cognitive structure of the brain, much like a computer.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

8. Phobias

Phobias can also be addressed through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Powerful, irrational fears can be detrimental to one’s health and overall mental and physical well-being. By taking a logical, step-by-step progression, CBT can relieve these pressures.
We will take a closer look at a few examples.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

9. Depression

Depression is a clinical condition often treated with drugs. There is another way. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers a non-medical way to treat depression as a strictly psychological condition. And it has proved to be very effective.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

10. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are experiences in life that can leave us with lasting feelings of despair, fear or anxiety. PTSD is a specialty of mine. I will offer various case studies of how I have successfully treated patients, through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Find out more here: Toronto psychologist link

Other posts:
Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity
Can Cognitive Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
Welcome to the Toronto Psychologist Blog

Toronto Psychologist Blog Diversity

2009-07-14T01:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the topics I will cover in this blog over the coming weeks.

If you have any specific areas of interest, please let me know. The objective of the Toronto Psychologist blog is to offer as much information as possible for you to have a thorough understanding of the procedures and techniques employed by cognitive therapy, before beginning treatment.

This blog can also complement any treatment you are currently receiving.

Its aim is to be helpful... so any suggestions or comments you may have are greatly appreciated.

Can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?

2009-07-14T01:02:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer patients undergo an enormous amount of psychological stress that starts from the diagnosis stage and continues on during treatment or even after remission. The stress and anxiety levels are particularly high during the 1-year period after diagnosis because the patients undergo treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

In the past, cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of anxiety in patients who suffer from anxiety-related disorders leading to long-term benefits like better coping skills. Along the same vein, researchers in the department of psychology at the University of Miami wanted to test whether cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention would decrease the amount of stress and anxiety of post-surgery breast cancer patients.

128 women participated in a randomized study in which the test group received a 10-week group-based CBSM intervention and the control group only received a 1-day psychoeducation. Data for anxiety measures as well as physiological data from cortisol analyses were taken from both groups.

The result? Not surprisingly, those who received a 10-week CBSM intervention reported lower cancer-specific anxiety and better physiological adaptation (lower cortisol) compared with the control group. What does all this mean? Well, one thing that seems certain is that cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial to breast cancer patients, especially during the 1-year post-diagnosis period. And that’s great news, since it’s likely that lower stress levels (lower stress hormone levels) allow the immune system to function optimally which is especially important in a vulnerable period.

Source: Toronto Psychologist link

Welcome

2009-06-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the DFpsych blog, Toronto Psychologist.

Through this site, I intend to offer a clearer understanding of our services, and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Feel free to follow along as I address specific case studies, offer informative tips, and document positive life changes as they occur.

If you have any questions, please visit our website at dfpsych.com or call me to book an appointment.

I look forward to filling this blog with information I hope will be of use to you. The Toronto Psychologist blog is an organic experience, and your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

DF Psychological Services
1849 Yonge Street, Suite 511
Toronto ON M4S 1Y2

Phone: (416) 937-2164