Monday, July 27, 2009
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
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
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
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Phobias
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
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
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.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Quitting Smoking Through Psychotherapy
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?
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
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.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
E-therapy for Insomniacs?
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
DFPsych – Who Are We?
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Psychologists in Toronto - A Resource
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
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
Can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Help Breast Cancer Patients?
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
Welcome
DF Psychological Services
1849 Yonge Street, Suite 511
Toronto ON M4S 1Y2
Phone: (416) 937-2164