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Psychological Services in the National Capital

Welcome - I'm Megan Longstaff, a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, focusing in anxiety, trauma and depression, and offer psychological therapy and counseling services in Ottawa to individuals from the National Capital area. I'm dedicated to quality client care and well-being while providing the utmost in client confidentiality. Please continue exploring my expanded website to learn more about the psychological services I provide and then feel free to contact me anytime.

Areas of Focus
Issues Generally Covered

  • Relationships

  • Verbal/Mental Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Work Related Issues

  • Stress Management

  • Relaxation Skills

  • Life Coaching

      (...among others.)

Therapeutic Techniques
Psychological Assessment & Treatment

Each client I see begins therapy with a professional psychological assessment, which includes an initial interview followed by psychological testing.

During the interview portion of the assessment, the nature of the client’s problem is discussed along with their personal history and background. In the psychological testing portion, the client is given a series of standardized written, multiple choice questionnaires. These results are used to help determine the possible presence and severity of psychological disorders and guide in setting treatment goals.

Psychological assessments are a common practice used by psychologists and psychological associates to systematically identify clinical issues, develop personalized treatment plans and track progress during the course of therapy.

First time seeing a therapist?
To take away some of the mystique, visit 'What to expect when seeing me...' and learn more about what is involved when receiving psychological counseling services, as well as 'How to book an appointment...'.
 

Anxiety

Treatment for anxiety disorders includes, but is not limited to, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psycho-education, relaxation techniques, stress reduction and sleep hygiene. Treatment for a specific anxiety (e.g. heights, driving a car, social situations) involves establishing a graduated series of steps designed to assist clients in overcoming and managing their anxiety (exposure therapy). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) treatment involves learning therapeutic techniques for symptom management.

Trauma

Treatment for trauma follows a three phase model commonly used by psychologists:
i) Stabilization, ii) Processing, and iii) Reintegration.

During the first phase, the client is taught how to cope with the overwhelming symptoms of trauma. This is achieved using a variety of techniques including:
cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-education, symptom management and sleep hygiene.

The second phase involves processing the trauma. Processing involves more intensive
therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), hypnotherapy and
mindfulness, in order to explore the nature and effects of the trauma.

The final reintegration and rehabilitation phase involves restoring one's quality of life by re-establishing and developing healthy relationships, emotions and sense of well-being.

Depression

Treatment for depression includes, but is not limited to, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation and psychopharmacology. Results of the diagnostic tests help assess the severity of depression and whether mediation is recommended. Clients who are coping with depression have options in terms of their treatment. Understanding the neurochemistry can help you decide what treatment option is right for you.

Depression can occur in a person’s life in two ways: i) There is a family history and you have a biological predisposition, or ii) There are situational issues in your life. Or both. Resolution of situational issues will often resolve your depressive episode. Speaking with a professional can assist you in overcoming such obstacles. For people with a family history of depression, building skills to cope with your symptoms can decrease the frequency and severity of your depression. In both cases, cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven method to alleviate your symptoms and put you back in control of your life.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Plato

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