Adults, adolescents, couples, and families
Typical session length: Individuals - 50 minutes
Couples/families/EMDR - 80 minutes
Anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem
Addictions, anger management, abuse, disordered eating
Relational concerns, personal growth, life transitions, career decisions
Basic EMDR training for the treatment of trauma and trauma-related concerns
Basic hypnosis as an adjunct to therapy
Based on Psychologists' Association of Alberta recommended fee schedule
Approved FNIHB provider for treaty-status clients
Fees may be supported by your Extended Health Care plan, Blue Cross, or
Employee Assistance Program. Please contact your provider for details.
Psychological services are a tax-deductible medical expense
My approach to counselling is premised on an unwavering confidence in the strengths and internal resources you bring to our collaboration -- and your ability to access these strengths and resources in moving toward goals you identify for yourself.
It is my core belief that 'the problem is the problem' -- not the person. We will have conversations in this vein, mining what's gone well -- exceptions and unique outcomes, successes and changes -- and talking about what will be different when you've achieved your goals. We will explore and co-construct a potentially new narrative or story of your individual experience -- and the meaning you make of it. We'll talk about what's relevant and important to you -- and how our time together can be most useful to you.
With you at the helm of your own journey, my role is to support you in focusing on the possible and changeable. . . on solutions, rather than problems . . . moving your ship out of harbour. It is a relentlessly strength-based approach that honours you as the expert in your own life and empowers you in moving toward future change . . . your own personal 'miracle.'
Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing is a research-based, clinical treatment approach developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro. It can assist in processing past traumatic or disturbing experiences, and reorganizing those experiences into a more adaptive, healthy, non-distressing form. EMDR is a clinically proven approach that can result in lasting, positive treatment effects over a relatively short period of time.
When a trauma occurs, it gets 'locked' into the nervous system along with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings attached to it. All of this information gets 'stuck' there and can then be triggered whenever a reminder comes up, creating distress and negative emotions that are difficult to manage. EMDR allows the information to be unlocked and processed, and helps the negative information to be discharged from the nervous system in a more focused way. You are in full control of the pace and process at all times.
When the traumatic event(s) are sufficiently processed, you remember the past event but do not experience the old negative emotions and thoughts, or the unpleasant bodily sensations, emotions, and reactions in the present. You become informed by the memories, not controlled by them.
Please contact me with your questions, or to request additional information.
Hypnosis involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts to manage emotional distress (like anxiety, stress, or depression), unpleasant physical symptoms (like pain or nausea), or to help you change habits or behaviours (like smoking or overeating). Hypnosis can help you feel more alert, relaxed, comfortable, or peaceful.
It typically involves two phases: induction and application. During induction, you may be asked to picture a relaxing scene, and will be supported in becoming more relaxed and more focused on your personal goals for the hypnosis session. During the application phase, you will be offered suggestions targeted to treat your specific symptoms or difficulties. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, it may be suggested that you will be calmer and less bothered by anxious feelings both during and following hypnosis. If you are experiencing pain, you might hear suggestions that you will feel less pain or that you may be better able to manage the pain following hypnosis.
Hypnosis is not a type of psychotherapy. It is a specific, clinical technique that can be used -- and a skill that can be taught to you to use -- in the context of other therapies.
Most people describe hypnosis as a pleasant experience during which they feel focused and absorbed in the hypnotic experience. However, while you may feel very relaxed, you are in control at all times during hypnosis, and an active participant in your session.
In our first session, you will be asked to complete some initial paperwork, including a fee agreement, 24-hour cancellation policy, and confidentiality forms, some information about your current concerns, supports or resources, and relevant medical or family information.
We will talk about your goals for counselling -- how counselling can be helpful for you at this time, and how you will know you are done. We will also discuss how we will work together, and begin our collaborative conversations about future change.
You can expect your confidentiality to be protected and respected, with the exception of:
a) risk of harm to yourself or others
b) abuse of minor or dependent adult
c) court order
You may also authorize sharing of information with other individuals, insurance companies, or medical professionals through your signed consent to release of information.
Close to North Hill Shopping Centre and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Convenient access by transit or vehicle, just north of 16th Avenue on 14th Street N.W.
Pay parking across 14th Street as well as on-street parking nearby.
Weekdays
By appointment
Evenings
Monday 6 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday 6 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday 6 pm - 8 pm
Weekends
Saturday noon - 5pm
#200, 2003 - 14 St. N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2M 3N4
Tel: 403-630-7595
Email: lynne.goertzen_gmail.com
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
- Louisa May Alcott
