Evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs. Serving clients throughout Ontario, Canada.
Clinical Psychologists are qualified to provide assessment and diagnosis of mental illness health issues. Additionally, psychologists are well versed in a wide variety of therapies (that do not involve the use of medication) aimed at coping with such concerns as: depression, anxiety, stress management, and resolving other personal, family, and work-related problems. These interventions can be utilized with individuals, families, and groups. Psychologists often work in conjunction with family physicians, psychiatrists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals in order to ensure a thorough and comprehensive approach to patients' needs.
A psychologist holds a doctorate degree from a recognized university program. This degree involves 10 or more years of postsecondary studies in psychology, including courses, practica, and internships. The College of Psychologists of Ontario is the body that regulates the profession and licenses psychologists.
Hypnosis, a natural state of heightened and focused attention, is one of the most fascinating phenomena of the human psyche. Our ability to enter this unique state of consciousness opens the door to endless possibilities for healing, self-exploration, and change. Hypnosis has been recognized for thousands of years and used for many purposes. When we enter into a state of hypnosis, we can utilize thoughts, talents and experiences in ways not usually accessible to us.
With the guidance of a trained professional, we can develop our latent abilities that enable making desired changes in our thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Although hypnotic trance is a very natural, peaceful state of mind that most of us experience almost daily (e.g. while daydreaming), it has often been portrayed in films and television in ways that have been inaccurate and even alarming.
Hypnotherapy, when practiced by a well-trained, licensed healthcare professional, is safe. And it is often speedier than many other forms of treatment—both psychological and medical. Hypnosis has been used successfully to treat numerous psychological and physical problems and conditions. As a growing body of research shows, it has often surpassed other forms of therapy in terms of effectiveness, without the unwanted side-effects of medication. In our clinic, hypnosis is used to assist with various issues such as pain management, anxiety and panic attacks, and smoking cessation.
For more information on hypnosis, visit the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis – Ontario Division website.
At our practice, we believe in using evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are tailored to each individual's unique needs and circumstances. We carefully evaluate all cases to ensure the most appropriate service for each patient.
Treatment is primarily cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in nature, which is a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Our cognitive behavioural therapy Ontario approach has been extensively researched and proven effective for a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and phobias. As a CBT psychologist in Ontario, we provide evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy tailored to each client's needs.
Our CBT approach involves:
Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga's approach draws on Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), which emphasizes the inherent goodness and uniqueness of individuals and their capacity for growth and development. This approach provides an accepting and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences authentically.
Key principles include:
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps individuals understand, regulate, and transform their emotional experiences. This approach recognizes that emotions are adaptive and provide important information about our needs and values.
EFT techniques include:
We incorporate solution-focused and brief therapy approaches that focus on identifying and building upon clients' strengths and resources. These approaches are goal-oriented and emphasize what's working well in clients' lives.
Mindfulness practices are integrated into our therapeutic work, helping clients develop present-moment awareness, reduce reactivity, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves and their experiences.
Dr. Bodenstein is certified in the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. This therapeutic approach aids in making desired changes in thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Hypnotherapy can be particularly effective for anxiety management, habit change, and enhancing motivation.
Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga employs 2SLGBTQIA affirmative approaches, creating a safe and validating space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This approach recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals while celebrating their strengths and resilience.
We aim to understand each person within their social, cultural, historical, and economic context. Treatment is collaborative and strengths-based: we identify practical goals, build on existing coping strategies and resources, and select evidence-based interventions that fit the individual's values and circumstances. Care is provided in a manner that respects autonomy and avoids one-size-fits-all recommendations.
While we draw from various therapeutic modalities, we recognize that no single approach works for everyone. We carefully assess each client's needs, preferences, and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan that combines the most appropriate therapeutic techniques.
Contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss how we can help.
Get Started