Gillian Strange-Dell
Registered Psychotherapist
How Does Stress Effect The Body?
There is much evidence that chronic psychological stress does manifest in the body, sometimes creating disease. Dr. Gabor Maté is a Canadian Physician working in Vancouver and author of "When The Body Says No". His work on the links between stress, autoimmune diseases and other health conditions is demonstrated in this video.
How Long Will I Be In Therapy?
Therapy is a very individual process. During an initial meeting an assessment of individual needs and goals are identified. Based on this information, services will be recommended and mutually agreed upon. Some people are in therapy for short-term goals. Once those are accomplished, and the appropriate skills can be implemented without the therapist's support, therapy can be ended. Other difficulties take longer to resolve, and yet others only need support during specific life periods. Those individuals may come in and out of therapy as is necessary for personal goals to be accomplished.
Other Common Questions
If I am in therapy, does that mean I am crazy?
Absolutely not. People come in to work on all types of issues and build their interpersonal skills. Psychotherapy can help anyone that is willing to make a positive change in their lives, from conquering fears, to grieving the death of a spouse or family member, all the way up to dealing with eating disorders and addictions. It is very sane indeed to wish for a more productive and happy life.
Will my family or employer find out I am in therapy?
Confidentiality is paramount in psychotherapy. A session room is a safe and confidential place. The only people who find out are those you choose to tell. Every psychotherapist is required by law to keep all session contents confidential and requires the client's consent to consult with other professionals on your behalf as well as your own family or employer. Should any situation arise, you would be consulted for your consent.
What will the first session be like?
The first session is a "getting to know you" time. There will be a few forms to fill out, so being a few minutes early for the session is wise. A psychotherapist does not diagnose psychological issues but sets goals with the client and suggests a course of treatment. This may take anywhere from 1-4 sessions, depending on your preparedness and willingness to discuss issues frankly.
Is there medical coverage for this service?
Psychotherapy is not part of OHIP and you may have to pay for the session fee yourself. Some benefits packages do have allowances for Psychotherapy Services and you will have to speak with your benefits provider to figure out what is allowable.
If you have other questions not covered here, please contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.
(289) 928-5565
claringtoncounselling@gmail.com
Gillian Strange-Dell holds an Hon B.F.A., a B.A. Psych and was trained in Psychotherapy at the Institute for Studies in Psychotherapy and Emotional Bodywork (ISPEB). She is currently taking clients at her office in Courtice, servicing Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville, and Newcastle.
Gillian works with a diverse client base but specializes in adults with anxiety; a history of physical or sexual abuse; and addiction recovery. Other issues accepted in her general practice include depression, insomnia, eating disorders, anger management, workplace or parental stress, grief and relationship difficulties.
Gillian is a member of the
Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapists
and an Associate therapist with the
Centre for Psychotherapy and Emotional Bodywork.
Find Gillian's listing on Elaine Aron's Highly Sensitive Person website here.