Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW
Design a Life You Love to Live
Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback
Are you tired of struggling and just want to feel better? Do you sometimes feel as if you have tried everything and yet nothing has helped? Have you sought help before and while you found new insights, your day to day life didn't improve as much as you had hoped?
I'd like to help.
I am a special kind of therapist who has trained in a variety of cutting edge approaches that are based upon the latest research on the brain and the nervous system. Many of the concerns that typically bring someone into therapy - issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, addictions, autoimmune disorders and more - have at their root a dysregulated nervous system. This is why when we talk about our problems and obtain insight about them, we don't necessarily find that our symptoms improve. It is only by working with the body, the brain and the nervous system that we are likely to experience true and lasting improvement.
In addition to Somatic Experiencing - a nervous system based psychotherapy - I also offer NeurOptimal neurofeedback. While NeurOptimal is not a therapy or treatment but rather a tool that helps to optimize brain function, it can help not only with the types of concerns that typically bring people into therapy but also others issues such as tinnitus, brain injuries, misophonia, chemo brain, learning disabilities, migraines, alzheimers, dementia, sports performance, academic performance, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Basically anything that can be affected by having more optimized brain function has the potential of improving with NeurOptimal. NeurOptimal is completely safe, and sessions are available as inexpensively as $40 each. Please see my neurofeedback page, using the link at the bottom of the site, or watch the videos provided to learn more about NeurOptimal and the very wide range of areas in which people often experience improvement through brain training.
Rather than simply learning how to cope better with their symptoms - which is often what happens when talk therapy is used alone - many of my clients now find that they simply don't get as anxious, stressed or depressed, etc... in relation to events that previously would have really triggered them. I find in my own life, I often suddenly realize I have simply forgotten to be anxious or upset, and that I have been applying the calming skills I have learned without even being fully conscious of doing so.
I am also trained in more traditional approaches to psychotherapy such as talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness, as well as more alternative approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Energy Psychology, and Energy Medicine.
I provide a very comfortable and peaceful environment in my home office, located near the Georgetown, Ontario GO station.
Although healing work can definitely include difficult feelings at times, I am someone who has a quirky sense of humour that my clients tend to really enjoy. As a result, sessions with me often include more gentle laughter together than one might typically expect in therapy.
In addition to having over 23 years of experience as a therapist, I also have been through a lot in my own life, so I am also very familiar with what it is like to be a client and the special mix of feelings, hopes and fears that that can include.
Before starting my private practice over 13 years ago, I was a therapist for over 10 years at Hamilton Health Sciences' McMaster University Medical Centre, predominantly in the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre.
I am assisted in my home office by my two canine assistants: Maggie, who is a 13 year old schnauzer-poodle cross and Jasper, my 3 year old beagle who is a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog. Please advise me if the dogs' presence poses any difficulty for you.
Why wait to feel better? Click here to book online now!
I'd like to help.
I am a special kind of therapist who has trained in a variety of cutting edge approaches that are based upon the latest research on the brain and the nervous system. Many of the concerns that typically bring someone into therapy - issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, addictions, autoimmune disorders and more - have at their root a dysregulated nervous system. This is why when we talk about our problems and obtain insight about them, we don't necessarily find that our symptoms improve. It is only by working with the body, the brain and the nervous system that we are likely to experience true and lasting improvement.
In addition to Somatic Experiencing - a nervous system based psychotherapy - I also offer NeurOptimal neurofeedback. While NeurOptimal is not a therapy or treatment but rather a tool that helps to optimize brain function, it can help not only with the types of concerns that typically bring people into therapy but also others issues such as tinnitus, brain injuries, misophonia, chemo brain, learning disabilities, migraines, alzheimers, dementia, sports performance, academic performance, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Basically anything that can be affected by having more optimized brain function has the potential of improving with NeurOptimal. NeurOptimal is completely safe, and sessions are available as inexpensively as $40 each. Please see my neurofeedback page, using the link at the bottom of the site, or watch the videos provided to learn more about NeurOptimal and the very wide range of areas in which people often experience improvement through brain training.
Rather than simply learning how to cope better with their symptoms - which is often what happens when talk therapy is used alone - many of my clients now find that they simply don't get as anxious, stressed or depressed, etc... in relation to events that previously would have really triggered them. I find in my own life, I often suddenly realize I have simply forgotten to be anxious or upset, and that I have been applying the calming skills I have learned without even being fully conscious of doing so.
I am also trained in more traditional approaches to psychotherapy such as talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness, as well as more alternative approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Energy Psychology, and Energy Medicine.
I provide a very comfortable and peaceful environment in my home office, located near the Georgetown, Ontario GO station.
Although healing work can definitely include difficult feelings at times, I am someone who has a quirky sense of humour that my clients tend to really enjoy. As a result, sessions with me often include more gentle laughter together than one might typically expect in therapy.
In addition to having over 23 years of experience as a therapist, I also have been through a lot in my own life, so I am also very familiar with what it is like to be a client and the special mix of feelings, hopes and fears that that can include.
Before starting my private practice over 13 years ago, I was a therapist for over 10 years at Hamilton Health Sciences' McMaster University Medical Centre, predominantly in the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre.
I am assisted in my home office by my two canine assistants: Maggie, who is a 13 year old schnauzer-poodle cross and Jasper, my 3 year old beagle who is a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog. Please advise me if the dogs' presence poses any difficulty for you.
Why wait to feel better? Click here to book online now!
Ready to book? Online scheduling is available! See below....
Pricing
Psychotherapy
$140 for a one hour session
Covered under extended health plans that cover counselling with a social worker rather than requiring that the therapist be a psychologist. Check with your plan provider for details.
Neurofeedback
More information about NeurOptimal, including videos on a variety of topics, are located below the links for online booking.
In office neurofeedback sessions:
$110 per session (45 mins, 32 mins of which is neurofeedback)
$990 - ten session package, when purchased together. Must be used within 6 months.
Neurofeedback Rental Units Available!
Rent a neurofeedback tablet and do your own brain training any time, anywhere, at the times that work best for you. Feel free to share your sessions with friends and family, if desired. Anyone can benefit from brain training. Fastest change is often seen when doing sessions more frequently - it can be beneficial to do up to two brain training sessions per day.
Neurofeedback Rental Packages
20 sessions, over 4 weeks - $800 ($40 per session)
10 sessions, over 4 weeks - $600 ($60 per session)
5 sessions, over 2 weeks - $375 ($75 per session)
NeurOptimal rental units are available on a first come, first served basis
Please note Neurofeedback sessions are not covered under extended health plans, unless used as part of a therapy session.
Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy combination sessions are available
$210 for 90 mins (45 mins of neurofeedback + 45 mins of psychotherapy)
$280 for 2 hours (45 mins of neurofeedback + 75 mins of psychotherapy)
Ready to start? Click here to book online now!
$140 for a one hour session
Covered under extended health plans that cover counselling with a social worker rather than requiring that the therapist be a psychologist. Check with your plan provider for details.
Neurofeedback
More information about NeurOptimal, including videos on a variety of topics, are located below the links for online booking.
In office neurofeedback sessions:
$110 per session (45 mins, 32 mins of which is neurofeedback)
$990 - ten session package, when purchased together. Must be used within 6 months.
Neurofeedback Rental Units Available!
Rent a neurofeedback tablet and do your own brain training any time, anywhere, at the times that work best for you. Feel free to share your sessions with friends and family, if desired. Anyone can benefit from brain training. Fastest change is often seen when doing sessions more frequently - it can be beneficial to do up to two brain training sessions per day.
Neurofeedback Rental Packages
20 sessions, over 4 weeks - $800 ($40 per session)
10 sessions, over 4 weeks - $600 ($60 per session)
5 sessions, over 2 weeks - $375 ($75 per session)
NeurOptimal rental units are available on a first come, first served basis
Please note Neurofeedback sessions are not covered under extended health plans, unless used as part of a therapy session.
Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy combination sessions are available
$210 for 90 mins (45 mins of neurofeedback + 45 mins of psychotherapy)
$280 for 2 hours (45 mins of neurofeedback + 75 mins of psychotherapy)
Ready to start? Click here to book online now!
Services
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback
I offer NeurOptimal brain training neurofeedback sessions to all ages, as well as having personal neurofeedback units that are available to be rented out for home use. If you are booking a session for a child, please send me a message letting me know this, and the age of the child or any special needs they may have.
Learn MoreNeurofeedback
NeurOptimal Neurofeedback
What is neurofeedback?
NeurOptimal®’s EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback system is a powerful technologythat can greatly enhance your well-being and generally help you get the most out of life. Brain training can unlock untapped cognitive potential and help you achieve long-held goals and dreams.
Biofeedback has been around for almost 40 years. Because neurofeedback has been time-tested, it is also very safe.
How does it work?
The NeurOptimal® proprietary neurofeedback system is a highly personalized brain training software that prompts the central nervous system to help make the best use of your brain’s neural resources.
Neurofeedback training for the brain is similar to physical training for the body. Much of our suffering comes from pervasive recurring thoughts and feelings in which our minds become emotionally stranded or cognitively “stuck”. Neurofeedback prompts the brain to draw from its existing resources and pull itself out of these mental “ruts”. The result is a more open and positive mindset in which obstacles are more manageable and problems more resolvable.
Much like a mirror that promotes self-correction, NeurOptimal®’s proprietary neurofeedback program monitors your brain waves and then provides “feedback” to your central nervous system about what it has just done. When the software detects a tremor in your brain wave pattern, it sends an audible signal that encourages the brain to “reset” and self-correct.
WHY SHOULD I USE NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback training provides a multitude of benefits for the brain and body, including: improved sleep, heightened mental clarity and enhanced cognitive performance.
Trainers and clients –millions and growing- have used the NeurOptimal® system to address a number of physical, emotional and cognitive complaints with great success. These fall into a few general categories:
1. PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
Adults, as well as children, have used NeurOptimal® neurofeedback to address the negative effects arising from depression, anxiety, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, autism, sleep disorders, misophonia and other complaints. The FDA has even approved neurofeedback as effective for stress reduction.
As of November of 2012, the American Pediatric Academy has endorsed neurofeedback aka EEG biofeedback as a “Level 1/Best Support” treatment for children with ADHD. Furthermore, the APA has equated neurofeedback with medication in terms of efficacy for resolving ADHD.
2. GENERAL WELLNESS
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback encourages an overall positive mental outlook and a deeper understanding of the mind/body connection. For those looking to enhance their daily health and wellness, neurofeedback training can be an excellent supplement to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
3. BRAIN FITNESS/AGE REMEDIATION:
Along with healthy lifestyle choices, NeurOptimal® neurofeedback can be a powerful tool to mediate cognitive decline that naturally occurs as we age. Just as physical exercise benefits the body, NeurOptimal® keeps the brain fit and resilient. Neurofeedback can help improve memory, recall and increase overall cognitive dexterity in older individuals.
4. PEAK PHYSICAL/MENTAL PERFORMANCE:
A growing number of Olympic and professional athletes now use neurofeedback to provide that critical mental edge which often results in gold medals and championships. When competitors are separated by 100ths of a second, the improved mental focus and physical performance neurofeedback provides can mean the difference between winning and losing. But you don’t have to be a pro athlete to enjoy the benefits of neurofeedback. Looking to improve your golf game? Want to be a better pitcher for your company softball team? NeurOptimal® can help.
5. IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Because neurofeedback training enhances concentration and mental focus, students use NeurOptimal® as a critical tool to improve their performance in school. Unlike so-called “smart drugs” or neuro enhancing pharmaceuticals, NeurOptimal® is 100% drug-free
and has no known side effects (apart from improved sleep!).
What happens in a session?
Your NeurOptimal® trainer may have you fill out a survey listing the complaints and/or challenges that have brought you into his/her office.
You will next be placed in a quiet space and in a comfortable position. The trainer will attach special sensors to your head that will feed your brain wave patterns into the NeurOptimal® program’s software.
A neurofeedback training session is relaxing, enjoyable and typically lasts about 30 minutes. As the session starts, you will hear music play though headphones and perhaps watch relaxing geometric images gently morph across a computer screen. You will hear occasional “skips” or interruptions in the music – this is the signal that prompts your brain to “reset” and optimize itself.
At the end of a session, you will most likely feel less stressed and more mentally clear. It is unlikely you will experience any negative after-effects as NeurOptimal® does not artificially “push” the brain in any specific direction. Many users experience deeper sleep and vivid dreams after their very first session.
How is NeurOptimal® different from other systems?
There are a few key factors that distinguish NeurOptimal® from other neurofeedback systems:
1. NeurOptimal® is effective because it is designed to work best with your individual brain. It does not attempt to “fix” predetermined conditions or pin down specific problems. This was a limitation in many earlier neurofeedback systems. Often, resolving one problem in one area could cause problems elsewhere. The heart of the NeurOptimal® system - Dynamical Neurofeedback®- is a proprietary technology based in neuroscience and specifically designed with the naturally non-linear function of the human brain in mind. NeurOptimal® is built to harness the incredibly dynamic nature of your brain in a way other systems simply cannot match. As a result, this neurofeedback system can be used effectively to address a wide array of complaints without specifically “targeting” them from the outset of the training.
2. NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is extremely safe. Research shows your own brain “knows best” and therefore the NeurOptimal® brain training system does not force or “push” the brain in any one direction. Basically, Dynamical Neurofeedback® provides your brain with the information it needs to correct itself and function at its most optimal. NeurOptimal® simply enables your own brain’s natural process of self-correction.
3. NeurOptimal® requires no effort on the user’s part. Some brain training systems require the user to “interact” by playing games or solve puzzles during sessions. This additional level of interaction is unnecessary with the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system. During a training session, you can simply relax and enjoy!
Neurofeedback Fees
Initial session (approximately 1 hour) $110.00,
$110.00 for subsequent sessions (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour),
Package of 10, $990.00 (to be redeemed within 6 months).
OR rent a system to use at home!
Rental Pricing:
$800 for 20 sessions, done at home over 4 weeks ($40 per session)
$600 for 10 sessions, done at home over 4 weeks ($60 per session)
$375 for 5 sessions, over 2 weeks ($75 per session)
Systems are also available for purchase, please ask me for details!
What is neurofeedback?
NeurOptimal®’s EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback system is a powerful technologythat can greatly enhance your well-being and generally help you get the most out of life. Brain training can unlock untapped cognitive potential and help you achieve long-held goals and dreams.
Biofeedback has been around for almost 40 years. Because neurofeedback has been time-tested, it is also very safe.
How does it work?
The NeurOptimal® proprietary neurofeedback system is a highly personalized brain training software that prompts the central nervous system to help make the best use of your brain’s neural resources.
Neurofeedback training for the brain is similar to physical training for the body. Much of our suffering comes from pervasive recurring thoughts and feelings in which our minds become emotionally stranded or cognitively “stuck”. Neurofeedback prompts the brain to draw from its existing resources and pull itself out of these mental “ruts”. The result is a more open and positive mindset in which obstacles are more manageable and problems more resolvable.
Much like a mirror that promotes self-correction, NeurOptimal®’s proprietary neurofeedback program monitors your brain waves and then provides “feedback” to your central nervous system about what it has just done. When the software detects a tremor in your brain wave pattern, it sends an audible signal that encourages the brain to “reset” and self-correct.
WHY SHOULD I USE NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback training provides a multitude of benefits for the brain and body, including: improved sleep, heightened mental clarity and enhanced cognitive performance.
Trainers and clients –millions and growing- have used the NeurOptimal® system to address a number of physical, emotional and cognitive complaints with great success. These fall into a few general categories:
1. PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
Adults, as well as children, have used NeurOptimal® neurofeedback to address the negative effects arising from depression, anxiety, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, autism, sleep disorders, misophonia and other complaints. The FDA has even approved neurofeedback as effective for stress reduction.
As of November of 2012, the American Pediatric Academy has endorsed neurofeedback aka EEG biofeedback as a “Level 1/Best Support” treatment for children with ADHD. Furthermore, the APA has equated neurofeedback with medication in terms of efficacy for resolving ADHD.
2. GENERAL WELLNESS
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback encourages an overall positive mental outlook and a deeper understanding of the mind/body connection. For those looking to enhance their daily health and wellness, neurofeedback training can be an excellent supplement to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
3. BRAIN FITNESS/AGE REMEDIATION:
Along with healthy lifestyle choices, NeurOptimal® neurofeedback can be a powerful tool to mediate cognitive decline that naturally occurs as we age. Just as physical exercise benefits the body, NeurOptimal® keeps the brain fit and resilient. Neurofeedback can help improve memory, recall and increase overall cognitive dexterity in older individuals.
4. PEAK PHYSICAL/MENTAL PERFORMANCE:
A growing number of Olympic and professional athletes now use neurofeedback to provide that critical mental edge which often results in gold medals and championships. When competitors are separated by 100ths of a second, the improved mental focus and physical performance neurofeedback provides can mean the difference between winning and losing. But you don’t have to be a pro athlete to enjoy the benefits of neurofeedback. Looking to improve your golf game? Want to be a better pitcher for your company softball team? NeurOptimal® can help.
5. IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Because neurofeedback training enhances concentration and mental focus, students use NeurOptimal® as a critical tool to improve their performance in school. Unlike so-called “smart drugs” or neuro enhancing pharmaceuticals, NeurOptimal® is 100% drug-free
and has no known side effects (apart from improved sleep!).
What happens in a session?
Your NeurOptimal® trainer may have you fill out a survey listing the complaints and/or challenges that have brought you into his/her office.
You will next be placed in a quiet space and in a comfortable position. The trainer will attach special sensors to your head that will feed your brain wave patterns into the NeurOptimal® program’s software.
A neurofeedback training session is relaxing, enjoyable and typically lasts about 30 minutes. As the session starts, you will hear music play though headphones and perhaps watch relaxing geometric images gently morph across a computer screen. You will hear occasional “skips” or interruptions in the music – this is the signal that prompts your brain to “reset” and optimize itself.
At the end of a session, you will most likely feel less stressed and more mentally clear. It is unlikely you will experience any negative after-effects as NeurOptimal® does not artificially “push” the brain in any specific direction. Many users experience deeper sleep and vivid dreams after their very first session.
How is NeurOptimal® different from other systems?
There are a few key factors that distinguish NeurOptimal® from other neurofeedback systems:
1. NeurOptimal® is effective because it is designed to work best with your individual brain. It does not attempt to “fix” predetermined conditions or pin down specific problems. This was a limitation in many earlier neurofeedback systems. Often, resolving one problem in one area could cause problems elsewhere. The heart of the NeurOptimal® system - Dynamical Neurofeedback®- is a proprietary technology based in neuroscience and specifically designed with the naturally non-linear function of the human brain in mind. NeurOptimal® is built to harness the incredibly dynamic nature of your brain in a way other systems simply cannot match. As a result, this neurofeedback system can be used effectively to address a wide array of complaints without specifically “targeting” them from the outset of the training.
2. NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is extremely safe. Research shows your own brain “knows best” and therefore the NeurOptimal® brain training system does not force or “push” the brain in any one direction. Basically, Dynamical Neurofeedback® provides your brain with the information it needs to correct itself and function at its most optimal. NeurOptimal® simply enables your own brain’s natural process of self-correction.
3. NeurOptimal® requires no effort on the user’s part. Some brain training systems require the user to “interact” by playing games or solve puzzles during sessions. This additional level of interaction is unnecessary with the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system. During a training session, you can simply relax and enjoy!
Neurofeedback Fees
Initial session (approximately 1 hour) $110.00,
$110.00 for subsequent sessions (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour),
Package of 10, $990.00 (to be redeemed within 6 months).
OR rent a system to use at home!
Rental Pricing:
$800 for 20 sessions, done at home over 4 weeks ($40 per session)
$600 for 10 sessions, done at home over 4 weeks ($60 per session)
$375 for 5 sessions, over 2 weeks ($75 per session)
Systems are also available for purchase, please ask me for details!
Neurofeedback Videos
Contact
- Near the GO Station Georgetown, ON L7G 3L5
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