Carol Ann Brayley, MSW, RSW, SEP
Design a Life You Love to Live
Comprehensive Healing
If you have tried talk therapy and didn't get where you wanted to be, I am the therapist you are looking for. Neurofeedback, SSP and Unyte-iLs Focus are all available as rental systems.. Please see www.WholeMindHealing.ca or email carolannrowland@gmail.com to enquire.
I'd like to help.
I have 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 traditional talk therapy, I also offer Somatic Experiencing - a nervous system based approach to healing and Brainspotting (Phase 1, 2, 3, 4, Addictions, "Hero's Journey", "Brainspotting & Parts Therapy", and "From Freeze to Thaw"). Brainspotting is a simple yet powerful tool using focused gaze upon specific points of the visual field, in order to access healing in the subcortical brain and thus release trauma and other concerns, at a very deep level. I am also currently training in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Transforming the Experience Based Brain (TEB), and Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP).
Some high tech tools that I have available for use either in office with me, or as rental systems to use at home, are NeurOptimal neurofeedback, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by Stephen Porges, as well as the Focus System from Unyte-iLs. Each of these systems, in different ways, help to promote optimal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and associated bodily systems. Improvements are often noted with concerns such as tinnitus, brain injuries, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, misophonia, chemo brain, learning disabilities, migraines, alzheimers, dementia, sports performance, academic performance, autism spectrum disorders, and more - depending upon the system. Neurofeedback, SSP and Focus are all available either in office, or as rentals for home use. Please see the neurofeedback, SSP and Focus pages for additional information. Unsure which to try? Please email me to discuss your needs and preferences.
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.
Other approaches I am trained in include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Energy Psychology, and Energy Medicine.
I provide a very comfortable and peaceful environment in my home office, located in Georgetown, Ontario.
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 27 years of experience as a psychotherapist, 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 17 years ago, I was a therapist for 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 Jasper, my 8 year old beagle who is a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog, Molly, a 3 year old ragdoll cat, and Amy, an almost 2 year old multigenerational Australian labradoodle. Please advise me if the pets' presence in my home office 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....
Book Appointment
If we have not worked together previously, or if it has been more than 6 months since I last saw you, please contact me first to discuss my availability and your needs, prior to booking. Due to COVID sessions are online or by phone only.
Neurofeedback
I offer brain training neurofeedback sessions to all ages. CURRENTLY NEUROFEEDBACK IS AVAILABLE THROUGH RENTAL SYSTEMS ONLY
Learn MoreSSP Listening Session
After contacting us in relation to receiving the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) you can schedule an online session for those aged 13 and up, to begin SSP listening. For those aged 12 and under, no appointment is necessary - please email carolannbrayley@gmail.com to enquire.
Learn MoreIndividual & Group Clinical Consultations for SSP Practitioners
Clinical consultations for psychotherapists and other practitioners in relation to the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP).
Learn MoreGroups
Neurofeedback
Easy to use, safe and gentle neurofeedback systems available. Sessions for as little as $12 each, in the comfort of your own home, at times that work best for you. Brain training is wonderful for everyone - sessions can be shared among family members. Delivery throughout GTA and surrounding area available.
WHY TRY NEUROFEEDBACK?
Anyone with a brain can benefit from neurofeedback! This is because training your brain with neurofeedback will get you functioning at your best, whatever that best is.
Neurofeedback is used by peak performing athletes, artists, and business people who want to achieve and maintain their edge. Neurofeedback is also used by individuals who feel they are not functioning at their best, including many adults and children with severe impairments, who are struggling with their mood, or who want a drug-free approach to feeling and functioning optimally.
How is it possible that one tool can work for widely different brains and purposes? It’s all to do with brain optimization. The various complaints we all suffer can be considered signs the brain is not functioning at its optimal level. Doing brain training through neurofeedback can change that.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for changes on a physical, emotional or mental level — you only have one brain and it affects everything in your body. While you may have one reason for using neurofeedback positive changes can show in across all areas of your life.
For example, in my own life, I was motivated to try neurofeedback in order to help with my sleep. My sleep did improve but I also had less anxiety, I felt happier, had more energy, food cravings and emotional eating were completely eliminated, my focus was better, my allergy to dairy became less, my seasonal allergies improved - even my eyesight improved.
Many people who choose to do brain training report life changing results. A number of elite athletes have used neurofeedback to obtain improvement in their physical performance and mental stamina. Sufferers of sleeplessness report improved sleep. Veterans use it stating it helps relieve the extreme challenges they face returning home from a war zone. Mentally clouded individuals, due to injury or life circumstances, tell us how after using neurofeedback they’ve rediscovered clarity to an extent they and their loved ones once believed unattainable. Brain training through neurofeedback has helped improve the lives of children suffering from communication and social challenges, and general difficulties focusing in school. And many challenges stemming from stress commonly fall away when the brain is trained for optimal function.
With neurofeedback, your label or diagnosis - or lack thereof - does not change how we approach brain training. All you will need to do during sessions is to sit in the chair and relax. Yet despite being so easy, the change experienced is comprehensive, and not just in the area that is hoped for. The benefits manifest across many areas of functioning. Best of all, neurofeedback is completely safe and has no side effects.
Rest assured, whatever your situation, you are almost certain to significantly upgrade your quality of life by training your brain through neurofeedback.
Some suggestions for its use are:
Wellness enhancement
Improving mood & happiness
Increasing energy
Improved digestion
Stress reduction
Facilitate return of veterans into home and work life
Academic and job enhancement
Athletic and sports training
Optimizing your intelligence with improved brain function
Preparation for testing: improved focus, attention and retention, reduction of test anxiety
As part of an anti-aging program
Enhancing creativity and awareness
Personal and spiritual development in individual and group settings
Enriching partner, family and work relationships
Group training in retreat settings
Neurofeedback Rental System Pricing
Up to 10 sessions over 4 weeks for $650
Up to 20 sessions over 4 weeks for $800
Up to 50 sessions over 4 weeks for $1000
Unlimited sessions over 4 weeks for $1200
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
Since May 2019, I have offered SSP to a few hundred people, from ages 2 - 78 years old, from all over the world. I specialize in offering SSP to people dealing with the most complex situations, and offer consultation to other SSP practitioners to help them learn how to deliver SSP to allow for best possible results.
Are you looking for help and information in relation to the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
Please visit www.SSPYoda.com There are new offerings there, including online groups for both SSP clients and practitioners, a greatly expanded FAQ section about SSP, and much more.
You can still read about my own responses to SSP and that of my dogs on my blog. SSP related posts begin July 2019 and if you scroll up from there, there are many more.
You also can watch a video here, where I am interviewed by the parent of a little boy on the spectrum, who did SSP with me.
My associate Hailey Rowland, BSW, now has her own website she can be found at. She uses the same approach that I do and has now worked with quite a number of children with ASD and sensory related concerns, as well as a few adults, including some with trauma.
Focus System
NEW in 2020: Focus, from the same company as SSP. So far I am hearing from Focus clients that they are noticing things like feeling happier, more confident, improved balance and coordination and, of course - vastly improved ability to focus.
With Focus we combine specially-treated music, bone conduction headphones, and air conduction technology together with physical movement.
This allows Focus to support brain integration and skill-building for anyone. It is wonderful for those with sensory-motor and neurodevelopmental challenges.
Those with concerns such as autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, auditory & sensory processing disorders, brain injury, trauma, sensory sensitivities, sound sensitivities, and more.
Ideal for both children and adults, the Focus System is easily integrated together with other modalities that may be being accessed.
Focus is also easily integrated into daily life.
Ideally iLs Focus is listened to for approximately 3-5 hours per week. Sessions can be done in either 30 minute or one hour increments.
For each full hour of listening, ideally about 15 minutes of special Focus "activities" will be done. These are things such as standing on one leg, tossing a bean bag, playing with a ball, using a balance board, and more.
Over the course of the listening program(s), as brain functioning is improved, the activities will become easier. As this happen the level of challenging with each activity is raised slightly and, as the higher levels are fully mastered, we then move on to new activities.
For the remainder of each hour of listening, both. kids and adults move on to doing other things. For adults this could involve tidying the house, doing yard work, cooking, getting ready for work, going for walks, etc...
For kids this may be different forms of playing. Using fine motor and gross motor skills by doing things such as playing with toys, drawing or colouring, gently bouncing on a mini trampoline, going for a walk, riding a bike, climbing, and more.
Given that it is recommended that the Focus System be used 3-5 hours per week, it is most conveniently and cost effectively used at home, with guidance and support from a practitioner who supervises remotely.
Click here to read more about research on the Focus System
Click here to read case studies
THE FOCUS SYSTEM INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:
Calming Program
Sensory & Motor Program
Concentration & Attention Program
Reading & Auditory Processing Program
Two Optimal Performance Programs
A Playbook and Integration Kit for movement activities
The process begins with a brief written assessment to determine which of the included Focus programs may be relevant for you or your child.
Programs can be combined and condensed in order to shorten overall timeline.
PLEASE NOTE: Use of the Focus System is NOT recommended for those with seizure disorders, or bipolar depression.
Pricing
NEW!! Focus has moved to a digital delivery format which now allows me to supervise remote use of
Unyte-iLs Focus to people located virtually anywhere.
To receive Focus, you will also need to purchase an "activity" pack from the Unyte-iLs company for $299 US.
The activity pack includes: an amplifier, bone-conducting headphones, waist pack, balance board, 2 bean bags, 1 racket ball, 1 tethered tennis ball, headband, Playbook, manual and carry bag. You then own the activity pack and, if at some point you no longer have use for it, it can be resold - I will be interested in purchasing some activity packs back from clients myself.
You will use the activity pack together with your own device onto which the Focus app has been downloaded.
Monthly fee (pay as you go): $240 CDN (approx $177 US)
6 month access: $960 (approx $710 US)
12 month access: $1620 (approx $1225 US)
Six and 12 month plans can be broken down into monthly payments.
Family Discounts:
Additional family members for iLs Focus are:
Monthly fee (pay as you go): $120 CDN (approx $90 US)
6 month access: $480 CDN (approx $355 US)
12 month access: $840 CDN (approx $620 US)
Six and 12 month plans can be broken down into monthly payments.
Our Team
Carol Ann Brayley (formerly Rowland), MSW, RSW, SEP
Psychotherapist
With over 27 years of experience as a psychotherapist, Carol Ann absolutely loves her work, is extremely passionate about finding the best, most effective tools for her clients, and finds that bringing more joy to her clients' lives, brings more joy to hers.
Hailey Rowland Fawcett, BSW
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Practitioner
I am excited to welcome Hailey as the newest associate of Halton Therapy & Neurofeedback. Hailey graduated from the BSW program in 2019, became certificied in SSP in the summer of 2022, and attended the PVI Gathering Unyte-iLS SSP Summit October 2022. Hailey has embraced offering SSP with enthusiasm and already has experience in relation to ADHD, selective mutism, young moms, trauma and misophonia.
Jasper
Office Jester & Therapy Dog
Jasper is a 7 year old St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog. In addition to his work at Halton Therapy & Neurofeedback, Jasper has friends throughout Georgetown, volunteering with Carol Ann to visit nursing homes, schools, addiction programs, community events, and more. While Jasper is sometimes felt to not necessarily be the smartest boy, he is almost universally agreed upon as being one of the silliest and sweetest boys. Jasper too has had a remarkable response to SSP - after two rounds of SSP he is no longer afraid of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises! You can read about this on my blog. :)
Molly
Office Manager & Therapy Cat
Molly is a two year old Ragdoll cat. Ragdolls are a less allergenic breed. While Molly's actual role is truly one of therapy cat, being a cat, she believes she is the one in charge and, in some respects, she is not wrong. During sessions, Molly loves to either supportively sleep on her climber, or to snuggle with those clients who welcome her sitting with them. Many clients find that Molly makes a most excellent fidget toy. Even people who usually don't like cats, typically love Molly who has many dog-like traits, including that she loves to have her tummy rubbed. :)
Amy
Intern
Amy is our newest intern. She is a mini Australian Labradoodle. Being very early in her training, she is still learning. She is currently working on recognizing that snuggles and the occasional doggy kiss are likely to have a greater therapeutic effect than nibbling on fingers and toes. However, she is progressing rapidly. ❤️
Maggie
Office Mascott
Sadly, Maggie, our much beloved office mascot passed away recently at 15 1/2 years old. While she is no longer with us, it is well worth checking out my blog to read about the amazing transformation she experienced with SSP - she had always had anxious-aggressive barking which stopped completely after one round of SSP, as well as her having an astonishing reduction of chronic pain from arthritis. Clients who had been coming for a while have been amazed at the changes in her, as has all of her family! More people decided to do SSP after watching her change over time, than I could possibly have anticipated. :)
Pricing
Psychotherapy
$180 CDN (about $132 USD) for a one hour session whether online, by phone or in person.
SSP with Carol Ann Brayley, MSW, RSW, SEP
SSP for kids aged 12 & under is $480 CDN (about $325 US)
SSP for teens and adults is $660 CDN (about $485 US)
SSP with Hailey Rowland Fawcett, BSW
SSP for kids aged 12 & under is $400 CDN (about $325 US)
SSP for teens and adults is $520 CDN (about $390 US)
Additional family members aged 12 & under are $120 CDN/$90 US each
Additional family members who are teens or adults are an additional $320 CDN/approx $235 US each)
The fee for those aged 13 and up includes an online session in which the beginning of listening is observed. This session is not necessary for those aged 12 and under.
Subsequent rounds of SSP when the first round was done with us, are $320 CDN/approx $240 USD
These fees include access to the app for up to 4 months for individuals ore up to 6 months when multiple family members are doing SSP Core, sequentially.
These fees also include access to all three SSP pathways if desired (Connect, Core & Balance) within the 4-6 month period.
Want to stay on the app to continue to access SSP Balance and/or SSP Connect on a. regular basis? This can be added one or an additional $50 CDN/$40 US fee per month.
Additional rounds of SSP
Most people will benefit from repeating SSP at some point though it is important to wait at least 3 months in between rounds of SSP Core.
Subsequent rounds of SSP are $320 CDN/$235 US each for all ages, when the initial round was done with either Carol Ann Brayley, MSW, RSW, SEP or Hailey Rowland Fawcett, BSW
For those who live in Ontario Canada and have extended health plans that cover therapy with a social worker the majority the fee is likely to be covered, within the limits and restrictions of their plan. Please contact us for details.
Please note: the above SSP pricing applies to remote access to SSP in which all (for ages 12 and under) or most (for those aged 13 and up) of listening will be done without a practitioner directly observing but with a friend or family member (someone the listener feels safe and comfortable with) present, if possible.. It is important that those accessing remote use of SSP stay in touch with their provider over email, checking in every day or two ideally, so the the process is supervised throughout.
SSP is not considered the "end" of treatment but rather than beginning as, by shifting physiology, it boosts the effectiveness and efficiency of all other approaches that someone accesses. It is best followed by other approaches relevant for the particular individual, such as neurofeedack, iLs Focus, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, etc...
Unyte-iLS Focus
NEW!! Focus has moved to a digital delivery format which now allows me to supervise remote use of
Unyte-iLs Focus to people located virtually anywhere.
To receive Focus, you will need to purchase an "activity" back from the Unyte-iLs company. Please enquire for details
You then will be using your own device together with the activity pack which includes: an amplifier, bone-conducting headphones, waist pack, balance board, 2 bean bags, 1 racket ball, 1 tethered tennis ball, headband, Playbook, manual and carry bag.
- Monthly fee (pay as you go): $240 CDN (approx $177 US)
- 6 month access (pay for 6 months up front): $960 (approx $710 US)
- 12 month access (pay for 12 months up front): $1600 (approx $1175 US)
- Monthly fee (pay as you go): $120 CDN (approx $90 US)
- 6 month access (pay for 6 months up front): $480 CDN (approx $355 US)
- 12 month access (pay for 12 months up front): $800 CDN (approx $590 US)
Neurofeedback
In office neurofeedback sessions, when available:
$135 per session (45 mins, 32 mins of which is neurofeedback) - Currently I do not have space for new Neurofeedback clients for in office sessions - I do have rental systems for home use, however.
Neurofeedback Rental Units Available!
Rent a neurofeedback tablet and use it in the comfort of your own home, for your family and friends. Many clients like to rent because it’s the cheapest way to have a neurofeedback session. If you have a family, renting is convenient - no need to get everybody into the car, just run sessions at home. For clients who live out of town, renting might be the only option. 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
Feel free to share your sessions with friends and family!
Up to 10 sessions, over 4 weeks.......$650 ($65 per session)
Up to 20 sessions, over 4 weeks......$800 ($40 per session)
Up to 50 sessions, over 4 weeks......$1000 ($20 per session)
Up to 100 sessions, over 4 weeks.....$1200 ($12 per session)
Neurofeedback rental units are available on a first come, first served basis. .
Neurofeedback units are also available for purchase. Should you choose to purchase your own NEW unit after renting one from me, I will rebate up to $100 of your rental fee. Please enquire for details prior to purchasing.
Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy combination sessions are available
$270 for 90 mins (45 mins of neurofeedback + 45 mins of psychotherapy)
$360 for 2 hours (45 mins of neurofeedback + 75 mins of psychotherapy)
Ready to start? Click here to book online now!
Blog
What improvements can I expect from Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
Read More
Interested in a discounted rate for SSP with kids? Hailey Rowland Fawcett, BSW is a fully certified SSP provider who is offering a discounted rate for SSP until December 31, 2022.
Read More
An update on Amy and Jasper's latest response to SSP
Read More
Read how Amy, a 5 month old puppy with anxious aggressive barking and sound sensitivity, is responding to her first round of SSP.
Read More
Please read this wonderfully informative article by Emma Ashfield. Emma is a highly regarded SSP practitioner in the UK who specializes in neuro-developmental therapy, offering SSP, primitive reflex integration, and iLs Focus
Read More
Watch as I am being interviewed by the parent of a little boy on the spectrum that I did SSP with. Related topics covered are using SSP with those with trauma, and neurofeedback and the similarities and differences between them.
Read More
Jasper, my rescue dog's response to a second round of SSP. He is no longer afraid of fireworks, thunderstorms, or even loud crashing and banging right at his own home.
Read More
A very simple energy healing approach that anyone can use, anywhere and at any time, to help emotional distress to settle.
Read More
Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW, SEP describes how to use the Somatic Experiencing skill of physically orienting to help to settle feelings of stress, anxiety and turmoil
Read More
Some simple ideas from Somatic Experiencing, for how you can settle your nervous system during this time of universal stress and distress.
Read More
My own journey over the course of three rounds of SSP
Read More
Jasper - a 5 year old rescue dog - and his response to the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), a 5 hour auditory intervention
Read MoreNeurofeedback Videos
I can't wait for you to discover which things improve for you with brain training.
Modalities
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is an approach for working with and healing trauma, created by the psychologist Dr. Peter Levine, PhD. Dr. Levine recognized that, although animals in the wild frequently go through life threatening attacks, they somehow do not develop PTSD.
Read More
Sessions as low as $12 each! Neurofeedback is a form of brain training that is typically wonderful for: Anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, wellness, sports performance, academic performance, sleep concerns, brain injury, chemobrain, concussion recovery, increased energy, enhanced feelings of wellbeing, and more.
Read More
I am very excited to be offering SSP in my practice - a 5 hour auditory intevention. Most of my clients who have tried SSP are experiencing - after just a few short weeks - life changing results, that normally would take decades to produce.
Read More
"Brainspotting is based on the profound attunement of the therapist with the patient, finding a somatic cue and extinguishing it by down-regulating the amygdala. It isn’t just PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) activation that is facilitated, it is homeostasis." -- Robert Scaer, MD, “The Trauma Spectrum"
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Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB) is a "Trauma Informed" modality. The modality is based on the idea that when there are ruptures during early platform development, they continue to disrupt a person's life. TEB incorporates presence, regulation and relationship to repair these ruptures.
Read MoreContact
I do not currently have space for new individual therapy clients but do have space for new clients for group programs. I also have availability for Neurofeedback, iLs Focus and Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP). please email me.