Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW, SEP
Design a Life You Love to Live
Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback
Talk therapy alone only gets us so far. If you have tried therapy before and didn't have as much improvement as you hoped for, I am the therapist you are looking for.
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 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 Somatic Experiencing - a nervous system based psychotherapy - I also offer NeurOptimal neurofeedback, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by Stephen Porges. Each of these systems help to promote optimal healing of the brain, nervous system, and associated bodily systems. Improvements are often noted with concerns such as tinnitus, brain injuries, misophonia, chemo brain, learning disabilities, migraines, alzheimers, dementia, sports performance, academic performance, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Both neurofeedback and SSP are available either in office, or as rentals for home use. Please see the neurofeedback and SSP pages for additional information.
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. As of September 16th, 2019 I will be at a new, wheelchair accessible location on Maple Ave, in Georgetown.
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 24 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 14 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 14 year old schnauzer-poodle cross, Jasper, my 5 year old beagle who is a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog, and Molly, a ragdoll kitten. Please advise me if the pets' presence poses any difficulty for you.
Why wait to feel better? Click here to book online now!
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 Somatic Experiencing - a nervous system based psychotherapy - I also offer NeurOptimal neurofeedback, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by Stephen Porges. Each of these systems help to promote optimal healing of the brain, nervous system, and associated bodily systems. Improvements are often noted with concerns such as tinnitus, brain injuries, misophonia, chemo brain, learning disabilities, migraines, alzheimers, dementia, sports performance, academic performance, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Both neurofeedback and SSP are available either in office, or as rentals for home use. Please see the neurofeedback and SSP pages for additional information.
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. As of September 16th, 2019 I will be at a new, wheelchair accessible location on Maple Ave, in Georgetown.
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 24 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 14 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 14 year old schnauzer-poodle cross, Jasper, my 5 year old beagle who is a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog, and Molly, a ragdoll kitten. Please advise me if the pets' 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....
Services
Neurofeedback
I offer 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 MoreNeurOptimal Neurofeedback
Easy to use, highly effective neurofeedback systems available to ship across Canada. Sessions for as little as $12 each, in the comfort of your own home, at times that work best for you.
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 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
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 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:
Up to 10 sessions, over 4 weeks......................$600
Up to 20 sessions, over 4 weeks......................$800
Up to 50 sessions, over 4 weeks.....................$1000
Up to 100 sessions, over 4 weeks...................$1200
Interested in purchasing your own neurofeedback system to use at home? Ask me for details. I do provide an up to $200 rebate to those who rent from me, and choose to purchase their own NEW system at the end of their rental period.
Interested in purchasing a used neurofeedback system? Two currently are available - please enquire for details.
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 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
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 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:
Up to 10 sessions, over 4 weeks......................$600
Up to 20 sessions, over 4 weeks......................$800
Up to 50 sessions, over 4 weeks.....................$1000
Up to 100 sessions, over 4 weeks...................$1200
Interested in purchasing your own neurofeedback system to use at home? Ask me for details. I do provide an up to $200 rebate to those who rent from me, and choose to purchase their own NEW system at the end of their rental period.
Interested in purchasing a used neurofeedback system? Two currently are available - please enquire for details.
Neurofeedback Videos
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
I am very excited to be offering SSP in my practice - it is a new addition for me, but I am already seeing results in a few short weeks that normally would take decades of psychotherapy to produce! Please enquire for details.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is a five-day auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing signicant results in just five days in the following areas:
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory sensitivities
Anxiety and trauma related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement
Emotional and physiological state are critical to how we approach the task at hand. So when a client has better state control, not only can they be more socially engaged, they are more open to therapy. Better state regulation improves therapeutic outcomes.
Read more here about how the SSP is helping clients.
This non- invasive intervention involves listening to music that has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage. This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech but, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviors and an enhanced ability to learn, self-regulate and engage are often seen.
The SSP system is available to professionals only. For ways you can use the SSP at home, please email carolannrowland@gmail.com.
Read here to learn more about research involving the SSP.
Read here to learn more about clinical applications of the SSP.
How does it work?
The SSP uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex, which controls our physiological state. Once physiological state is regulated, we can accelerate or enhance subsequent therapy.
Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specically processed music.
The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behavior. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.
What is the Cost?
For most younger children, the cost of doing SSP will be $350. For most older children, teens and adults, it will be $500. Please enquire for details.
SSP Videos
Pricing
Psychotherapy
$150 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.
SSP
The SSP system rental fee is $350.
Most younger children are able to do the entire SSP protocol at home.
For most older children, teens and adults the SSP cost will be $500 and will include one session in office. If additional sessions are needed in office, they will be charged at the usual $150 per hour rate.
Please note that only sessions done in office are covered under extended health plans - those that cover therapy with a social worker - within the limits and restrictions of your plan. When renting a system for home use this is NOT covered by extended health plans.
Neurofeedback
In office neurofeedback sessions:
$110 per session (45 mins, 32 mins of which is neurofeedback)
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.......$600 ($60 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 $200 of your rental fee.
I also currently have two used personal systems available for purchase. Please enquire for details.
Please note that neurofeedback is NOT covered under extended health plans, unless used as part of a therapy session.
Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy combination sessions are available
$225 for 90 mins (45 mins of neurofeedback + 45 mins of psychotherapy)
$300 for 2 hours (45 mins of neurofeedback + 75 mins of psychotherapy)
Ready to start? Click here to book online now!
$150 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.
SSP
The SSP system rental fee is $350.
Most younger children are able to do the entire SSP protocol at home.
For most older children, teens and adults the SSP cost will be $500 and will include one session in office. If additional sessions are needed in office, they will be charged at the usual $150 per hour rate.
Please note that only sessions done in office are covered under extended health plans - those that cover therapy with a social worker - within the limits and restrictions of your plan. When renting a system for home use this is NOT covered by extended health plans.
Neurofeedback
In office neurofeedback sessions:
$110 per session (45 mins, 32 mins of which is neurofeedback)
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.......$600 ($60 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 $200 of your rental fee.
I also currently have two used personal systems available for purchase. Please enquire for details.
Please note that neurofeedback is NOT covered under extended health plans, unless used as part of a therapy session.
Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy combination sessions are available
$225 for 90 mins (45 mins of neurofeedback + 45 mins of psychotherapy)
$300 for 2 hours (45 mins of neurofeedback + 75 mins of psychotherapy)
Ready to start? Click here to book online now!
Contact
- Near the GO Station Georgetown, ON L7G 3L5
Our Team
Animal assisted therapy team in a private, comfortable home office setting. Enjoy having your sessions in a beautiful century home with snuggles from Jasper and Molly, my therapy dog and cat.
Blog
The SSP uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex, which controls our physiological state. Once physiological state is regulated, we feel calmer, happier, more confident, and more able to engage with others. The SSP boosts the effectiveness of other approaches and therapies being accessed.
Read More
Information about somatic experiencing, a neurological and physiological approach to psychotherapy.
Read More
In the ADD Book, Dr. William Sears & Lynda Thompson recommend the use of neurofeedback to improve outcomes for those with ADD
Read More
Explaining my own experience with NeurOptimal
Read More
While research is in the early stages, initial studies appear to show promise for using neurofeedback to treat opioid addiction.
Read More
Brain training can be a great way to recharge!
Read More