I'm a psychotherapist/coach in the Toronto area, specializing in relationships, depression, anxiety and phobias/addictions.
I have a Masters Degree, am a graduate of the Psycho-spiritual Therapy Program at the Transformational Arts College in
Toronto and the Solution-Focussed Certificate Course at the University of Toronto. I have training in many modes of psychotherapy but my emphasis is
on
EFT and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. I have an advanced certificate in EFT and I am
listed as an approved practitioner on the website run by the founder of EFT, Gary Craig.
In addition to my private practice, I am the Bereavement Co-ordinator at
one of Toronto's largest hospices, Alliance, where I am responsible for intake,
private and group counselling, training and case management.
While psychotherapy is currently an unregulated profession in Ontario (anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist), I have the highest credentials possible. I am a Certified Member of
the OACCPP, as well as a Clinical member of the
Ontario Society of Psychotherapists (see http://www.psychotherapyontario.com/clinical.html)
which requires, in addition to a graduate degree from a recognized
university, 3,000 hours of clinical experience and demonstrated learning in at
least four (4) of the following areas as they relate to psychotherapy:
-
theory
-
methodology/clinical skills
-
research/literature review
-
assessment/testing
-
intellectual enquiry
-
writing skills
I work with clients suffering from
depression, anxiety and panic attacks; addictions; relationship problems
(including those in the gay/lesbian/transgendered community); loneliness; phobias and fears;
and I am increasingly working with autistic children and their families.
I look at my clients holistically,
i.e. taking into consideration all aspects of their lives including their
physical health. There are many studies which show spiritual and nutritional
factors directly bear on our mental health and I am well versed in diet as it relates to emotions. I often include coaching
with the therapy, to help people formulate action plans to move forward with
their goals, whether that's a new relationship, a more balanced life or job
success. I also spend some time going over nutrition and lifestyle as these can
sabotage efforts to feel better.
While I came to this profession late
in life, having spent the first half of my career working as a journalist and
broadcaster, I have arrived with the fervor and excitement of one who has at
last found a true calling. I love helping people find their inner strength
and the diverse qualities that have helped them get to this point in their lives;
it is a privilege for me to be permitted to join their journey for a brief
time in ways that change us both... and I am grateful for the way this work
challenges me to grow and change. I have certainly learned as much about myself
as my clients have learned about themselves, and I owe them all a great debt of
gratitude.
If you would like more information or to arrange a complimentary phone
consultation, please contact me at slewis@artemistherapy.com
Written Works by Sandra Lewis
Pesticides and Depression