Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves (neurofeedback), heart function (e.g., HRV), breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behaviour — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument (adapted from The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research www.isnr.org). Click HERE to learn more about neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other neuromodulation treatments.
Neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other forms or neuromodulation (e.g., CES, tDCS, LENS, AVE, Transcranial Photobiomodulation) are used to treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, epilepsy/seizures, headache, traumatic brain injury (TBI), strokes, and to help with optimal performance. To learn more, click here.
Dr. Friesen’s other practice, Friesen Sport & Performance Psychology (FriesenPerformance.com) offers in-person sport and performance psychology services to serious athletes from Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe region (Niagara to Oakville). We work with athletes at a distance, including national, Olympic, and professional, via phone/Skype. We also focus on helping other high achievers (e.g., executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, writers) achieve goals and improve their performance and productivity. We do this by leveraging the latest research from sport/performance psychology, executive coaching, Acceptance & Commitment Training, and cognitive neuroscience. We offer coaching, consulting, and workshops to high-achieving individuals and businesses looking to maximize personal and professional potential.
Niagara Neuropsychology offers psychological and neuropsychological assessments and treatments to individuals. Our neuropsychological treatments focus on neuromodulation (e.g., neurofeedback, CES, tDCS, and other cutting edge modalities). Our psychological treatments are based on evidence-based approaches including biofeedback, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT).
Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessments and Treatments
Niagara Neuropsychology offers both neuropsychological and psychological assessment and treatment services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We offer services directly to patients or for third parties (e.g., IME companies, lawyers, occupational health/safety departments of various organizations, sports teams, nursing homes, police services, professional organizations/colleges, and family physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and other health professionals).
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER – ADHD/ADD ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS
To see some of the ADHD/ADD treatments we provide, CLICK HERE.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for ADHD/ADD for those age 5 and up (including adults). These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment and diagnosis.
- To learn more about ADHD and assessment options, CLICK HERE
- To learn more about the ADHD treatments we provide, CLICK HERE
CONCUSSION/MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (MTBI) – ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS
Recently experienced a concussion? Please see the Sports Neuropsychological Society Return to School-Play Fact Sheet to see the latest guidelines for returning to school or sport.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Concussion/Mild TBI for those age 4 and up (including adults). These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment.
Below are descriptions of each level of Concussion/Mild TBI assessment from the top tier ADVANCED Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment, middle-tier INTERMEDIATE Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment, and lowest tier BRIEF Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment. We also offer baseline (i.e., before a concussion) neuropsychological testing (no interview or feedback from Dr. Friesen) for each of the 3 tiers and repeat testing after a concussion to determine recovery.
- To learn more about TBI and assessment options, CLICK HERE
- To see some of the TBI treatments we provide, CLICK HERE
MEMORY/COGNITIVE/EARLY DEMENTIA ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Interested in learning how to keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age? Drs. Robert and Alanna Conder and I recently published a review article in OBM Geriatrics where we outline ways to promote healthy neuro-cognitive aging.
In our article we cover:
Click HERE for the link and HERE for the PDF.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Memory/Cognition/Early Dementia Assessment for Older Adults. These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment.
Below are descriptions of each level of Memory/Cognition/Early Dementia Assessment for Older Adults from the top tier ADVANCED assessment, middle-tier INTERMEDIATE assessment, and lowest tier BRIEF SCREENING assessment. We also offer repeat testing to determine or track change over time.
- To see some of the MEMORY/EARLY DEMENTIA treatments we provide, CLICK HERE.
- To learn more about MEMORY/EARLY DEMENTIA and assessment options, CLICK HERE
Our assessment services are usually focused on the questions posed to us by the individual or the referral source but can also be more general. Assessments can help determine:
CLINICAL HYPNOSIS
Dr. Friesen primarily uses hypnosis for:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Negative self-talk
- Peak performance
- Sport Psychology issues (e.g., confidence, performance anxiety, motivation, injury recovery, etc.)
- Overcoming bad habits
- Pain reduction
- Insomnia
- Goal achievement
- WE DO NOT WORK WITH:
- Weight loss
- Diagnosed eating disorders (e.g., Anorexia, Bulimia)
- Personality Disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder)
- Psychosis
- Current drug use (other than marijuana)
- Complex Trauma/Childhood Abuse
- Family conflict
- Marriage issues
- Grief
Dr. Friesen has completed Level 1 training through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)
Note, Dr. Friesen does not necessarily endorse Dr. Spiegel’s app as described in the videos below:
Watch Dr. Andrew Huberman interview Dr. David Spiegel on hypnosis:
The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) defines clinical hypnosis as a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, where individuals are more receptive to suggestions. It’s used by licensed and trained professionals to address psychological or physical problems through a highly relaxed, trance-like state.
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Altered state of awareness:
Hypnosis induces a state different from ordinary waking consciousness, characterized by focused attention and reduced awareness of external stimuli.
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Enhanced capacity for response to suggestion:
Individuals in hypnosis are more receptive to suggestions and can experience changes in perception, feelings, and behaviors based on these suggestions.
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Used for treatment:
Clinical hypnosis is a tool used by trained professionals (like doctors or master’s degree holders) to address a variety of medical or psychological concerns.
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Relaxed state:
Hypnosis is often associated with a state of deep relaxation, which is important for facilitating the therapeutic process.
Watch Dr. Mike interview Dr. David Spiegel:
In essence, clinical hypnosis involves using a specific state of mind to facilitate therapeutic change.
The following is from the American Psychological Association Society of Psychological Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts in order to manage emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, stress), unpleasant physical symptoms (e.g., pain), or to help you change certain habits or behaviours (e.g., smoking, overeating).
Although hypnosis sessions may differ depending on a particular client’s needs, sessions typically have two basic phases:
• The first phase is called an induction. During this phase, your therapist may help you to relax, may ask you to imagine a peaceful scene and will help you to become more focused and concentrated on what you need to accomplish during your hypnosis session.
• The second phase is called an application phase. During this phase, your therapist will make suggestions to you. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, your therapist may suggest that during and/or following hypnosis, you will be calmer or less bothered by feelings of anxiety. If you are experiencing pain, your therapist may suggest that following hypnosis, you will no longer experience pain, or that you will be better able to manage any pain you do experience. The suggestions are the key ingredients of hypnosis because they are targeted to treat your specific symptoms or difficulties.
Many people have concerns or worries about hypnosis based on misconceptions they have. These misconceptions may be based on things they might have seen on TV, in the movies, or in stage shows.
Listed below are some common misconceptions, and the actual facts about hypnosis:
Misconception 1: The person being hypnotized will be under the control of the hypnotist, and can be made to do or say anything the hypnotist wants.
Fact 1: This is not true. No matter how deeply hypnotized you become, you will remain in control throughout the session. You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do, or anything that you are uncomfortable doing.
Misconception 2: Hypnosis is something that is done to people, rather than something that they can do for themselves.
Fact 2: This is not true. Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you can use to help yourself feel better.
Misconception 3: People become trapped in hypnosis and cannot “come out” of it when they want to.
Fact 3: This is not true. People can end hypnosis whenever they want.
Misconception 4: People have to be very “hypnotizable” or “suggestible” or “gullible” for hypnosis to work.
Fact 4: This is not true. Research has indicated that the vast majority of people can benefit from hypnosis. Furthermore, being hypnotizable or choosing to be responsive to suggestions means only that you have the ability to use hypnosis effectively. It is not at all related to being gullible or weak-willed.
Misconception 5: During hypnosis, people are unconscious.
Fact 5: This is not true. During hypnosis, people are not asleep or unconscious. Although they may feel very relaxed, they are active participants in the hypnosis session.
Is hypnosis therapy?
Hypnosis is not a type of psychotherapy. Instead, it is a technique that can be used, and that can be taught to you, in the context of other therapies.
Who should perform hypnosis?
Clinical hypnosis should be conducted only by properly trained and credentialed health care professionals (e.g., licensed psychologists) who have been specifically trained in the use of hypnosis, and who are working within the limits of their professional expertise.
What kind of results can I expect from hypnosis?
Hypnosis has been demonstrated to have a wide range of benefits, from simply improving symptoms or difficulties, to completely eliminating them.
How can I expect to feel during hypnosis?
Most people describe hypnosis as a pleasant experience, during which they feel focused and absorbed in the hypnotic experience. Depending on how you and your therapist agree to structure your hypnosis sessions, they may help you to feel more alert, more relaxed, more comfortable, or more peaceful.
How many sessions does hypnosis require?
The number of clinical hypnosis sessions needed varies greatly depending on the individual and the specific issue being addressed. A general guideline is that most people see results within 4-6 sessions. However, some may require more or fewer sessions, and some may even see improvement after just one session. Some may require 15 sessions. Hypnosis works faster when patients/clients do the recommended home and self-help work between sessions.
- DSM-5 Psychological Diagnoses (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc)
- Neuropsychological assessments for ADHD/ADD, Concussion/TBI, age-related memory changes, early stage dementia
- Disability status
- Treatment plans
- Prognosis for recovery
- Return to play determinations for sports concussions
- Police candidate psychological screenings
Who pays for the services of a Neuropsycholoist or Psychologist?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not pay for the services of a psychologist. Although some clients pay their own fees directly, there are a number of options for funding and reimbursement available to many people who are interested in seeing a psychologist.
Automobile Insurance Coverage – If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and are suffering from psychological/emotional changes as a result, you may be eligible for a psychological and/or neuropsychological assessment and treatment (if deemed required). Such services are directly billed to your insurance company once it has been approved. Unfortunately, we are not accepting automobile insurance referrals at this time.
Extended Health Plans – Many people who are employed have an extended health care plan through their employer. Many of the health care plans pay all or a portion of the costs of seeing a Registered Psychologist. Look in the booklet describing your benefits or talk to your insurance company to find out about your coverage. Coverage for psychologists varies from around $300 per year to $1200 per year for most plans. Typically, you will pay the psychologist and then be reimbursed by the insurance company.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board – If you have psychological problems because of an accident or other workplace stress or incident, you may qualify for psychological treatment through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Your claim adjudicator or family physician may be able to help you with this. Unfortunately, we are not accepting WSIB referrals at this time.
Veterans Affairs Canada – Psychological/neuropsychological assessments and treatments may be funded through Blue Cross if you are an eligible member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, or a veteran.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board – The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides compensation for psychological services to eligible applicants who experience psychological problems as a result of being a victim of crime.
