Psychotherapy




NOURISH AND FLOURISH

In achieving sustained weight loss, the significance of mindset and habits cannot be overstated. A profound understanding of one's relationship with food serves as a cornerstone on this transformative journey. At Fonthealth, we provide invaluable support for behavior modification, guiding individuals to gain insight into and enhance their connection with food. While Weight Management is a primary focus of our services, it is not the sole emphasis.

Our dedicated team of highly trained and passionate therapists is committed to assisting you on an empowering journey towards holistic well-being. We invite you to connect with one of our experts who will provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

We offer you the option to receive support through individual therapy, where you can explore your concerns in a more personalized manner, or join our group therapy sessions, where connection and mutual support can be essential in your process of growth and well-being. The choice is yours, and we are here to adapt to your needs and preferences.



 Understanding your relationship with food is vital on this journey and our therapists help identify thought and behaviour patterns hindering weight loss.

Join our 10-week group series led by the  skilled therapists at Fonthealth, starting weekly in Winter 2024, to gain insights into the weight loss process and its psychological aspects. We value accountability and community support during your  weight loss journey. Join us for impactful group sessions tailored to enhance your success.

**Current available Sessions:

NOURISH AND FLOURISH: This program aims to help individuals overcome binge eating by fostering self- compassion, developing mindfulness, and living in alignment with their values.

When?:   Monday nights 6-7:30pm for 10 weeks 

Program duration:  February 5th to April 22nd.

What is the cost?: is $100/weekly session x 10 weeks. (Covered by most benefits plans).

Where?: Fonthill, ON- Final location TBD.

Join the waitlist today for our February 2024 series by filling out your details below!

 


Meet Annie Mazmanian

Annie Mazmanian, a distinguished Registered (Qualifying) Psychotherapist affiliated with the esteemed College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), boasts an impressive professional background. Not only is she a seasoned Registered Nurse recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), but she also holds a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. With nearly two decades of specialization in critical care nursing, Annie has devoted her expertise to the intense environments of intensive care and emergency units at Niagara Health. Her passion lies in fostering holistic healing—addressing the interconnected realms of body, mind, and spirit. Annie's therapeutic practice is characterized by a comprehensive biopsychosocial and spiritual approach. Her distinctive blend of therapeutic methodologies equips clients to navigate life's challenges with resilience and insight. Recognizing the constraints of busy schedules, Annie extends her commitment to client well-being by offering flexible after-hours appointments, ensuring therapy seamlessly integrates into their lives. Dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space, Annie invites clients to explore, heal, and flourish under her guidance. Whether facing the demands of daily life or seeking profound personal growth, Annie is ready to collaborate with clients on a journey towards fulfilling mental health and well- being. Reach out to Annie to embark on this transformative partnership together.


What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a therapeutic process that involves a trained mental health professional collaborating with an individual to address psychological distress, emotional challenges, and behavioural issues. Through verbal communication and a supportive therapeutic relationship, clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, aiming to gain self-awareness and insight. Various evidence-based techniques and therapeutic modalities are employed to help clients set and achieve goals, whether related to symptom reduction, personal growth, or improved relationships. Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of psychotherapy, providing individuals with a safe space to discuss their concerns. It is a widely used and effective approach for addressing a range of mental health issues, offering support, guidance, and tools for positive change

How Can Psychotherapy Help Me?

Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in supporting individuals grappling with weight loss and weight management challenges by delving into the intricate interplay of psychological factors that shape their connection with food, body image, and lifestyle choices. Therapists engage clients in a collaborative exploration, unravelling emotional triggers, stressors, and behavioural patterns that underlie overeating or unhealthy habits. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, therapists aim to reshape negative thought patterns and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms, empowering individuals to navigate stress and emotions without resorting to detrimental eating behaviours. Beyond immediate interventions, psychotherapy facilitates a journey of self-discovery, enabling individuals to recognize and address emotional eating patterns. This heightened self-awareness becomes a cornerstone for fostering sustainable lifestyle changes. Through the therapeutic process, clients set and pursue realistic goals, cultivate improved selfesteem, and experience an overall enhancement in well-being. The holistic nature of psychotherapy contributes to a more harmonized and enduring approach to weight management.

Fonthealth Psychotherapists’ Approach to Well-Being

In our role as psychotherapists, our commitment lies in educating clients about their mental health, offering a range of options, and collaborating with our healthcare professionals to achieve optimal and enduring results. We emphasize building a strong foundation based on personalized strategies encompassing emotional well-being, cognitive patterns, and behavioural habits. While incorporating traditional therapeutic approaches, we also integrate complementary methods, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques, to create a holistic and tailored treatment plan. Our collaborative approach extends to working closely with our other healthcare providers, aligning with naturopathic medicine and nutritionist to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the client's overall health.We recognize the importance of a holistic perspective, acknowledging the interconnected aspects of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This might involve exploring lifestyle factors, stressors, and coping mechanisms, as well as considering the potential benefits of supplements and complementary therapies when appropriate, all with the goal of fostering lasting positive change in the lives of our clients.

Evidence-Based Practices

In our psychotherapy practice, we prioritize evidence-based practices, ensuring that the interventions we utilize are rooted in well-established therapeutic approaches. This commitment involves staying informed about the latest research and applying proven methods to enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Recognizing the uniqueness of each client is paramount in our approach. We focus on developing individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each person. This personalized approach allows for a more targeted and effective therapeutic experience.


Sustainability in Mental Health

Sustainability is a key pillar of our therapeutic philosophy. Beyond addressing immediate concerns, we emphasize the ongoing nature of mental health and well-being. This involves collaboratively developing strategies with clients to promote lasting positive changes, fostering resilience and a sense of well-being over the long term.




Holistic Perspective

We embrace a holistic perspective in our practice, integrating the body, mind, and spirit into the therapeutic process. This means considering the interconnected aspects of an individual's life and recognizing the profound influence of physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions on overall wellbeing. Through this holistic approach, we aim to provide a comprehensive and enduring foundation for personal growth and positive change in the lives of our clients.


Services Provided

EMDR

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy technique
primarily designed for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While not directly related to weight loss or eating disorders, EMDR may indirectly impact such issues by addressing emotional distress and trauma that could contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like binge eating. By helping individuals process and alleviate the emotional burden associated with traumatic memories, EMDR may contribute to improved mental well-being, self-esteem, and body image, potentially aiding in the development of healthier eating habits. It's essential to integrate EMDR into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes specialized interventions for eating disorders, nutritional guidance, and appropriate medical support. Consulting with mental health professionals is recommended for personalized support in addressing weight management or eating-related challenges.



CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a valuable approach for addressing weight management
and eating disorders, particularly binge eating. It helps individuals by identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns related to body image, food, and weight. CBT incorporates behavioral modifications, coping skills development, and practical strategies like
meal planning to establish healthier eating habits. The therapy also addresses distorted body image, encourages mindfulness, and involves self-monitoring and journaling to track patterns.
Relapse prevention is a key focus, aiming to equip individuals with skills for long-term success.
By combining cognitive restructuring with behavioral techniques, CBT provides a
comprehensive and practical framework for individuals seeking support in managing their
relationship with food and achieving sustainable weight management. Consulting with a CBT-
trained therapist ensures personalized guidance tailored to individual needs.

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports individuals dealing with weight
management and eating disorders, including binge eating, through mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment to values-based actions. ACT promotes observing thoughts without judgment, clarifying personal values, and committing to behaviors aligned with those values. It helps individuals detach from negative thought patterns, addresses experiential avoidance, and encourages self-compassion. ACT incorporates mindful eating practices, fostering intentional and satisfying relationships with food. By emphasizing values-based behavioral changes, ACT provides a framework for individuals to make positive, sustainable shifts in their eating habits and overall lifestyle. Seeking guidance from an ACT-trained therapist ensures personalized support in navigating these challenges.





FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy works by providing a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore and address emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. Therapists use various therapeutic approaches to help clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their lives.

What types of issues can be addressed through psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, grief, trauma, and personal growth. It is a versatile approach that can be tailored to individual needs.

How long does psychotherapy typically last?

The duration of psychotherapy varies based on individual needs and the nature of the issues being addressed. It can range from a few sessions to several months or more, depending on the goals and progress.

How do I choose the right therapist for me?

Choosing the right therapist involves considering factors such as their expertise, therapeutic approach, personality, and your comfort level with them. It's essential to have an initial consultation to assess the fit.

Is psychotherapy only for people with mental illnesses?

No, psychotherapy is not only for people with mental illnesses. It is also beneficial for personal development, improving relationships, managing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

What happens during a typical psychotherapy session?

A typical session involves open conversation between the client and therapist. Clients discuss their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, while therapists provide support, guidance, and feedback. Specific therapeutic techniques may also be employed.

How confidential is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is bound by strict confidentiality rules. Therapists cannot disclose information without the client's consent, except in situations where there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

How do I know if I need psychotherapy?

You might consider psychotherapy if you are experiencing persistent distress, facing challenging life situations, having difficulty coping with emotions, or seeking personal growth and self-discovery.

How will I know if therapy is working for me?

You'll likely notice positive changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Improved coping skills, enhanced self-awareness, and progress toward your therapy goals are indicators that therapy is working.

Is it normal to feel uncomfortable or vulnerable during therapy?

Yes, it is normal to feel uncomfortable or vulnerable at times. Therapy involves exploring sensitive topics, and these feelings can be part of the process as you address and work through challenging issues.

Can I bring up anything in therapy, or are there limitations?

In general, you can bring up anything in therapy. However, there may be legal or ethical limitations in situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

How often are therapy sessions scheduled?

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled weekly, but the frequency can vary based on individual needs and the therapist's recommendations.

What is the role of the therapist, and how collaborative is the process?

The therapist's role is to provide support, guidance, and expertise. Therapy is a collaborative process where both the therapist and client work together to explore and address concerns, with the client taking an active role in their own growth and healing.

Emergency Services

COAST Niagara: 1-866-550-5205
CARSA: 905-682-7258
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868
Gillian’s Place: 905-684-8331
Women’s Place: 905-788-0113 OR 905-356-5800
National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255