Below are short descriptions of my areas of expertise:

Psychotherapy for Individuals
Marriage and Couples’ Counselling
Health Counselling

Stress

 

Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Virtually all systems (the heart and blood vessels, the immune system, the lungs, the digestive system, the sensory organs, and brain) are modified to meet the perceived danger. Common stress reactions include tension, irritability, and inability to concentrate.

 

We may think of stressful events as unpleasant ones, such as losing a job or having difficulties at home or at school. But changes for the better can also cause stress, like a new baby, a wedding, and a new house. It is almost impossible to live without some stress. And most of us wouldn't want to, because it gives life some spice and excitement. But if stress gets out of control, it may harm your health, your relationships, and your enjoyment of life.

 

We are social beings. It is very important for us to have social relationships. Some of us like to have a lot of friends and family, others of us want just a few. The important thing is that they are satisfying relationships, and that we aren't alone. Having a good friend, or people to rely on in a time of need can help to reduce the effects of stress, help us to deal with the stress, or provide comfort and concern. When people have a strong social support network, they are more likely to experience less stress, and they may be able to cope better.

 

Some people feel more stress with close relationships, since they can feel compelled to comply, conform, adapt, please, or submit. People with these kinds of dispositions need to choose carefully about whom they seek out as friends or professional help. With that in mind …

 

Friends can provide us with information and help us to think more clearly when we are under stress. They may also be able to provide us with assistance, such as taking care of your child while you go to the doctor, or taking notes for you when you can't make it to class. Friends can also give us emotional support-a hug, or a shoulder to cry on. So, if you are in a stressful situation, call a family member, neighbor, classmate or co-worker, each of whom can also be a friend.

In an ideal world, maybe we could get away from stressful situations, or change them. Too often we can't do that - but we can learn to control our response to those situations. And we can develop techniques that will reduce the effects of stress on our mental and physical health.

 

Stress can lower our immune systems leaving us open to catching more infections, colds, and flu. Each of us has to learn not to be our own worst enemy when it comes to handling stress. Many stress-management experts recommend keeping a sense of humor during difficult situations. Laughing releases muscle tension and helps a person maintain perspective. Regular leisure activities are important in reducing stress. Many people benefit from making time for positive leisure pursuits like gardening, painting, bicycling, photography, carpentry, collecting, and many others. In order to obtain the most relaxation and enjoyment, the satisfaction should come in doing the hobby, not in the results.

 

Used for many years in Eastern cultures, meditation is becoming a widely accepted relaxation technique. Meditation reduces heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline levels, and skin temperature.

 

Massage therapy is one of the most ancient of the healing arts, and more people today are relying on it for natural, drug-free relief from the effects of busy, overstressed lives. Massage can relax the body and provide new energy that lingers long after the massage is over.

 

Symptoms of prolonged stress include: early morning awakening, irritability, increased or decreased appetite, low tolerance for frustration or body symptoms such as muscle tightness, teeth clenching or headaches. If you continue to experience a great deal of stress, or a lot of stress over long periods of time, be sure to contact someone who can assess you for long-term stress-related health problems.

 

There is an old saying that goes, "A joy shared is doubled. A sorrow shared is halved". This is one way in which experienced counselors can be a buffer to stressful events in our lives. In Toronto, Ontario, Ingrid Dresher has assisted many people to manage and handle stress. She has years of experience in stress-related counseling.