Needle Phobia

A common phobia, it is said that 10% of Americans suffer from some level of needle phobia (Trypanophobia). Although many are able to overcome their trepidation when urged by health professionals, some people’s fears are so great that they avoid needles at all costs.

The danger of leaving such a phobia untreated can be serious. Many sufferers will simply avoid medical treatment altogether for fear of facing a needle. Even the suggestion of having blood taken, or being prescribed a simple and safe treatment requiring injections is too much for the more phobic.

Do you suffer from needle phobia? Is there someone you care about who is neglecting their health because of their apprehension about needles?

Here are some basic signs that point to needle phobia:

• Lightheadedness or fainting at the sight of a needle.

• Tensing up at the thought or suggestion of an injection.

• Avoiding prescribed treatment(s).

If you or anyone you care about has displayed any of the listed signs, it’s time to talk to them about needle phobia treatment.

View a video of a former sufferer of needle phobia

Treatment is available. We are here to help.

If you suffer from needle phobia, please refer to our website for more information

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Pet Grief

Losing a cherished pet can be a very emotionally painful experience.

As with human relationships, the death of a pet can leave you feeling a variety of intense emotions including sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, confusion, and hopelessness. Unfortunately, grieving pet owners often feel that others do not understand or appreciate the enormity of their loss - particularly those who have never had pets, nor experienced the magnitude of the human-animal bond.

End of life decision-making for our pets is a challenge that can leave people feeling guilty, conflicted and overwhelmed. When is the right time to let go? How can we say goodbye? The aftermath of death can also result in a complex set of emotional, physical and behavioral reactions in survivors that is often not well enough understood by those directly affected or their friends and colleagues. Low or irritable moods, problems with concentration and memory, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in work and other activities of daily living are just a few of the symptoms that may be associated with pet grief.

As mental health practitioners we understand that your pet’s illness or death can affect your own emotional well being, and we’re here to help. We offer expert, confidential counseling to assist you in processing your grief in a way that is respectful to your loss and your individual recovery needs.

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Stress and Burnout in the Workplace

If your company is like most businesses, work stress and burnout are affecting your bottom line. According to recent studies, mental health problems are costing Canadian Companies some 13% of profits, amounting to at least $1000 per employee per year. Economic losses due to mental health problems are estimated at $30 billion a year.

Stress, burnout and related mental heath concerns result in decreased performance, poor retention of qualified personnel, increased workplace conflict, ineffective team work, negative interpersonal relationships, and contribute to a “contaminated workplace”. Many stress and burnout effects are amenable to change. Metamorphosis - The Toronto Psychosomatic Clinic can help.

We use a variety of assessment tools to help identify symptoms of stress and burnout among employees and respond with appropriate interventions. individual approaches include:

• relaxation response techniques
• hypnosis
• mindful meditation
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• other evidence-based treatments.

We also can help identify strategies to proactively respond to stress and burnout at an organizational level. We use a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates our clinicians’ varied training in psychiatry, psychology, social work, and occupational therapy.

We can offer seminars and workshops, as well as individual counseling and psychotherapy that will contribute to enhanced well being of employees and a more productive and happy workplace.

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Metamorphosis - The Toronto Psychosomatic Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic specializing in the relatively rapid treatment of emotional / psychological symptoms and destructive habits by identifying the triggers to emotional responses.

Phantom Limb Pain

What is Phantom Limb Pain?

Often the pain following an amputation is the pain that existed before the amputation, somehow being locked within the nervous system. Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) is described as perceptions that an individual experiences relating to a limb or an organ that is not physically part of the body.

Is PLP Painful?

Most people will describe phantom pain sensations as shooting, burnings, cramping, stabbing pains, or any type of pain one can experience.

What is the Frequency?

Research has indicated that PLP occurs in at least 90% of amputees, and can even effect mastectomy patients.

Can PLP be treated?
Several research studies have show that the use of hypnosis and a technique known as E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been beneficial in reducing and eliminating the sensations of phantom pain.

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