Metamorphosis - The Toronto Psychosomatic Clinic

Ericksonian Theory

2010-06-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Written By: Chris Perl

Erickson thought that trance, “a sleep like state (as of deep hypnosis) usually characterized by partly suspended animation with diminished or absent sensory or motor activity”¹, is an ordinary everyday happening. For instance; when driving home and not remembering part of the trip, while reading a book or listening to music, or in the act of challenging physical exercise, it is quite common to become fully engaged with the activity and enter a trance state. In such a trance one is isolated from all stimuli that are unimportant. These states are so normal and frequent that the majority of people don’t consciously regard them as hypnotic states.

When an individual’s awareness is very focussed due to a specific interest or an extraordinary event it is normal for them to look awestruck. In these cases they often seem to have a blank expression or appear distant. Their eyes may be shut or staring and their bodies may become as if paralysed. Some unconscious reflexes, such as breathing, may slow dramatically and the individual may appear completely unaware of their environment. They may remain in this state until the event has finished, their inner quest has been reached, or they have gained their new insight. Erickson maintained that in everyday life consciousness is in a constant state of dynamic interaction between the basic reality configuration and trance states.

Due to the fact that Erickson knew trance states happened quite naturally and often, he was always ready to make the most of them in a therapeutic context. He found lots of techniques for how to ameliorate the chance that a trance state would emerge. The techniques he created were both verbal and non-verbal, and Erickson developed the concept that natural experiences of amazement, being captivated and confusion are, in essence, just types of trance.

Obviously, there are a lot of different types of trance and most people are familiar with the concept of a "deep" trance. Early in his career Erickson was a trailblazer in researching the unique and wondrous phenomena that emerge in that state. He spent hour upon hour with each experimental subject, progressively deepening the trance.

That a trance could be considered "light" or "deep" implies a one dimensional continuum of trance depth, but Erickson would frequently work with numerous trances in the same client; for example suggesting that the “hypnotized” client act a certain way in the “awake" state, thus blurring the line between the hypnotic and awake state.

Erickson believed there are many states that can be worked with. This goes hand in hand with the idea that every state of consciousness is a trance, and that which we label "normal" waking consciousness is actually just a "consensus trance".

¹ Merriam – Webster online dictionary

Bipolar Disorder

2010-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Written By: Chris Perl

All of us have our highs and lows, our "good" days and our "bad" days, but if you're afflicted with bipolar disorder these ups and downs are significantly exaggerated. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can negatively impact your performance whether at school or work, hurt your personal relationships, and prevent you from living a normal daily life. Even though bipolar disorder is treatable, lots of people aren’t aware of the symptoms so don’t seek out the assistance they require. Bipolar disorder usually gets worse without treatment, so it is imperative to be educated about the symptoms. Recognizing the condition is the first crucial step towards getting the disorder under control.

Bipolarism causes severe changes in mood, energy levels, thinking, and behaviour – from the extreme heights of mania, to the intense depths of depression. More than just a transitory good or bad day the stages of bipolar disorder can last for days, weeks, or even months. And, compared to normal mood swings, the changes of bipolar disorder are so intense and severe that they inhibit one’s ability to function.

In the throes of a manic episode an individual might all of a sudden quit a job, go on exorbitant spending sprees, or feel completely rested and energized after only two hours sleep. In the depths of a depressive episode, the same individual could feel too tired and lethargic to get out of bed. In such an episode the bipolar might dwell in a world of self-hate and feelings of hopelessness.

The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t fully understood, although it does frequently run in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder frequently takes place in the teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms can be very hard to see and quite hard to make sense of. The result is a lot of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed or completely overlooked, which leads to unnecessary suffering.

We stress that with the appropriate treatment, which may include but is not limited to medication, and a good support system a person with bipolar disorder can live an extremely productive and rewarding life.

Got a Travel Phobia? Don't Be Scared ... Be Prepared!

2010-06-10T08:57:00.001-07:00

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” - FDR

Phobias are more common than you could ever imagine. There are two types of phobias; general and specific. A general phobia is one that tends to produce anxiety across a range of situations and activities. One of the most common examples is Agoraphobia - The fear of, and anxiety about, being trapped in situations without the possibility of escape or ability to get help. This can be present with and without symptoms of panic. These phobias can seriously limit an individual’s lifestyle. Specific phobias involve fear of, and anxiety about, a very specific situation or thing. There are hundreds of these but some of the more common examples related to travel are Acrophobia (the fear of heights), Avivophobia (the fear of flying), Claustrophobia (the fear of tight spaces) and the fear of boats / cruise ships just to name a few.

Travel phobias are extremely common and the fear of flying is the most prevalent. Often phobias can limit careers and generally people are too embarrassed to talk about them. When other people become aware of a person’s phobia, the phobic individual often becomes the butt of jokes, which makes matters worse. As well, families will often accuse the individual of using the phobia as an excuse not to travel.

Someone with a flying phobia may start getting anxious days to weeks before a flight. Sleep may also be affected days before the flight. As well, one’s ability to enjoy the vacation is diminished because they become worried and stressed about the flight home. There are many treatment options and our clinic specializes in helping people overcome phobias. Our program is made up of:

1) Teaching the Relaxation Response – Ironically anyone that can whip themselves up into frenzy has the innate ability to relax completely; unfortunately, this relaxation response is not well developed in most of us as little children as we learn to get tense.

2) We have developed techniques to uncover the underlying problem or critical events that first imprinted the phobic response.

3) Sometimes using medication to help cut the cycle will, in conjunction with 1 & 2 make all the difference.

If you or someone you know suffers from a fear / phobia that has made an everlasting impact on how they live their life...We Can Help!

WE CHALLENGE YOU TO CHANGE FROM WITHIN!

Drug Addiction and Treatment

2010-05-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Drug addiction is a complicated disease characterized by intense and, sometimes, totally uncontrollable drug craving; the compulsive seeking of drugs and consumption that persists even in the face of destructive consequences. Even though the road to drug addiction starts with the voluntary act of using drugs, a person's ability to decide not to do so becomes compromised, and seeking and consuming the drug becomes compulsive.

Due to the fact that drug abuse and addiction can negatively affect many facets of a person's life, treatment is not simple. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a specific aspect of the disease and its consequences. Addiction treatment helps the person to stop consuming drugs, sustain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society at large. Since addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot just stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most addicts need long-term or repeated episodes of care in order to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery in their lives.

Medication and cognitive behavioural therapy, especially when combined, can be essential elements of a comprehensive therapeutic process that typically starts with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Ameliorating withdrawal symptoms is important in the first stage of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for sustaining its effects. Occasionally, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse could necessitate a return to earlier treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment program—addressing all aspects of a person's life, including medical and mental health services—and follow–up options (e.g., community – or family-based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and sustaining a drug–free lifestyle.

The Metamorphosis approach not only includes the above, but we differ from most other treatment programs in that we start working with the client and family during the detoxification process. We have developed a technique (using self-hypnosis) to eliminate cravings.

If you feel that you have a drug addiction or know someone that does...We Can Help!

Student Anxiety - A Success Story

2010-02-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Many students put a lot of pressure on themselves to do well. We recently had a student referred to us via a neurologist who was suffering from severe headaches. Neither MRI's nor stress tests could find anything wrong. Sent to us as a last resort this individual was concerned that with the ongoing migraine style headaches he might not be able to return for his first year masters program.

Following only a few sessions where the initial emphasis was relaxation, he realized that much of his problem was stress related. The next step showed him how he could bring on a headache at will. By teaching how to bring on a headache it becomes easier to understand how you can also control a headache in a flash.

This was a revelation and in the next session he discovered the source of his stress, which turned out to be completely self-imposed. He was demanding too much of himself and putting too great an emphasis on what he "felt" were the expectations of others.

He continues to practice relaxation and listens to a personalized induction that helps reemphasize that we often put more on our shoulders than we need too. Our internalized thoughts of what others are thinking can do a great deal of harm.

He is back at school and enjoying his year more than he ever has in the past - living to learn rather than living to please others.

We Challenge you to “Change From Within!”

2009-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

MIND CONTROL OF HOT FLUSHES ASSOCIATED WITH MENOPAUSE

A study on the efficacy of Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness in the treatment of hot flashes associated with menopause, and the improved quality of life experience.

Conducted by:

Metamorphosis – The Toronto Psychosomatic Clinic

Dr. Adam M. Stein M.B. B.Ch. F.R.C.P (C), David N. Coop M.Ed. (Psychology), M.S.W., R.S.W.; Deb Bristow B.Sc., M.P.S., RMFT; Lisa Benrubi M.S.W., R.S.W.; Beth Koren Bsc.; Naomi Slivka - M.A. (Clinical Psychology); Gennady Vaserbakh B.Kin, Certified Kinesiologist. DO (MP)

MIND CONTROL OF HOT FLUSHES ASSOCIATED WITH MENOPAUSE

The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of hypnosis, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness on hot flashes (HF) and the overall quality of life in patients suffering from HF. The secondary objectives are to observe the effects the same program has on both the overall fatigue and quality of life experienced by the study group.

- NO MEDICATIONS OR ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED IN THIS STUDY -

To qualify you must be in good health, have a history of HF’s of at least 1 month with a frequency of 5 or more episodes per week. You must be willing to maintain a daily diary and to finish the full 6 sessions of the program as well as the initial assessment and final review.

The privacy and confidentiality of the participants will be strictly guarded. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.

Program Outline

Initial Interview – One Hour

You will be asked to answer a detailed health questionnaire with specific questions pertaining to your HF experience. The questions will cover; how long you have experienced HFs, their frequency, intensity, duration, when they are most likely to happen, etc…
You will be asked to watch a short video on cognitive therapy and hypnosis.
The study requires that you maintain a daily diary. You will be given your diary and what is required will be explained. For the purposes of the study your diary and records will be identified by a number rather than your name.

Sessions 1 & 2 – One hour each

Therapy sessions
Review of your daily diary

Sessions 3, 4, 5 & 6 – ½ hour each

Therapy sessions – either with a therapist and or reviewing audio visual material
Review of your daily diary

Final Interview

Final review of your daily diary
Final questionnaire and feedback form

Those interested in either the study or our standard 6 session treatment plan please contact our office at 416.222.1740 or email us at changes@isitme.ca.

Metatherapy for Hot Flash Management - ITS NO SWEAT!

To see video's on this subject click here

Needle Phobia

2009-10-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

Visit us online

Follow us on Twitter

Become a Fan on FaceBook

Check out our videos on YouTube

Pet Grief

2009-10-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Visit us online

Follow us on Twitter

Become a Fan on FaceBook

Check out our videos on YouTube

Stress and Burnout in the Workplace

2009-10-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Visit us online

Follow us on Twitter

Become a Fan on FaceBook

Check out our Compelling Videos on YouTube

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

2009-10-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Visit the Metamorphosis Website

Follow Metamorphosis on Twitter

Become a fan on FaceBook

Check out some compelling video on YouTube