Donna L. Stephen, Ph.D. Psychologist, Author, and Hiking Guide

Psychologist, hiking guide, and author

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Psychological Services

Treatments for Emotional & Life Issues, Distress and Self-Defeating Behaviours

  • Stress can be due to balance in life issues; work; relationships; or specific life events.
  • Depressed mood can range from mild dissatisfaction to complete inertia, disinterest and negativity.
  • Anxiety, like depression, also occurs on a continuum ranging from social and performance anxiety to panic.
  • Post-traumatic reactions can reflect emotional & behavioural responses to a trauma of any kind.
  • Unproductive personality characteristics are engrained patterns of behaviour which substantially interfere with one’s ability to function efficiently.
  • Crisis can occur when one’s usual coping mechanisms are not working.

These and other emotionally-based problems are amenable to treatment by  clinical psychologists, using scientifically-proven approaches. For example, cognitive behaviour therapy is often appropriate for individuals with mild to moderately-depressed mood. Those suffering from deeper depression often benefit more, in the initial stages of therapy, from behavioural approaches.

Stress & Lifestyle Consultations

This positive, goal-oriented consultation can assist you in:

  • evaluating your stress management skills and life-style behaviours
  • identifying challenges to change
  • developing a specific plan to move forward with your goals

Health Psychology Interventions

All health challenges have biological, psychological and social components.  As a clinical health psychologist, I adhere to a biopsychosocial model.  This helps me assess appropriate targets and develop a treatment plan to  improve coping or decrease symptoms—and in some cases to alleviate symptoms entirely. Treatment frequently includes self-monitoring; altering behaviours; changing thinking patterns and implementation of psychophysiological control techniques (e.g., autogenic and progressive muscle-relaxation techniques; imagery; meditation and biofeedback).

Health issues

Health issues I have helped people with include asthma, diabetes, cardiac challenges, headaches and chronic pain.  I also work with patients to understand medical treatment options; increase healthy behaviours and decrease harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse. I prefer a strong partnership with an individual’s physician (and sometimes other health care specialists, such as physical therapists) when working on health-related issues.

Growth-oriented Psychotherapy

 I offer psychotherapy which helps individuals maximize their potential. One does not have to be suffering to benefit from therapy.

A psychologist’s role is like “…that of a guide on a difficult mountain climb.” 
-Sigmund Freud

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