Psychology Blog

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy What is EMDR therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process and integrate distressing memories. Rather than focusing only on talking through experiences, EMDR works at the level of how memories are stored, reducing their emotional intensity over time. ⸻ What issues can EMDR help with? EMDR is commonly used for: • Trauma and post-traumatic stress • Anxiety and panic • Intrusive thoughts or memories • Negative self-beliefs • Stress related to past experiences Many people seek EMDR when they feel stuck, even after gaining insight through other forms of therapy. ⸻ How is EMDR different from traditional talk therapy? Traditional therapy often focuses on understanding patterns and building coping strategies. EMDR goes a step further by helping the brain reprocess distressing experiences so they no longer feel as immediate or overwhelming. This means you may spend less time explaining and more time actually shifting how the memory feels. ⸻ Will I have to relive my experiences in detail? No. EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened. The process is structured and paced to help you engage with memories in a way that feels manageable and contained, not overwhelming. ⸻ Can EMDR be delivered online? Yes. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can be effectively delivered online using secure software that we provide. We send you a private link that allows us to guide bilateral stimulation (BLS) remotely—such as visual tracking, tapping, or auditory tones—while ensuring the process remains interactive, structured, and safe. Many clients find online EMDR just as effective and often more convenient. ⸻ Is EMDR therapy safe? Yes, when delivered by a trained clinician, EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy. A key part of the process involves preparation and stabilization to ensure you feel supported before moving into deeper work. ⸻ How long does EMDR therapy take? This varies depending on your goals and history. Some people experience noticeable shifts in a relatively short time, while others benefit from a longer course of therapy—especially when working through more complex or long-standing experiences. ⸻ How do I know if EMDR is right for me? EMDR may be a good fit if: • You feel stuck despite insight or previous therapy • Certain memories or triggers continue to affect you • You’re looking for a more direct way to process past experiences A consultation can help determine whether EMDR is the right approach for your specific needs. ⸻ Do you offer EMDR therapy in Hamilton and online? Yes, EMDR therapy is available both in-person in Hamilton and virtually across Ontario, allowing you to access support in the way that works best for you.

EMDR Therapy in Hamilton & Online: How It Works

EMDR Therapy in Hamilton, Ontario: How It Helps You Move Beyond Trauma and Anxiety If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying distressing memories, overwhelmed by anxiety that doesn’t fully make sense,…

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A woman in her 30s sits on a couch in a therapist’s office, looking down with a distressed expression while resting her head on her hand. In the blurred background, symbolic images of childhood adversity—such as a sad child, arguing adults, and a broken home—appear behind her, representing the lasting impact of early experienc

Why Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Matter in Psychological Assessment

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are one of the most important frameworks for understanding how early life stress can shape both mental and physical health across the lifespan. In clinical practice,…

Hi Chris; I am just confirming your booked IN-PERSON apt for 1 hour on: Wednesday April 29 at 1030am with: Myself Be sure to contact me through email with any scheduling changes with as much notice as possible. PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS FOR YOUR APT BELOW. An electronic intake form has been sent to you and We normally ask everyone to complete this within 2 days in order to hold your reserved space. The intake saves time during your first apt and makes it easier for Dr. Barbera C. Psych to assist with therapy planning. Feel free to put as much or little detail as you think makes sense. Please let us know if you have any questions or difficulty accessing the intake form. For in person appointments: OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED in HAMILTON ONTRIO AT 67 Frid street UNIT 4 (NOT downstairs in unit 1C)- We are street level (no stairs) on the left side of the building (same side as appex)- the second door from the front corner of the building with free parking right outside our door. If anything changes we ask for at least 48 hours notice (2 business days as email/phone are not checked on weekends) to avoid the apt fee as this helps to make efficient use of apt times to keep the wait times as short as possible for everyone. If you are having difficulty finding the office or arriving late, please contact the therapist directly at: Dr. Barbera c. Psych- Jennifer.barbera2011@gmail.com, 905-407-5758 (please email). Please note that YOUR APT IS HELD SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU & MADE UNAVAILABLE TO OTHERS- WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 2 BUSINESS DAYS NOTICE TO CANCEL OR CHANGE AN APT WITHOUT THE APT FEE AUTOMATICALLY BEING CHARGED TO YOU. PLEASE SEE THE THERAPIST’S DIRECT CONTACT BELOW AS CANCELATIONS OR CHANGES ARE NOT ACCEPTED THROUGH THIS INTAKE EMAIL. We have this policy because demand for services is very high and we routinely turn people away for services. Last minute changes and cancelations increase wait times for others & create challenges for clinicians as we have fixed costs. No-show apts will always incur the full fee REGARDLESS OF THE REASON. For cancelations with less than 48 business hours notice- you will automatically be charged for the apt but you can discuss the reason at your next apt. If you are ill or have transportation difficulties you can request a virtual or phone apt. Payment for your appointment (including the first apt) will be due at the end of your apt (the same day). We accept payment via e-transfer to: admin@findinncalm.ca or by credit card. Please note that any balances overdue past the last day of a calendar month will be subject to a $25 admin & interest charge as this leads to a significant delay (at least 1 additional month) for the therapist to be paid for their services. We do not issue refunds for services rendered. We are not set up for direct billing to extended health benefits (we can only bill direct to WSIB or VA). If you are coming in because you are off of work and plan to request documentation, please be aware that many forms must be completed by a physician, not another regulated health professional (e.g., psychologist), and for forms that a psychologist can complete- you would need an assessment before a diagnosis can be confirmed or recommendations regarding any restrictions are made. With supervised services, the information from the assessment will have to first be reviewed by Dr. Barbera c. Psych or Dr. Amanda Robinson c. Psych during a scheduled time and an additional fee (usually around $125-$225) applies for the time to review the information and complete paperwork. Please let us know right away if this applies to you. We do not provide letters for court or other purposes. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Jennifer (Dr. Barbera c. Psych) On 2026-03-31 at 8:55 AM, "Chris N" wrote: Hi Dr Barbera, Unfortunately I’m working April 15th, but I can make April 29th at anytime. Is it 1030 on the 29th as well? Thank you so much Chris On Mar 31, 2026, at 08:18, Dr. Barbera C. Psych & Associates wrote: Hi Chris; Are you available April 15th at 1030am for an in-person apt? Coming up I tend to have some 10:30 AM appointments every other Wednesday or so. And then, depending on how often you want to attend if the date doesn’t line up with your schedule, we would either need to schedule further apart or schedule a virtual appointment on a different day. Occasionally, I do also have an afternoon appointment on a Wednesday, but these spaces are quite full at the moment. If 1030 on the 15th doesn’t match your schedule what about on 29 April? Hope you’re having a good good morning, Jennifer On 2026-03-30 at 6:09 PM, "Chris N" wrote: Thank you so much Dr. Barbera, I am a shift worker for the Hamilton fire department as my main job, so I can attend daytime, early afternoon or evening- it would just be different week to week as the schedule follows a fixed rotation where we work every day of the week over a 28 day cycle. I am interested in a hybrid model- I always try to go in person, but sometimes I need to switch to virtual. I live in Meadowlands so your office is much closer to where I am currently traveling to in Burlington. Thank you so much for getting back to me Chris From: Dr. Barbera C. Psych & Associates Sent: March 30, 2026 9:01 AM To: Chris N Subject: Waiting for services Good morning Chris; Yes, I can certainly put your email in my waitlist folder and prioritize you since you have been seen under my supervision by Kim in the past and I still have your file. Can you please tell me more about your current usual availability and also confirm whether you’re looking for in person, virtual or hybrid of both? This would help me be able to better determine when I can assist you. Thank you, Jennifer (Dr. Barbera PhD, C. Psych). On 2026-03-30 at 8:54 AM, "Chris N" wrote: Thank you Dr. Barbera. I had reached out a few years ago but you were very busy having just adopted 2 children. You set me up with Kim Friesen who I continue to work with. She has moved further away and I still intend to see her but some co-workers had suggested that perhaps I should try to see another therapist to see if that would help and you were highly recommended. I understand that you are full currently, is it possible to be added to a waitlist if your schedule opens up in the future? Thank you, Chris From: Dr. Barbera C. Psych & Associates Sent: March 28, 2026 9:28 AM To: newsteadchris@hotmail.com Subject: Re: New submission from Contact Hi Chris; Thank you for reaching out regarding assistance in coping with a break-up. While I am full in my own apt schedule currently, I can likely set up an appointment for you with a well trained clinician that I work closely with. As the supervising psychologist I oversee all services—including reviewing your intake form, treatment planning, and any assessment—so you still benefit from my guidance. Would any of these dates and times work for you? Monday April 6 at 4 pm (virtual or in-person) Thursday April 9 at 4 pm (virtual or in-person) Monday April 13 at 1pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm (virtual or in-person) Thursday April 16 at 2pm, 5pm, and 6pm (virtual or in-person) The apt would be with Christine Medvid, M.Psy. who has a masters degree in Psychology and works with adults, adolescents, and couples. Christine offers her services here on Mondays and Thursdays. Outside of private practice, she works at the McMaster University Medical Centre serving patients with chronic pain. Christine is completing her post-masters clinical work in order to register with the College of Psychologists. She uses approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP and ICBT. Christine works with individuals on issues such as: chronic pain, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, alcohol/substance use, self-esteem/ self-image, OCD and relationship concerns. Appointments cost $225 for virtual and in-person. Monday, April 6 from 2:30-3:30 (in person or virtual) Tuesday, April 7 from 3:30-4:30 (in-person or virtual) Wednesday, April 8 from 12-1, 1:30-2:30 or 3-4 (in person or virtual) The appointment would be with Debra Schlegel, who has a Masters degree in Psychology and is currently completing her five years of post-masters clinical work as an associate under Dr. Barbera C. Psych’s supervision in order to register with the College of Psychologists. Debra has held various positions at the Centre for addiction and mental health (CAMH), where she gained experience assisting with mood and anxiety symptoms, trauma, substance use, stress and low self-esteem. Debra works with adults, and adolescents and couples and uses approaches such as ACT, DBT, MI, IFS and CBT. Appointments cost $215 for virtual and in-person. Tues Apr 7 at 1215pm (virtual) Thurs Apr 2 at 1:15pm (virtual only) Wed Apr 8 at 11am or 1215pm (virtual) Thurs Apr 9 at 8am or 9am (in person or virtual) The appointment would be with Destiny Taylor (Trafford) who has a Masters degree in Psychology and uses many of the same therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, IFS, CPT, ACT & EMDR). She works with adult individuals for issues such as stress, anxiety, low mood (including depression), low self-worth, trauma, loss and PTSD, OCD, alcohol or substance use, or relationship conflict. Destiny does not have evening apts at this time (full). Appointments cost $225 for virtual and in-person. Why book with us: -All associates have completed extensive training (6 years of university) in Psychology and thousands of hours of supervised clinical work. Associates are completing at least 5 years of supervised clinical work in order to register with the College of Psychologists. These requirements are much more extensive than for a psychotherapist, counsellor or social worker. -Dr. Jennifer Barbera PhD, C. Psych personally supervises all services to ensure quality, evidence-based care. In addition to 10 years of university study, she has over 25 years of counselling experience, and has been a clinical psychologist since 2013. -Most of our fees for psychological services are relatively lower than standard rates. -Most extended health plans cover supervised Psychology services (confirm with your provider). Both names, including Dr. Barbera’s license number, appear on all invoices. To get started, please confirm: -Your age (we do not provide services for children or seniors with age-related concerns, which requires a specific license) -Your location (if outside Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec or New Brunswick) Please reply with your preferred clinician and time, and we’ll confirm your appointment and next steps. Looking forward to supporting you, Jennifer Barbera, PhD, C. Psych & Associates On 2026-03-27 at 4:42 PM, formsubmissions@peachblitz.com wrote: Name Chris Newstead Email newsteadchris@hotmail.com Message Good afternoon, I am wondering if Dr Barbera was accepting new patients at this time? I am with the Hamilton fire department and Canadian navy and I am seeking counseling sessions for help dealing with a breakup from my fiancé and lingering emotions with that. Thank you for your time 905-807-6272 This email message is confidential and is intended only for the persons named above. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and securely delete/remove it from your system(s). Any reading, distribution, printing or disclosure of this message if you are not the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. My Graduate Intern assists me in monitoring this inbox. We do not monitor this email address 24 hours a day/7 days per week/365 days a year. There may be a delay in our ability to respond to your message and we may not be able to respond to all messages. Thank you in advance for your understanding. This email message is confidential and is intended only for the persons named above. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and securely delete/remove it from your system(s). Any reading, distribution, printing or disclosure of this message if you are not the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. My Graduate Intern assists me in monitoring this inbox. We do not monitor this email address 24 hours a day/7 days per week/365 days a year. There may be a delay in our ability to respond to your message and we may not be able to respond to all messages. Thank you in advance for your understanding. This email message is confidential and is intended only for the persons named above. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and securely delete/remove it from your system(s). Any reading, distribution, printing or disclosure of this message if you are not the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. My Graduate Intern assists me in monitoring this inbox. We do not monitor this email address 24 hours a day/7 days per week/365 days a year. There may be a delay in our ability to respond to your message and we may not be able to respond to all messages. Thank you in advance for your understanding. This email message is confidential and is intended only for the persons named above. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and securely delete/remove it from your system(s). Any reading, distribution, printing or disclosure of this message if you are not the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. My Graduate Intern assists me in monitoring this inbox. We do not monitor this email address 24 hours a day/7 days per week/365 days a year. There may be a delay in our ability to respond to your message and we may not be able to respond to all messages. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

ADHD Assessment in Ontario: What Happens Step by Step

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Split illustration comparing ADHD and Anxiety. On the left, a real-looking young woman with a worried expression represents ADHD, surrounded by clocks, papers, and lightbulb icons, with a warm orange background. On the right, a real-looking young woman looks anxious, surrounded by storm clouds, lightning, and a heart icon, with a cool blue background. The title ‘ADHD vs Anxiety: Why They Feel the Same (How to Tell the Difference?)’ is prominently displayed across the top, with labels ‘Distracted’ and ‘Worried’ under each figure.

ADHD vs Anxiety: Why They Feel the Same (How to Tell the Difference)

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