WELLNESS

Counselling / Psychotherapy

Here at Durand Health, we offer in-person and virtual appointments for psychotherapy. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or mental health crisis, please call 911.

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Counselling / Psychotherapy in Hamilton

Here at Durand Health, we offer in-person and virtual appointments for psychotherapy. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or mental health crisis, please call 911.

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves helping people with various emotional and mental difficulties. By listening to what a client is struggling with, the therapist acts as a facilitator to assist clients in helping find answers within themselves. Doing so can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can increase well-being.

Our Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Cristina has specialized training in Art Therapy as well as talk therapy. She specializes in mental and emotional challenges and developmental disorders such as; ADHD, ODD, PTSD, adoption and foster children and families. To book an in-person or virtual appointment with her, click here.

Our Psychotherapist Sophia specializes in relationship challenges, social issues, depression, and anxiety. Trauma therapy is another one of her specializations; intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, and childhood trauma. Sophia can help anyone aged 13 and above. To book an in-person or virtual appointment with her, click here.

What Types of Techniques Do Psychotherapists Use?

Our therapists, Cristina Palermo and Sophia Sammy, can use their different training techniques to provide the best care for your needs. The following are some of the techniques they use:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Aims to reduce the symptoms of different mental health conditions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Uses acceptance and awareness strategies along with commitment and behavioural changes to improve psychological flexibility.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IP): Attachment-focused and revolves around relationships and communication.

Motivational Interviewing: Client-centred style aiming to change behaviour through addressing and resolving ambivalence.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Awareness-based style acknowledges what you feel moment-by-moment during specific situations.

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP): Aims for behavioural changes by exploring complex emotional and relational experiences.

Emotion-Focused Therapy: Used to help you understand the role of emotional changes during therapy.

Solution-Focused Therapy: A collaboration between client and therapist that is goal-directed.

Skill-Building Approaches: Used to develop or improve a client’s abilities at self-help, self-care, socialisation, and adaptation.

Collaborative Care

Our Practitioners will work collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners within the clinic, including physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, registered acupuncturists, massage therapists, and TCM practitioners, to best manage your health needs. Please inquire for more information.

COUNSELLING / PSYCHOTHERAPY CAN HELP WITH:

  • Pain management
  • Emotional trauma (anxiety, stress, PTSD, mood disorders)
  • Gynecological symptoms (PMS, menstrual irregularities, fertility support)
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Preventative Medicine

Practitioners Offering Counselling / Psychotherapy​

Cristina Palermo

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) R.P. & Art Therapist

Book with Cristina

CRISTINA’S AREAS OF FOCUS:

✅ Children & Adolescents
✅ ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder)
✅ ADHD, OCD, & Anxiety
✅ Depression & Suicidal Ideation
✅ PTSD, Trauma, Grief & Loss
✅ Emotional & Behavioural Challenges
✅ Anger Management
✅ Adoption & Foster Children
✅ Development Disorders & Brain Injuries
✅ Dissociative Disorders

Cristina Palermo is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist. She completed her training in Art Therapy and Psychotherapy at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and is currently finishing her thesis. Cristina has always been passionate about the arts, and her own journey as an artist helped her recognize the therapeutic value it holds. Cristina takes a very eclectic, organic, and person-centred approach, inviting the client to guide the direction and pace of sessions. Additionally, she can integrate CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and meditation approaches to providing psychoeducation. Don’t think you’re an artist? That’s ok; prior skills are not necessary.

“Art can permeate the very deepest parts of us, where no words exist.” – Eileen Miller

 

Sophia Sammy

Registered Psychotherapist, CYC, R.P.

SOPHIA’S AREAS OF FOCUS:

✅ Anxiety
✅ Depression
✅ Social Skills
✅ Relationship Issues
✅ Lack of Motivation
✅ Childhood & Spiritual Trauma
✅ Intergenerational Trauma
✅ Self-Harm

Sophia Sammy is a Registered Psychotherapist with significant experience working with various client demographics. Sophia works from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework. She has worked within a school setting and in community and clinical settings. She implements CBT, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, and spiritually integrated therapy, to name a few. Sophia’s client-centred therapeutic approach encompasses an eclectic array of cognitive, humanistic, and behavioural therapies. She takes an individual approach with her clients, as no two people will experience life the same way. Seeing her client’s progress in therapy over time brings Sophia the most joy from her work. Her high-spirited and soothing demeanour makes everyone feel welcome.

“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.” – Unknown

Book with Sophia