FAQ
Why does Dr. Alexander Only Offer group Programs?
Humans are social beings who often need other people and secure community in order to heal. We don't heal or learn very well in isolation from others. We often become lonely and disheartened when isolated for too long.
Many times, illness, pain and distress isolate us from others when we need healthy & supportive connection most.
Group courses can be a good place to heal and learn alongside others who are also struggling with medical conditions or issues that are similar to your own.
Dr. Alexander is an experienced and skillful guide who is able to help a group become a secure learning and sharing environment for participants. In a group, many participants report:
- feeling supported by others with similar challenges;
- learning more about the brain, body and yourself than they might otherwise in an individual session with a doctor or therapist;
- having more time with Dr. Alexander weekly than they would in an individual session (3 hours per week vs only 50 minutes per session);
- benefiting from sharing with/hearing from others who are also struggling with mental or physical issues, facilitated by Dr. Alexander in a way that is helpful and not overwhelming;
- increasing their coping with systemic oppression and burdens;
- experiencing reduced shame or embarrassment;
- learning to communicate with different types of people, while setting healthy boundaries;
- feeling an increased sense of hope.
A Group? I'm Still Not So Sure About That . . .
Does being in a group make you nervous?
Dr. Alexander has facilitated groups for many years and can help you find a way to feel OK and, hopefully, even enjoy being in a mind-body medicine group setting. Please know that, in Dr. Alexander's groups:
- you don't have to talk or share any personal details if you don't want to;
- you will not be put in a position where you feel burdened by the issues or stories of others in the group;
- you don't have to sit still & you get to move around and do what you need to make yourself comfortable in the group space (or at home if you attend online!);
- you can attend via Zoom for Healthcare, if you wish (after your first, in-person appointment);
- you can bring anything you need to the office to make yourself comfortable (as long as it doesn't make someone else uncomfortable);
- you can use the variety of pillows, cushions, mats and chairs in the office to maximize your comfort;
- you can trust that Dr. Alexander will help you and others in the group to maintain healthy boundaries to encourage the safety of people in the group; and,
- you can expect to enjoy the process and actually look forward to your sessions.
Can I see Dr. Alexander for individual psychotherapy?
Dr. Alexander now offers time-limited individual sessions to help deepen one’s group-based experience in the Internal Family Systems groups.
She also offers time-limited individual, medical psychotherapy sessions to patients of the Stronach Southlake Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket, Ontario, by referral from SRCC Medical and Radiation Oncologists.
How do I know when I'm ready to get to work with Dr. Alexander?
Here are a few indications that you are ready to work with Dr. Alexander. You:
- are ready to get curious about how you can access your own, best healer within - your Self;
- are ready to work towards real change in your life;
- live in Ontario, have an OHIP card and understand that the Ministry of Health requires you to be in Ontario when you receive OHIP-funded virtual care;
- have a mental or physical condition that qualifies you for OHIP covered psychotherapy;
- are willing to participate in group learning environment;
- have a Family Doctor, Primary Care Nurse Practitioner who can coordinate your overall physical/mental healthcare and respond to crises;
- are willing to use integrative modalities and techniques that may need to be practiced daily to be effective;
- are able to commit to a weekly group in Oakville, Ontario (or virtually while still in Ontario) for the duration of your program;
- are able and willing to commit to our group guidelines; and,
- are ready to learn how to live with more ease in the world.
What Should I Expect at my Intake appointment?
Before your consultation appointment, we will send you an intake form to fill out and submit. Once Dr. Alexander has reviewed this information, your in-person intake appointment will be 20-30 minutes in length.
If you decide to join one of Dr. Alexander's Mind-Body Medicine group courses, you will be advised of your group's start date. A fully refundable deposit will be required to secure your spot in the group.
Groups will meet weekly for 5-18 weeks (depending on which course you do), for approximately 3 hours at a time.
What Should I Bring To My Intake Appointment?
Please ensure that you have filled out our assessment forms prior to your appointment. Please also bring:
- a complete list of all of your vitamins, supplements and/or medical foods; and,
- copies of any relevant consultations from your medical file with your Primary Care clinician.
Fees
Please note that OHIP covers Dr. Alexander's group courses, when you attend your appointments. OHIP does not pay Dr. Alexander, if you do not attend your booked group sessions. Since we cannot find someone else to fill your spot once a group has started, participants must pay for any missed sessions.
As such, a fully-refundable deposit is required to secure your space in a group and to pay for any missed sessions during the duration of your group course. Please see the group guidelines in your intake form for more details on the charges for missed sessions.
What methods of payment do you accept for Group deposits?
At this time, we are only able to accept cheque or e-transfer for deposit or missed session payments. Receipts are provided for insurance or tax purposes. We also accept credit card payments via Paypal, but ask that you pay all associated fees.