Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much. - Helen Keller

Every journey, no matter how long, begins with a single step. - Anonymous

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 learn how to live with more ease in the world;

- are ready to work towards real change in your life;

- are curious about integrative mind-body modalities and techniques to treat your health issue;

- have a complex/chronic mental or physical condition;

- are willing to participate in group learning environment;

- have a Family Doctor or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner who can coordinate your care, respond to crises and refer you for our services;

- live in Ontario and have a valid OHIP card;

- are able to commit to a weekly group either online while in Ontario, or in-person in Oakville, Ontario, for the duration of your program; and,

- are able and willing to commit to our group guidelines.

I'm ready! How do I start?

Please feel free to contact Dr. Alexander's office to book an OHIP-covered introduction & intake appointment.

Please also have your Primary Care provider download, complete and fax a referral form along with any relevant consultations or reports. 

Why Does Dr. Alexander Require Patients To Join A Group Course?

Humans are social beings who need other people and 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 are 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.

Click here for more information on Dr. Alexander's group guidelines.

What Should I Expect At My Intake Appointment?

Before your first consultation appointment, you will be asked to fill out an intake form. Dr. Alexander will review this and your first appointment will be in-person and 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 regularly for 5-18 weeks (depending on which course you do), for approximately 3 hours at a time (including breaks). 

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 MD.

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 sessions. Since we cannot replace a participant once a group has started, the participant must pay for any missed sessions - like any other medical appointment.

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 cash, cheque or e-transfer. Receipts are provided for insurance or tax purposes.