We all wish to grow as human beings, be better self-regulated, have greater wisdom and satisfying relationships, and realize a greater degree of our full potential. As a psychologist and therapist, I am fully committed to helping my clients move towards fulfilling these aspirations. There are many resources available to assist you in integrating body, mind, and spirit, some of which may be found on this website. A listing of concerns that I work with can be found below.
I see that there has been a tremendous integration of knowledge over the past several decades. We have learned a great deal about the brain, for example, from the fields of developmental psychology, the neurosciences, interpersonal neurobiology, and the contemplative wisdoms of the world, the latter including meditation and mindfulness practices. We now know, for example, that the degree to which the brain can restructure itself, or neuroplasticity, is far greater than previously thought. We also know that areas of the brain can develop new neurons, a field called neurogenesis. What this may mean practically is that no matter what experiences we have had we have the potential to develop new pathways and ways of being in the world. This is very exciting news! It means that “we can actually use the mind to change the brain” (Daniel Siegel, Foreword in Hanson and Mendius, 2009). Research suggests that psychotherapy may alter brain structure and function.
In addition to the above, there has been a great deal of work on the intersection between psychotherapy and spirituality. It is natural for us to wonder about what life really means, perhaps even to ask ourselves philosophically “Who am I” or “What do I want to do at this point in my life?” We may come to a place where these types of existential or spiritual questions around meaning have great importance to us. Alternatively, we may feel we have been using spirituality to avoid, bypass, or soften attachment or relationship-related issues in our life. If this is a concern for you, you might want to look at my papers under “Writings” on this website, including the article “Earned Secure Attachment as a Model for a Liberated Spirituality: A Review“.
Support
To support you on your own individual path, you may wish to look under “Writings” for a list of my papers, under “Media” for videos, under “Wisdom” for some short articles, and under “Favourites” for a list of some of my favourite books and articles. Under “Wisdom” are articles on psychotherapy and spirituality, including spiritual bypassing, on Stephen Porges’ work titled The Feeling of Safety in Relationship: A Primer on Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, and an article on our nervous system.
A Bit About Me
I have been practicing as a psychologist for almost 40 years in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and am now in private practice. My services include individual psychotherapy, consultation to therapists, as well as workshops, training of professionals, and presentations to various groups. Please see the relevant sections on this website for further information on any of these topics.
I see individuals with the following concerns for psychotherapy:
- general psychological “adjustment issues”, including existential concerns
- psychospiritual issues, including spiritual bypassing (see my article under “Wisdom”)
- attachment-related issues
- anxiety, including social anxiety
- stress management
- assertiveness issues
- relationship challenges
- individual parents who have a daughter or son with an eating disorder
- Please note that I only see individuals who are in a place of non-crisis as this is where psychotherapy can be most helpful. I do not see individuals where there are medical-legal concerns.
Next Steps and What to Expect
I am accepting new clients with any of the above concerns.
I offer initially a telehealth consultation to potential new clients. Please contact me at (604) 721-8755 or through email at drronmanley@gmail.com.
I am not at this time offering in-person psychotherapy sessions, only through a video telehealth platform.
If you are interested in psychotherapy, please go to Services –> Psychotherapy –> Forms. There you will find my Informed Consent to Service, Fee Schedule, and Limitations to Confidentiality form which you may download and bring to the initial session. This form is an explicit acknowledgement of what is important for you to know should you decide to come to see me. It includes detailed information on confidentiality, fees, and other aspects of treatment.
I include an initial Consultation session which allows both you and I to decide whether my services are the most appropriate for you. It does not mean that we have agreed to pursue treatment. The fee for this Consultation is $180 for one hour. If we agree to regular treatment sessions, these are $200 for one hour sessions. Please see the form Informed Consent to Service, Fee Schedule, and Limitations to Confidentiality under “Services” for detailed information.
How to Setup a Session
The Consultation session may be booked by e-mailing me at drronmanley[at]gmail.com or calling (604) 721-8755. Please feel free to call or e-mail for any additional information or questions you may have.