PsyMontreal
514-337-2473
PsyMontreal helps people change the way they think and become more effective in the way they act “No one will ever make a reality show about what we do here,� says Dr. Jean-Marc Assaad. “This isn’t Hollywood psychology. It is serious and it works.� Assaad is co-founder of PsyMontreal Inc., a psychology practice that’s changing how services are delivered to the Quebec population, and says counselling is more available to consumers than ever before. “Most people think to go to psychologists when super-depressed or in crises,� he said. “But we see it differently. You don’t wait for the catastrophe to get help.�
Assaad and his team of 12 psychologists offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based practice teaching clients to recognize, control and replace negative thoughts and steer them toward positive outcomes. “This is no flavour-of-the-month,� Assaad said. “CBT makes you become your own psychologist. You learn proven techniques to change your thoughts and get in a better frame of mind.�
Emotions are never right or wrong, said Leanna Zozula, PsyMontreal’s co-founder and clinical director, “but do they benefit you? If you feel justified in being frustrated, it serves a purpose. But if it ruminates then it’s time to change. Thoughts can facilitate behaviour and it is 100 per cent under our control.� The key is to stay focused: “It’s just a skill that needs to be learned.�
Six to 15 sessions are typical. “Treatment doesn’t last forever, but your new skills do,� Zozula said.
It’s invaluable for CEOs, parents, students and athletes: “From polishing your game to just being the best you can be,� Assaad said, “the tools are identical for everyone and help with fear of failure, relationships and being more effective.�
He said work issues affect many. “In this age of cutbacks, people are doing the jobs of three, but you can’t change it, so it’s better to learn to deal.� The PsyMontreal team coaches you to make concrete changes for a better life. “We can help develop the perfect storm in your head to take action. Do a better job and don’t take it home with you.�
The title of life coach has, unfortunately, come to embrace everyone from those reading a few books and attending a conference to simply hanging out a shingle, “but dealing with members of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec, you are getting the best science can offer,� Zozula said, “along with accountability, a code of ethics, professionalism and many years of extensive and profound study.�
PsyMontreal emphasizes proximity and quick access. “Having five locations is incredibly helpful,� said clinical coordinator Allison Fini. “Getting to appointments is a big factor for many people, but more importantly, when they have their ‘light-bulb moment’ we need to act and help those who want to be helped.�
Each psychologist has a specialty, from couples therapy and child counselling to sports psychology and maternal mental health; the website — www.psymontreal.com — is chock-full of staff bios with photos, explanations of terms, articles, questionnaires and more, so clients know what to expect on their first visit. Staff members call new clients before the first session to break the ice, so they arrive ready to hit the ground running. “We map out your plan,� Zozula said, “and tell you where you will be at each point.�
Beginning in 2003 with one location, PsyMontreal has grown quickly with a fifth office opening in 2012 and more staff joining the team this year. “Psychology is about trust,� Assaad said, “and we are a name people recognize and believe in.� With a tremendous number of referrals from other professionals, PsyMontreal serves clients from across Montreal with locations in the Plateau, Outremont, N.D.G., downtown and Dollard-des-Ormeaux. It’s no surprise to Assaad, who said about 40 per cent of Quebecers have seen a psychologist. “People don’t advertise it like trips to the dentist,� he noted, “but more are going.�
The private services are tax-deductible and covered by most insurance policies, making it very affordable, given public waiting lists are no different for psychological counselling than other services. With appointments usually available “within a week rather than six months,� Assaad said, “it can have a marked impact on your life.� Fini insists cost should be no reason to avoid getting help: “If you tell us you can only afford six sessions, then we plan treatment around that. The goal is to help you. Period.�
That’s exactly the point, Assaad said. “The faster you get better, the bigger our badge of honour. It’s an investment in yourself and the returns keep coming.� PsyMontreal 514-337-2473 www.psymontreal.com