Dr. Arthur Braaten, C.Psych.

Dr. Arthur Braaten provides psychodiagnostic assessment and individual therapy to adults for a range of psychological concerns.

He believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process that is tailored to each individual and their unique background. His approach to therapy is integrative and is informed by several evidenced-based approaches. He is primarily guided by interpersonal and psychodynamic perspectives based on empirical research, such as attachment theory. He also uses emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and dialectical behavioural approaches when it fits the preferences, needs, and goals for therapy. He also has experience with perspectives from existential and positive psychology through his research during his Ph.D.

Dr. Braaten obtained his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He completed his internship at the Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR), which included external training at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. He has provided psychological services in a variety of settings, including community mental health clinics, private practices, and psychiatric and general hospitals.

Psychologist Expertise

Areas of specific interest to Dr. Braaten include:

Anger Management

July 31, 2022

While everyone gets angry from time to time, some people have rage reactions or explosive outbursts which emotionally or even physically hurt other people in their surroundings. Even the intense direct expression of anger can be problematic if people do not control where and when they express anger. These days, tolerance for intense, angry behaviour is low, even if expressed only in words. Angry outbursts can be considered abusive and can result in reprimands in the work place or fines and charges in public places.

Anxiety

July 29, 2022

Anxiety has been frequently described as feelings of fright, flight or freeze. This means that people experiencing anxiety have both the mental and the physical, visceral feelings of wanting to escape the situation, fight what is challenging or simply cannot move in any direction to deal with what is troubling them.

Bipolar Disorder

July 23, 2022

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can cause significant shifts in mood and energy, including depressive lows and manic highs. Bipolar symptoms usually become apparent during late adolescence or early adulthood. Symptoms can be triggered by events, as well, such as pregnancy and childbirth.

Burnout

July 19, 2022

Burnout is a condition in which the individual feels completely overwhelmed from an increasing inability to cope with a build-up of stressors considered within the normal range of human experiences. Many of the symptoms are common to depression, including diminished interest and enjoyment of work and personal life.

Childhood Trauma

July 17, 2022

Childhood trauma refers to when a child experiences a traumatic event that results in negative and pervasive physical, psychological and cognitive effects.

Depression

July 3, 2022

Depression is a state of low mood in which people feel helpless, hopeless, worthless, lethargic and unable to enjoy the things that used to give them pleasure. People who are depressed are often irritable or pessimistic. Their low mood goes beyond having “the blues” or being sad. Even people who are grieving usually do not sink into depression. People diagnosed with a Major Depressive Disorder cannot just “pull up their socks” to get better. They require professional help. Psychologists use a variety of scientifically based psychotherapeutic approaches to help people recover from depression.

Grief & Bereavement Counselling

June 17, 2022

Grief is the emotional response to the loss of someone, something or some place of emotional significance to the person. Grief is a normal emotion which has impact on people’s physical, mental, behavioural and social states. People who are grieving usually experience fatigue and find that everything takes more effort.

Identity Issues

June 11, 2022

Identity relates to an individual’s sense of self that is built through experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories. This sense of self stays mostly consistent regardless of any aspects of the self that develop or strengthen as time progresses. Certain factors or events might contribute to an overall sense of uncertainty regarding one or more areas of an individual’s identity, including career aspirations, sexual and gender orientation, social circles, values, and behaviour.

Life Transitions

June 3, 2022

A life transition can be any change or adjustment that impacts your life in a significant way. We all experience transitions throughout our lives — big and small, planned and unplanned, easy and difficult.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

May 16, 2022

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can follow the experiencing or witnessing of a severe trauma involving the actual or threat of death or serious injury to the self or others. The traumatized person has typically reacted to the trauma with intense fear, helplessness or horror. Alternatively, an accumulation of less intensely damaging situations (‘small ‘t’ traumas’) can over time also lead to PTSD.

Self-Esteem Issues

May 6, 2022

Self-esteem refers to the perception of oneself (values, abilities, self-worth, etc.). It impacts one’s relationships, mental health, and achievement. For instance, negative self-regard can lead to mood disturbances, anxiety, and loneliness; It can increase the likelihood of conflict in relationships and increase vulnerability to substance abuse. On the other hand, individuals with positive self-views are generally more likely to maintain positive relationships, maintain a positive outlook on life, and achieve success.

Stress Management

April 24, 2022

It is important to look at the effect or impact that stress and anxiety has on your work and home life. A professional therapist – psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or counsellor can assist in the stress management process.

Contact

To reach Dr. Braaten directly, please phone 613-230-4709, ext. 159, at 421 Gilmour St.

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