Dr. Tara Power is a doctoral level Clinical Health
Psychologist specializing in issues that relate to both physical and psychological
health and wellness. A broad range of evidence-based therapy is available for
individual adults and couples.
Practicing out of Legge Health Clinic, in downtown Truro, Dr. Power’s practice
offers a relaxed, comfortable setting in a large and beautiful heritage
house.
General Health Psychology and Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression
Treating stress, anxiety or mood disorders which are contributing to exacerbation of medical symptoms or a deterioration in quality of life
Assisting patients deal with fears associated with invasive procedures
Psychological adjustment to chronic and life threatening disorders (i.e. Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney Dialysis, Heart Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Assisting patients deal with treatment motivation and adherence issues
Providing relationship and communication skills to couples dealing with intimacy issues
Treating conditions and symptoms such as sleep disorders, high blood pressure, chronic pain (i.e. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus)
Assisting patients struggling to make lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation, exercise)
Helping caregivers deal with the burden of care
Medical decisions - Cosmetic Surgery, In vitro Fertilization, Pregnancy Termination, Genetic testing ....and dealing with the impact of those decisions
Recovering from the Trauma of a Motor Vehicle Accident or Personal Assault
Assisting Individuals with Cancer, their Families and their Caregivers with...
Fear- Patients and their families usually experience fear with a cancer diagnosis. Constant or intrusive thoughts—about having the disease, losing independence and control, cancer spreading or recurring, pain, the unknown, or dying are common parts of that fear. Dr. Power assists patients and families manage this fear (and all its emotional and social consequences).
Anger- People often find themselves angry about having the disease, at not getting clear answers, at delays and obstacles in the health care system.
Opening Up - Counselling offers a place to express all emotions, positive or negative. Many patients feel the need to express themselves fully, and to be in touch with feelings to face their individual situations. This process may also involve re-evaluating life values and the importance of certain goals.
Guilt - Feelings of guilt may emerge for many reasons: about the cause of illness, about not being able to look after other family members, about the impact on children, if hereditary elements are found.
Depression - Depression can be related to the effects of the cancer or its treatment, a normal response to coping with the emotional distress around cancer, or already present and amplified by the condition.
Stress - Counselling about stress may involve recognizing signs such as physical tension or panic attacks, and developing appropriate stress-reducing techniques—meditation, relaxation, coping skills, exercise programs, leisure pursuits.
Identity and Self-Image - You may need to adjust to dramatic issues of identity and self-image brought on by cancer and its treatment (such as loss of hair or disfigurement), or to your changing role within the family unit, or your identity as it relates to your ability to work. A sense of loss can be lessened through identifying and grieving what may have been altered or lost though the cancer experience.
Fatigue – Emotional factors such as worry and anxiety; or of other factors—trying to do too much when your energy reserves are depleted can result in fatigue.
Anxiety - Counselling can provide an opportunity to talk about death and dying and help to find ways of reducing fears and alleviating anxiety.
Communication Issues — How to talk to children about cancer, and how to deal with their reactions; communication with elderly parent or family members with a different cultural heritage.
Addressing Family Issues—Discussions of how the family can be supportive, and involving them in counselling if useful.
Changes in Relationships — Dealing with changes in other people’s attitude toward you, especially close relationships; dealing with changes in sexual feelings, changes in relationships, anxiety about fertility, problems with sexual functioning, and the need for information.
Many people with cancer worry that it might be genetic because cancer seems to run in their family. Others worry about their risk of getting cancer because of the large number of their relatives who have had the disease. Many of these people have been helped by talking to a psychosocial professional about their risk, the possibility of genetic testing and the potential impact of their decision ( either to have testing, or not).
Counselling can provide assistance and support around issues relating to cancer running in your family, including:
Worry about Risk - I am worried for my children, I’m scared that my cancer will return, What if I get cancer like my parent/grandparent?
Decision Making - Should I undergo (or forego) genetic testing?, Is preventive surgery right for me?, Do I want to tell my test results to my family, friends or employer?
Dealing with the Impact of the Decision - I don't want to be tested but how do I deal with the fear?, How do I tell my children they may be at risk?
____________________________________________________________________________ WHAT A CLIENT CAN EXPECT
Because our desire is to empower the individual, couple or
family, treatment usually involves a limited number of sessions.
We work collaboratively with clients, and other health professionals to
ensure that all psychological, social and physical treatments complement
each other.
In order for work done in sessions to be translated to life outside of
the therapy room, clients can expect to be asked to participate in therapy
through work done at home between therapy sessions.
______________________________________________________________________________ FEES
Psychological services may be wholly or partially covered by extended
private health care benefits or an employee assistance programme (EAP).
You might want to contact your insurance company or check into your employee
benefits for details of your coverage. Please contact us for more
information.
______________________________________________________________________________ Daytime and evening appointments available.
CONTACT
Dr. Tara Power
Legge Health Clinic
692 Prince Street
Truro, Nova Scotia Canada
B2N 1G6
