Psyche & Soma — Toronto Neurofeedback & Psychotherapy Clinic is a practice specializing in a range of evidence-based treatments for the mind and body. Using a comprehensive approach to mental health, we help our clients improve their emotional wellbeing, build healthier relationships, overcome pain and trauma, and develop increased resilience to stress.
Why our approach is different
We believe in a few simple ideas. We believe that a calm, well-regulated nervous system is the foundation for all emotional and physical health. We also believe that with the right encouragement, every nervous system has the ability to heal itself. Our job is to help facilitate the healing process to restore balance and wellness.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience and extensive training in a wide range of evidence based treatments, we are proud to offer specially tailored treatment plans to suit your needs and meet your wellness goals. By integrating Psychotherapy with Neurofeedback and other evidence-based approaches, we help to restore balance to the nervous system, leaving you more emotionally flexible and equipped to cope with life’s ups and downs. This integrated approach—combining treatments that explore thoughts and feelings with others that focus on calming the body—promotes greater wellbeing.
Each client is unique. With so many clinical tools at our disposal we can build a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, whether the appropriate approach is Psychotherapy, Neurofeedback, or a combination of the two.
Ava Walters Cout, MSW, RSW,
Neuropsychotherapist & Registered Social Worker
Ava Walters Cout is an experienced psychotherapist and neurofeedback practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience. Over the course of her career, Ava has trained in a variety of clinical modalities specializing in individual work with adolescents, adults, and couples. Ava also teaches and provides supervision to psychotherapists. Ava received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, Florida.
Ava is trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body based treatment for dealing with trauma. Ava is also trained to provide The Safe and Sound Program an auditory program designed to help the nervous system to find balance. She trained in the Othmer Method of Neurofeedback at the EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, California in 2015 and has had the opportunity to mentor recent trainees in Neurofeedback. Ava’s long and distinguished career as a psychotherapist gives her a unique perspective on the integration of psychotherapy and neurofeedback. Although Ava sees a wide range of clientsin her clinical practice as a neuropsychotherapist, she is particularly interested in working with clients suffering with trauma related symptoms, migraines/ headaches and panic disorder.
Daniel Cout, MSW, RSW,
Neuropsychotherapist & Registered Social Worker
Daniel has been working with adults and couples in private practice since 1997. He has also worked with adolescents in the community and provided mental health services to private industry. He holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from The Smith College School for Social Work and trained at the Menninger Foundation Hospital in Topeka, Kansas; The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and The Central Psychiatric Clinic of The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Aside from his interest in Attachment based psychotherapy, Daniel has studied brain-based psychotherapy at the Mindsight Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. Daniel has been a certified EMDR practitioner for over 20 years, an effective technique for treating trauma related symptoms. Together with his partner Ava Walters Cout, he developed the Science of Calm seminar series to demystify such concepts and practices as neuroplasticity, mindfulness and relaxation training. Daniel received his Infralow Neurofeedback training at the EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, California. Daniel also trained with Dr. Jeffery Carmen in Syracuse, New York in pIR HEG (passive infrared hemoencephalography), a Neurofeedback system that is particularly helpful with ADD/ADHD and migraines. Daniel is also trained to provide The Safe and Sound Program an auditory program designed to help the nervous system to find balance.
FAQ ABOUT WORKING WITH US
+ How do I make an appointment or referral?
No referral is necessary. You may either book a free 10 minute phone consulation or schedule a session. Both can be done on on website.
+ How quickly will I be seen?
We realize that when contacting a therapist you may be in a significant amount of emotional distress. We make every effort to meet with you as quickly as possible.
+ Are our conversations strictly confidential?
Absolutely. Our work with you adheres to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice published by our professional association, the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. As such, we protect the confidentiality of all information we acquire in working with our clients. If you would like us to consult or collaborate with other medical or health professionals we require your written permission to do so.
+ What can I expect in the first session?
The first session offers you an opportunity to explain your current situation and why you’ve decided to explore psychotherapy. You need to leave your first session with the sense that your therapist will be able to understand you and what it is you’re struggling with.
+ Do you prescribe medication?
No. Medication can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. For many people medication can be a helpful component in their treatment to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. If we feel that medication might be useful we will suggest that you meet with your family physician to discuss it further.
+ Psychotherapy or Neurofeedback? How do I decide?
As we work together to get a better sense of your situation we will begin to discuss treatment options. At Psyche & Soma we make it a priority to educate our clients so that they can become effective partners in their own treatment. We will discuss the pros and cons of different treatments in a manner that gives you a feeling of control over your therapy.
+ May I also see a psychiatrist?
Yes. Many of our clients see a psychiatrist or their family physician who prescribe and monitor medication. We recommended that you not be involved in more than one psychotherapy at the same time though.
+ Will OHIP cover your services?
Many extended health insurance policies provide coverage for our services. If you are not sure contact your benefits provider for details. Unfortunately OHIP only covers services provided by licensed physicians.
+ What is the Science of Calm?
The Science of Calm is based on one simple idea: a calmer brain creates a calmer state of mind and a greater sense of wellbeing. The information presented in our Science of Calm seminars is based on the most recent, empirically proven research on the brain. Learn more here.
+ More questions?
Please check out more FAQs here.