Anxious about Seeing the Doctor?
Are you feeling nervous or anxious about your upcoming healthcare appointment? We’re here to help!
CAYA Health Centre is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. We are a multidisciplinary medical and allied health clinic focused on supporting all women, trans, and non-binary individuals. At CAYA Health Centre, your well-being and comfort is our top priority. We understand that for many individuals, medical appointments can be sources of anxiety and discomfort. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, past negative experiences, nervousness about diagnoses, or concerns about upcoming procedures like pap tests or Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertions, we are here to provide support to ease your healthcare experience. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Pre-Medical Support Sessions with Registered Clinical Counsellors and Pre-Medical Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Prep Sessions.
Does going to the doctor give you anxiety? You’re not alone!
Trauma-informed care is a pillar of our practice at CAYA and we are aware that for many, seeing the doctor can prompt fear and even avoidance. Many individuals avoid seeking healthcare because of this anxiety and past negative experiences, which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to dangerous outcomes.
At CAYA Health Centre, we have a team of clinicians with expertise in different areas. Our registered counsellors are skilled in supporting you in emotion regulation, anxiety management, and trauma. They are excited to be offering this service to help you build confidence in speaking to your physicians about your needs and managing your anxiety before and during your appointment. Our pelvic health physiotherapists are skilled in working with pelvic and genital pain. They can help support you with fears by preparing you for what to expect during an internal exam, a pap test, STI test, or IUD insertion/removal. Read more below!
Pre-Medical Support Sessions with Clinical Counsellors
Pre-Medical Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Sessions
Pre-Medical Support Sessions with Clinical Counsellors
Our specialized sessions are designed to provide you with the support and coping strategies you need to feel more at ease before your medical procedure. Here’s what you can expect from these sessions:
1. Understanding and Psychoeducation:
Our counsellors will help you explore and understand the sources of your anxiety or nervousness related to medical appointments. Through this appointment, there will be an opportunity to explore past experiences and how they may be impacting your feelings about your medical appointment. If helpful, your counsellor can also help you plan and rehearse how to communicate your concerns to our medical doctors effectively.
2. Guided Coping Skills Development:
Our counsellors will work with you one-on-one to develop personalized coping strategies. Whether it’s deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or grounding strategies, you’ll acquire the tools you need to help regulate your emotions and reduce anxiety.
3. Clinic Tour and Instrument Preview:
We understand that the unfamiliarity of medical settings can contribute to anxiety. As part of our Pre-Medical Support Sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour of the clinic. This will help demystify the environment, allowing you to become more comfortable with the surroundings. You’ll also have the chance to see and become familiar with some of the instruments used during your medical procedure, helping to reduce any fear of the unknown.
At our clinic, your well-being and comfort are our top priorities. We believe that by addressing your concerns and providing you with the tools to manage your emotions, we can create a more positive and empowering healthcare experience for you.
Fees:
– 25-minutes: $82.50 incl. taxes
– 50-minutes: $165.00 incl. taxes
*Covered by most health insurance plans
Sessions are offered in-person or virtually, although in-person appointments are encouraged.
*Please note that this is a brief intervention and is not equivalent to counselling or psychotherapy. If you would like to have an intake to better understand your history, experiences, thoughts, emotions, needs, and goals and/or if you would like to work more in-depth on developing coping tools, please schedule an initial counselling intake session to start the therapeutic process.
Pre-Medical Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Prep Sessions
For individuals with a history of painful pelvic exams, vaginismus, or other genital pain, the prospect of a medical appointment can be daunting. Our dedicated pelvic floor physiotherapists are here to assist you in various ways, ensuring a more relaxed and comfortable experience. Here’s what you can expect from these pre-medical appointments:
1. Comfort on the Exam Table:
We understand that lying on an exam table can be unsettling for some individuals. During your session, our physiotherapists will help you get comfortable on the exam table, providing techniques and guidance to alleviate tension and anxiety associated with sitting in this position.
2. Open Dialogue and Questions:
Our team encourages open communication. You can freely ask any questions or express concerns about your upcoming medical exam. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists will provide informative and reassuring answers, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared.
3. Clinic Tour:
To familiarize yourself with the clinic setting and reduce the sense of the unknown, you’ll have the opportunity to take a guided tour. This tour includes a visit to the examination room, helping you become more at ease with the surroundings.
4. Speculum Insertion Practice:
Working closely with our pelvic floor physiotherapists, you’ll have the opportunity to work on insertions with a speculum in a gentle and supportive environment (if you wish and feel ready to try this with the physiotherapist). This may be a goal you would like to work towards over a few sessions and your physiotherapist can help guide you with this. This experience allows you to become more accustomed to the sensation, reducing anxiety and discomfort during your actual medical exam. You’ll also have the chance to see and become familiar with some of the other instruments used during your medical procedure, helping to reduce any fear of the unknown.
5. Insertion-Enhancing Exercises:
To further assist with speculum insertion, our physiotherapists will introduce you to exercises and techniques designed to relax and condition your pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can enhance your ability to comfortably accommodate medical instruments during exams.
At our clinic, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Pre-Medical Appointments are tailored to your unique needs, aiming to empower you with the confidence and tools to face your medical exams with ease.
Fees:
– 55-minutes: $180.00 incl. taxes
*Covered by most health insurance plans
Don’t let anxiety, fear, and discomfort hold you back from seeking the healthcare you need. Schedule a Pre-Medical Support Session today and take the first step toward a more relaxed and confident approach to your medical appointments. You do not need to be seeing a doctor at CAYA Health Centre to use these services – we encourage folks to use these services for any health or medical appointment they are feeling anxious for. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Visit our booking page, call 236-516-2292, or email info@cayahealthcentre.com to book your appointment today!