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Elevate: First Responders

Dimensions

Immersive Experiences That Heal.

ELEVATE for First Responders is a four-month program conducted by Dimensions, an Ontario based residential treatment provider. The program, designated and approved by Veterans Affairs Canada as an Interdisciplinary Clinic, is aimed at restoring self-regulation, and resolving the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression and substance use.​ Each First Responder’s program begins with virtual individual and group therapy sessions, followed by a 10-day inpatient stay immersed in nature at Dimensions Algonquin Highland’s 40-acre lakeside property, and is supported by twelve weeks of online group therapy (aftercare).

At Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, healing modalities will include psychotherapy and for those with medical cannabis prescriptions, we provide an opportunity to integrate your own medical cannabis into your retreat program, as desired, learning techniques on how to use cannabis mindfully and with intention.

Intentional cannabis-use in a therapeutic context will put you into a relaxed state, and promotes uncensored, natural thoughts without inhibitions. Working through these thoughts with a skilled therapist is where healing begins. 

The ten-day inpatient retreat will offer a chance for transformation through a combination of community, psychotherapy, and mind-body practices in nature.

Some of the key elements of this immersive program include mind-body practices to overcome trauma and the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use through psychotherapy, and Somatic Release Practices. Somatic psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health issues. Somatic psychotherapy focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body, facilitating a deeper and often more immediate path to healing than cognitive-only methods.

Embark on your healing journey in the breathtaking Algonquin Highlands of Ontario.  Each program offers you the opportunity to be surrounded by your peers in a supportive community experience. 

What

A cannabis tolerant, dog-friendly in-patient retreat centre offering a holistic suite of wellness treatments, informed by neuroscience, and led by experienced and licensed psychotherapists and clinicians.

Where

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands
1218 Canopy Lane,
Algonquin Highlands,
Ontario, Canada
888-884-4222, ext. 1306

When

Five pre-retreat preparation sessions
10day inpatient retreat program
Twelve weeks of post-retreat after-care sessions

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MENU Plans

Our Chef caters to each First Responder’s specific needs and preferences. Nourishing food is a key element in our program and supports the healing process.

SERVICES

Psychotherapy

  • Group Therapy (online, pre + post retreat)
  • Individual Somatic Therapy
  • Group Somatic Therapy
  • Biosound® Chair (Biofeedback)
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Sound Therapy

Somatic Release

  • Acupuncture
  • Breathwork
  • Float Tank
  • Light Therapy
  • Registered Massage Therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Reflexology
  • QiGong
  • Yoga

Metaphysical

  • Guided Meditation  

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR APPROVAL PROCESS

 

First Responders Brief PDF (583Kb)

ENQUIRE HERE

 

JOIN OUR WAITLIST FOR PROGRAMS

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH MORE INFORMATION TO SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS.

 

First Responders Brief PDF (583Kb)

ENQUIRE HERE

Elevate

Clinical Team

Dr. Douglas James Cook (D.J. Cook) MD, PhD, FRCS(C);

Chief Medical Officer, Dimensions

Dr. D.J. Cook – Translational Stroke Research Program, Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery; Dimensions Health Research Collaborative, Queen’s University is Chairperson and Head of Neurosurgery at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Cook practices cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. His research program is focused on brain network dynamics in health, disease and recovery.

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Donald Currie, RP

Clinical Director, Dimensions Algonquin Highlands

A registered psychotherapist and integrative mental health provider with over 20 years of experience, Donald leads Retreat programming at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. His clinical work focuses on healing through somatic and trauma therapies that are evidence-based and supported by neuroscience research. To guide Dimensions guests in the process of preparing and integrating their ceremonial experiences, he integrates relational somatic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, Acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems therapy with complementary wellness practices. He has received training and certification in psychedelic guiding, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, Somatic Psychedelic Psychotherapy, and ethical right relationship in psychedelic therapy.

Over the course of his career he has worked entirely with people looking to improve their mental health. He has extensive experience in working with PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, complex family dynamics, grief and relationship challenges. Donald was a key member of the clinical team at Helix Healthcare Group, a treatment facility for mental health and addiction. For over two decades Donald has based his own private practice in Toronto. He believes in the importance of reciprocity and worked to remove the barriers of access by providing free mental health services to marginalized individuals at his private practice.

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Helena Borgers

Registered Psychotherapist

Helena’s key belief for optimal mental health and emotional well-being is “the body wants to feel good and the mind wants to know.” In addition to running her private practice, Helena is a clinical supervisor and teaches at the Transformational Arts College. She specializes in trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief. Her clinical work focuses on neuroscientific evidence-based treatments utilizing neuro-experiential and somatic therapies as well as transpersonal psychotherapy.

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Gina Miranda

Registered Psychotherapist

Gina studied transpersonal psychotherapy at the Transformational Arts College of Spiritual and Holistic Training and is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, structural dissociation, sensorimotor psychotherapy, relational somatic psychotherapy, deep brain reorienting and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Gina co-founded the Healing Therapy Alliance in Toronto.

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Natasha Senra-Pereira

Registered Psychotherapist

Natasha Senra-Pereira MSW, RSW, RP is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist supporting clients in both hospital settings and private practice for the last 18 years. She has advanced trainings in numerous modalities (IFS, EMDR, Somatic-relational) and experience in various forms of meditation. Her work is guided by the newest research as well as her own personal healing experiences – which is detailed in the best-selling book, “Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough”. Over the last several years, her teaching and focus have been the intersectionality of grounded spirituality, and mental health.

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Elevate

Interdisciplinary Team

Cecile Cassan

Registered Practical Nurse

Cecile Cassan is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), experienced in a variety of areas, including neurotrauma rehab, research and sports medicine, and regenerative medicine. At Dimensions, she carries out intake medical examinations and is available to assess and monitor vital signs for guests on retreat. She works with the interdisciplinary team to provide insight into areas of focus for the treatment phase, as well as for long-term secondary prevention.

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Ryan Burkholder

Designated Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Ryan Burkholder BA, Designated Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (DOMP), is a Registered Manual
Osteopath supporting clients through the use of manual therapy as well as his coaching practice.  Ryan’s approach is influenced by his background in sport as a former professional hockey player.  He draws on his background in athletics, his training in Osteopathy, and his passion for nature and mindfulness, to help people improve their relationship to stress.  He currently runs his private practice virtually, and in his home, on acres of the Laurentian mountains in Quebec. Ryan specializes in therapeutic exercise methods such as ELDOA, Myofascial Stretching and SOMA training based on the method of Guy Voyer. Ryan’s passion for coaching continues to treat the human being as a whole and considers the importance of the mind-body relationship. His approach aims to integrate the genuine embodiment of
mindfulness, compassion, and strength.

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Boris Baker

Registered Kinesiologist

Boris Baker – BSc Kin, MSc. Neuroscience, Registered Kinesiologist.
Boris obtained his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Queen’s University, while
simultaneously gaining work experience as a personal trainer. Upon graduating Boris
completed his masters in neuroscience where he worked with and researched
concussions and head impacts in collegiate athletes. Since, Boris has become a
registered kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.

Boris’ personal training experience, coupled with his background in neuroscience gives
him a unique and flexible skill set which allows him to work with clients who are
recovering from or living with physical and/or neurological injuries/impairments, as well
as clients that may just be looking to move better and without pain.

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Elevate

Clinical Preparation + Aftercare

Natalia Brajak

Registered Psychotherapist

Natalia works as a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. In previous incarnations, she co-founded Moksha (Modo) Yoga in Toronto and Studio Shibui in Guelph. She has a rich 20 years of experience working with entheogens in therapeutic ceremonial environments in North and South America. Her training began in 2006 with the Transpersonal Therapy Center in Toronto, and concluded with the Transformational Arts College in 2013. She has training in psychedelic assisted therapy, sound healing, yoga, meditation, ELDOA and Thai massage. Her entrepreneurial background, somatic trainings and long-lived integration of ceremonial work have inspired a unique perspective on grounded spirituality and how to address the challenges of existing as both a spiritual and human being at the same time.

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Randi-Lea Micklewright

Registered Psychotherapist

Randi Micklewright MA, OCT, RP is a Registered Psychotherapist with a passion for integrating nature into the healing process. Randi believes that connecting with nature, others, and ourselves is how healing can take place in the mind, body and spirit. As a certified Forest Bathing Guide, Randi incorporates nature into the healing process, inviting us to connect to our natural world as a way to regulate our systems and access our inner healer. Psychotherapy is Randi’s second career as she transitioned from the world of education into mental health and now focusses on helping helpers heal and thrive using holistic approaches such as Forest Therapy, somatic techniques, and parts work.

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Why Choose Dimensions?

 

Dimensions’ evidence-based programs for First Responders draw on timeless wisdom of traditional healing practices combined with neuroscience to inspire an evolution of mind, body, and spirit.

 

A Dimensions Retreat is a place to reconnect with yourself and heal from within. Facilitated by evidence-based therapies. Dimensions offers a holistic approach to resilience and self-growth all taking place amongst the lush Ontario woodlands of the Algonquin Highlands.

ELEVATE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Your Experience

Your path to healing actually begins well before you arrive at your retreat.

Our team at Dimensions will get you prepared in the time leading up to your journey. They will be there with you on the ground, during the retreat and will continue to help through the integration process following your time at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands.

ELEVATE

Discovery

Guided collaborative therapy which will allow Dimensions to tailor an experience specific to your individual needs and intentions.

Elevate

Preparation

Preparation begins two weeks prior to your arrival. In order to optimize your time throughout this process, Dimensions offers self-directed access to meditations, breathwork and other exercises to help you build the skills needed to get the most out of your journey.

Elevate

Retreat

It is time to connect with others. This retreat begins with a variety of mindfulness-based practices that will allow you to reflect inwards and access hard to reach parts of yourself in a serene and supportive setting. You will also be encouraged to connect outwards with nature and other community members throughout your journey.

PROGRAM DETAILS

What to Expect

Programmed activities, throughout the 10 day retreat, are dependent on treatment schedules
and individual needs:

  • One Intake Assessment to determine suitability
  • Two individual psychotherapy sessions
  • Two group psychotherapy sessions

Mornings:

  • Morning movement, meditation (yoga, Qigong, meditation) or exercise
  • Community breakfast with psychotherapists
  • Group therapy (check-in, goal setting for the day)
  • Group Therapy

Afternoons:

  • Community lunch with psychotherapists
  • Registered Massage Therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Free time seasonal outdoor activities, exercising/journaling etc.

Evenings:

  • Community dinner with psychotherapists
  • Evening Group Session
  • Free time

These therapeutic methods may be used in combination during a retreat both in individual and group settings so as a result, the number of hours provided will vary based on the individual and indication.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Up to 3 hours
  • Registered Ma­ssage Therapy – 4 hours
  • Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback – 4 hours
  • Somatic Experiencing – Up to 3 hours
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Up to 3 hours
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy – Up to 3 hours
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Up to 9 hours in group
  • Group Somatic Psychotherapy – Up to 15 hours
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy – Up to 15 hours
  • Somatic Experiencing – Up to 9 hours
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Up to 9 hours
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy – Up to 9 hours
  • 12 weeks of guided post-retreat aftercare

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands
is located at:

1218 Canopy Lane,
Maple Lake,
Stanhope Township,
Ontario.

Getting there

Map + Location

45° 06′ 22.48″ N, 78° 39′ 29.55″ W

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands can be reached from Toronto by car in under 3 hours. Driving from Toronto via Highway 400 North with a connection to Highway 11N and then a right turn to 118 West brings guests to our door in approximately three hours. From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport, flight time to the nearby Stanhope Municipal Airport (CND4) is one hour. The Retreat spans nearly 16 hectares of woodlands, and is located in Stanhope Township along the shores of Maple Lake, at 1218 Canopy Lane. This forest access road leads south from the Township’s Airport Road, just 6 kilometres from the nearest community of Carnarvon and 20 kilometres from the larger town of Minden, Ontario.

“Northern Ontario's picturesque landscape, with its lakeside setting, robust hills, and expansive forest trails, provides an unparalleled environment for recovery and healing. Studies indicate that spending time in nature significantly aids in the treatment of mental health conditions including PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. By reducing stress levels, increasing mood, and improving sleep, nature can significantly contribute to mental well-being.”

— Donald Currie, RP,
Clinical Director at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands

Elevate

Accomodation

Reset in comfort from any one of our 17 private cabins. Our serene accommodations and thoughtful amenities allow for complete relaxation.

Dotting the edge of a forest or overlooking the water, our cabin suites each have a footprint of about 450 square feet. The cabins feel modern and forward-thinking while remaining rooted in their context and a sense of wholesomeness. Each interior is simple, luxurious and light-filled, with a window seat and private deck that encourage you to immerse yourself in nature, quiet your mind and rest your body.

Menu

From the Kitchen

“We nourish your mind and body with nutritious meals that are also prepared to improve gut health, bringing you to a rest and digest state.”

Cabins

Forest View

Tucked under the boughs of majestic poplar, maple and oak trees, our 12 forest view cabins feel like hidden havens. Their traditional forms echo local architectural vernacular but are rendered absolutely modern through their cedar cladding, porches and minimalist detailing. Skylights and large picture windows fill each cabin with natural light and open them to late-night stargazing. At once minimal and sumptuous, our forest view cabins bring contemporary comfort to the doorstep of nature.

Cabins

Lake View

Watch the sun rise and set from our four south-facing lake view cabins nestled along the shoreline of Maple Lake. Designed to sit discreetly within the landscape, each cedar-clad cabin has a gently sloped roof that rises to allow for sweeping views through a large lake-facing window. Quietly beautiful interiors keep your focus on yourself and your surroundings.