Giselle ontra

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Giselle Veilleux Ontra
Giselle Ontra.jpg
Giselle Veilleux Ontra
BornQuebec, Quebec
NationalityAmerican
EducationMasters's in Psychology
Alma materRutgers University, University of Maine, University of Houston
OccupationClinical Psychologist (1988 - current)
AwardsMA, LPC, LMFT, CGP
Websitewww.GiselleOntra.com [1]

Giselle Veilleux Ontra (born 9 April 1955) is an American Clinical Psychotherapist and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been helping patients overcome life's challenges since 1979.


Early life and education

Professional career

  • Developed, implemented, and trained staff for a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder unit at Houston International Hospital and at Bellpark Hospital.
  • Maintained clinical standards under managed care guidelines for above unit.
  • Developed a group clinic and trained clinicians to address multiple issues (cognitive behavioral techniques to address work conflict issues, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, parental issues, etc.)
  • Obtained, negotiated with different managed care companies- trained and supervised clinicians to meet criteria for these contracts.
  • Member of Baylor College of Medicine plastic reconstructive surgery team addressing psychological needs of patients and their families. Interfaced and acted as a liaison between doctors, nurses, and families.
  • Provided in-service training for medical personal to address the psychological needs and how to promote effective and efficient communication among staff team members and patients.
  • Developed workshops with the medical staff at Baylor College of Medicine discussing how personal issues could impact their work. The focus was on strategies for effective and efficient skills to avoid burnout or self destructive behaviors.

Public speeches and workshops

  • Workshop presentation for surgical nurses at Methodist Hospital on the “Psychological Effects of Trauma.”
  • Speaker for the Women’s Professional Organization, Zonta, on “Effects of Appearance on our Society.”
  • Workshop for EAP professionals on post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • As a result of a grant, multiple national workshops for the Neurofibromatosis Society on the emotional issues associated with Living with NF.
  • Seminar “To Heal and Repair a Wounded Self: Beyond Trauma.”
  • Participated in a documentary for KTRK-TV on Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.
  • Workshop presentation for professionals at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focusing on “Early Intervention in Disfigurement and Trauma.”
  • Workshop entitled “Visible and Invisible Trauma” to medical personnel and mental health professionals regarding psychological issues pertaining to individuals who have experienced physical and/or emotional trauma.
  • Workshop at Westview School regarding psychological issues to families and teachers dealing with children with physical disfigurement.
  • Workshop for the Biofeedback Society pertaining to the psychological aspects of individuals dealing with physical and/or emotional trauma.
  • Workshop for the National Organization for Women regarding rape and the psychological aftermath.
  • Keynote speaker for women’s groups at the Jewish Community Center on “Trauma and Stress.” The focus was on coping strategies for victims and their families.
  • Seminars for the City of Houston employees pertaining to job related stress and conflict issues.
  • Harding Hospital and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies presented workshop on “Trauma Studies: Contributions to Life Sciences and Humane Policy.”
  • Workshops for the Women’s Center regarding issues such as rape, trauma, midlife crisis, and assertiveness training, codependency issues, and so forth.
  • Workshops at local colleges and universities regarding similar issues.
  • Workshops for local support group called “Facial Expressions” which I founded and served as consultant for families of victims of facial disfigurement. Topics included developmental issues for the facially deformed child and his/her family, interfacing with school and medical personnel, developing effective communication and coping techniques, etc.
  • Facilitated and consulted to support groups in Dallas, Texas for adult victims of physical trauma.
  • Seminar in Fort Worth, Texas regarding psychological issues pertaining o families with a member who has facial deformities.
  • Workshop at Humana Hospital in Dallas, Texas addressing medical personnel, patients, and families on psycho-social aspects of facial disfigurement.
  • Addressed Grand Rounds at the University of Texas Plastic Surgery Department discussing effective ways of communication with patients and their families.
  • In-service training to the nursing staff at St. Luke’s Hospital regarding patients’ needs.
  • Served as a consultant to “Forward Face”, a self help group for the facially disfigured at New York Hospital University. The focus was on social and psychological rehabilitation.
  • Workshops to various groups in the local area regarding suicide- How to Assess, Identify, and Triage.
  • Participated as a group leader for a workshop entitled “Who Will Heal the Healers.”
  • Workshop at the World of Women Show- seminars regarding women and trauma.
  • Workshop for Smith Alumnae Graduates on Impact of Appearance.

Published articles

  • Article and brochure published for Neurofibromatosis entitled “What to do when People Stare.”
  • Article for Memorial Care System Magazine – “When being Healthy is making you Sick.”
  • Article for Neurofibromatosis Newsletter- “Siblings of a Disabled Child.”

Media appearances

  • Appeared at the request of NBC on “People Are Talking” shows in Boston, Baltimore, New York City, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia discussing the psycho-social effects of disfigurement.
  • Appeared in Houston on a number of “Good Morning Houston” talk shows discussing psychological aspects of trauma.
  • Involved and coordinated documentaries for a number of facial reconstructive centers pertaining to psycho-social aspects of appearance and disfigurement.
  • Radio programs discussing effects of physical trauma.
  • Television appearance in Dallas, Texas discussing emotional aspects of plastic surgery.
  • Organized and appeared for Channel 11 in Houston, Texas to promote public awareness for the facially impaired.

Ex-Patriot Experiences

  • Assessed psychological appropriateness for candidates applying for overseas assignments.
  • Provide psychological support for individuals and/or their families via telephone in foreign countries.
  • Therapeutic interventions with ex-patriots from French speaking countries (Awty School, Schlumberger, Total, etc.)
  • Interviewed and assessed appropriateness for psychiatrist and mental health providers in French speaking countries to determine eligibility for EAP work.

Professional affiliations

  • Member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
  • Member of Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
  • Member of Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
  • Member of American Group Psychotherapy Association.
  • Member of Houston Group Psychotherapy Association.
  • Member of the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists.
  • Member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Personal life

References

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