Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Dr. Dalton is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  She participated in the specialized Extramural Training Program at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research. She was also a clinical staff member at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, where she was responsible for the development of programming for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. She offers supervision and training for psychology and family medicine residents, as well as other mental health professionals. Dr. Dalton provides individual therapy for anxiety and mood disorders using CBT, and is co-directing the group therapy program being offered at the OICBT. An area of focus and proficiency is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x223

**Dr. Dalton is not accepting new clients.**

Dr. Rousseau is a founding member of the Ottawa institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. He provides treatment to adults and seniors for mood disorders (including Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder) and anxiety disorders. He uses a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, including Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT). Prior to joining the OICBT, Dr. Rousseau worked in the outpatient and inpatient units of the Mood Disorders Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.  Le Dr Rousseau offre des services en français et en anglais.

**Dr. Rousseau is not accepting new clients.**

Dr. Natasha Ballen is a Clinical and Health Psychologist who provides individual, group, and couples therapy treatment to adults. She uses primarily a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, however she also has training and experience in other approaches including experiential, interpersonal, and dialectical behaviour therapy. She treats a wide variety of problems, including mood and anxiety disorders, personality-related problems, health issues (e.g., coping with acute and chronic medical problems, health-anxiety), and women’s health concerns. An area of special interest and experience is in the assessment and treatment of psychological issues related to pregnancy and postpartum adjustment (e.g., postpartum depression and anxiety, “baby blues”).

Contact: 613-820-9931 x227

Dr. Dandurand completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her theoretical approach implements a cognitive behavioural approach comprised of elements of schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, experiential, interpersonal, mindfulness, and dialectical behavioural therapy. Dr. Dandurand's practice (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment) is in the service of adult populations experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar, post-partum depression, etc.), anxiety (social, generalized, health anxiety, specific phobias, panic, agoraphobia, etc.); obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCD, hair-pulling, skin-picking, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, etc.), post-traumatic stress disorder/trauma and abuse; eating disorders (e..g, AN, BN, overeating) and psychosis. Additionally, her practice focuses on working with individuals experiencing personality-related problems (e.g., borderline personality disorder), alcohol/substance use, grief counselling, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, insomnia, and stress management. Dr. Dandurand collaboratively tailors her work to target clients' individual needs and strengths and has a vested interest in stigma-reduction related to mental health difficulties.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x234

Dr. Kelly provides individual and group treatment to adults for mood and anxiety disorders using a variety of cognitive-behavioural therapies. An area of focus and interest is the treatment of posttraumatic stress using CBT techniques. Dr. Kelly also provides cognitive-behavioural treatment for anxiety and depression associated with tinnitus. Prior to joining the OICBT Dr. Kelly was a psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. He is currently an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University. In addition to publishing scientific papers, Dr. Kelly is co-author of the clinician manual “Treating Psychosis: A Clinician's Guide to Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Approaches within the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tradition”. He is also co-author of the Canadian Adaptation of the textbook “Research Methods in Psychology” for Oxford University Press.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x232

Gillian Berman is a Psychometrist at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied
Psychology from Laurentian University and is a member of the Ontario
Association of Mental Health Professionals. Gillian has worked as a
Psychometrist in private practice, research and development, and school
board settings, and has experience assessing children, adolescents, and
adults. Currently, Gillian is practicing within the Adult ADHD Intensive
Assessment Program at OICBT.

Contact: 613-820-9931

Laura Bishop, MEd, CCC, RP, is a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), as well as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Laura completed her studies at the University of Ottawa with a special interest in community mental health and serving diverse populations. Laura brings with her experience working with adults with complex mental health needs, including those with mood, depressive, and psychotic disorders, and those with co-occurring chronic health concerns. Laura’s approach in psychotherapy is rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as culturally-adaptive and client-centered approaches.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x229

** Dr. Natasha Bouchard (Gosselin) is currently on maternity leave from her clinical practice. She will update this page with more information when she determines her date of return.**

Dr. Natasha Bouchard (Gosselin) provides adult clients with individual assessment and treatment for anxiety (generalized, social, phobias, and panic), depression, grief and loss, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, and low self-worth/self esteem.  She has a special interest in working with clients through pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety.  Natasha collaborates with her clients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals.  She uses a cognitive-behavioural approach and integrates elements of schema therapy, experiential, and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT skills).  Natasha leads the Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Program, which allows clients to face and overcome fears and phobias (e.g. flying in planes, public speaking, spiders, snakes, etc.) using virtual environments. She also supervises the Core Beliefs Group Therapy Program, which helps clients learn to challenge longstanding negative core beliefs using cognitive and behavioural strategies, with the goal of developing a healthier and more positive self-view.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x237

Ericha Braun, MSW, RSW is a social worker with experience supporting adults with substance use disorders and mental illness. Ericha received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Carleton University where she focused on counselling approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, solutions-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. Ericha has completed additional professional training in dialectical behavioural therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Ericha operates from a client-centred approach to create a supportive and individualized environment for clients. Ericha is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

Contact: 613-820-9931 x241

Audrey Breton Bishop is registered occupational therapist who is licensed to practice psychotherapy with the College of Occupational 
Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Audrey completed her master’s degree in 
Occupational Therapy at McGill University and obtained an BSc in 
Psychology at Concordia University.



In 2020 Audrey joined the OICBT team where she treats a variety of 
mental health issues including depression, ADHD/ADD, challenges with 
perfectionism, and anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, social 
anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and health anxiety. An area of 
special interest and experience is in the treatment of pregnancy and 
postpartum adjustment issues (e.g. post partum depression, post partum 
anxiety) and PTSD (work-related trauma, childhood abuse, sexual assault, 
and birth trauma). Her therapy approach draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and 
Cognitive Processing Therapy.



Audrey’s educational background in occupational therapy affords her 
training and experience treating people with complex physical and 
cognitive injuries. She has a rich understanding for the impact of 
disability on functioning, as well as for the impact of the environment 
(physical, social, political, institutional) in creating barriers for 
participation. Her intention when working with clients is to help them 
return to their meaningful roles by modify barriers and increasing 
personal skills and resources. When working with Audrey, you can expect 
her sessions to be trauma informed, client-driven and recovery oriented.

Contact: 613-820-9931

Note: Ms. Breton Bishop is currently on leave and not accepting new clients.

Dr. Samantha Burns obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at the Centre for Psychological Services at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital. She has trained in a variety of settings, including the Montfort Hospital’s Health Psychology Clinic, The Ottawa Hospital’s Rehabilitation Centre, Pain Clinic, and Hepatitis Program, and the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centre. She has also received training in private practice with a focus on treating trauma-related mental health conditions.  

Dr. Burns works with adults and is experienced in working with clients presenting with mood and anxiety disorders (including postpartum depression and anxiety), trauma-related disorders (including experiences of dissociation), borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bereavement, emotion regulation difficulties, issues with self-esteem, and problems related to living with chronic or acute health conditions. Dr. Burns uses her training in cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotion focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to help clients improve their wellbeing and achieve their therapy goals. She is currently involved in the dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program at OICBT and enjoys the opportunity to support therapists-in-training to develop their clinical skills and competence with DBT through supervision. Dr. Burns offers services in English and in French.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x287

Alex Castro is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Through OICBT, she provides evidence-based intervention services under the supervision of Dr. Kathryn Sexton. Specifically, she supports the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program at the clinic. Clinically, Alex has experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties including anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, ADHD, ASD, and emotional dysregulation.

Prior to OICBT, Alex’s clinical training has involved assessment and intervention services with children, adolescents, adults, and families through the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services (CPSR), the Child Adolescent, and Family Centre of Ottawa (CAFCO), Western Quebec School Board (WQSB). She has worked at the local Children at Risk organization with families of children and adolescents diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her research is rooted in neuroscience, specifically using brain stimulation to investigate cognitive challenges in the anxious and depressed brain.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x 255

Dr. Jacky Chan, C.Psych. (he/him; CPO# 7388) received his PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He completed his Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Residency at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. His primary approach to therapy is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and he integrates Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) interventions when needed. Dr. Chan has competency in working with adults facing a variety of challenges, and his practice has been more focused on working with individuals with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and disordered eating challenges. He also has a special interest in working with clients from diverse communities (e.g., immigrants and refugees, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community).

Contact: 613-820-9931 x225

Dr. Ryan J. Ferguson is a Clinical Psychologist under Supervised Practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. He works under the supervision of Dr. Kathryn Sexton, C.Psych, and specializes in the treatment of adult anxiety and anxiety-related disorders using cognitive behavioral treatments. He has a particular interest in the assessment and treatment of social anxiety. Dr. Ferguson also offers treatment for a wide variety of anxiety-related problems, including worry/generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and agoraphobia, health anxiety, specific phobias, hair-pulling, skin-picking concerns, and posttraumatic stress disorder. His primary therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, and he routinely incorporates evidence-based CBT interventions such as Cognitive Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention when clinically indicated.

Dr. Ferguson earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2023, where he conducted research in the Cognition and Anxiety Disorders Research Laboratory. Throughout his graduate training, he gained clinical experience through various practicum placements in both the public and private sectors. He completed his Pre-doctoral Residency at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Mood Disorders Programs. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ferguson is actively involved in research and has published several scientific articles in academic journals. He is dedicated to continuous professional development, including regularly attending academic conferences and pursuing further education from experts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x269

Dr. Foot is a clinical and health psychologist providing cognitive behavioural therapy combined with mindfulness and acceptance based approaches.  She works with adult clients experiencing a range of difficulties, including mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias), and adjustment related difficulties (e.g., stressful life transitions, grief, work-related challenges).  She also has an interest in helping clients address low self-esteem, relationship concerns, anger management problems, and difficulties with assertiveness.  In the area of health and illness, Dr. Foot works with individuals experiencing health-related anxiety as well as those adjusting to illness.  Dr. Foot has also previously worked at the Ottawa Hospital in the Shared Mental Health Care Program.  She brings a caring, collaborative approach to her work with clients and aims to help individuals identify and work towards their goals.  In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Foot is involved in the supervision and training of doctoral students in clinical psychology.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x233

Melissa Hickey, BSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and also a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Melissa obtained a Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College, a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Carleton University and is currently working on obtaining her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. Melissa uses a strengths-based and client-centred approach with her clients. Melissa has obtained professional training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Melissa is currently employed as an intake worker at OICBT. 

Contact: 643-820-9931; ext. 264

Paula Hogan received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from McMaster University in 2014,and has been working as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the mental health field ever since.Paula joined the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (OICBT) in 2019. Paula is licensed to provide psychotherapy services under the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Paula utilizes primarily a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework in her treatment, while also integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema-Based therapy as needed. Paula provides treatment to client’s with a variety of anxiety and mood disorders including OCD, panic disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression. Paula’s area of interests also include treatment of trichotillomania/dermatillomania, disordered eating, body image and self-esteem challenges, perfectionism and return-to-work. As an OT, one of Paula’s primary aims is to support client’s to engage in meaningful occupations, that is the activities the person wants to do, needs to do or is expected to do in their day whether this be productive, leisure, self-care or social activities. Paula provides individual psychotherapy services and also works within the interdisciplinary Intensive Treatment Program (ITP) for client’s who require increased treatment intensity to ensure maximum gains.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x231

Neva Hui is a registered occupational therapist with experience working with clients with a wide range of mental health challenges. She obtained her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and is licensed to practice psychotherapy under the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Although many individuals hear the word "occupation" and think of employment, in occupational therapy, "occupations" refer to the everyday activities that bring meaning and purpose to one's life - the things that people want to do, or need to do.

In the role of a mental health occupational therapist, Neva integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy skills, and behavioural activation techniques to help individuals get back to doing the things they want to do, and becoming the person they want to be.

She provides individual therapy to clients experiencing difficulties with depression, ADHD, perfectionism, stress, grief, chronic pain, and anxiety-related disorders, including OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and health anxiety. She also works as a part of an interdisciplinary team in the Intensive Treatment Program to provide care to clients who benefit from increased treatment intensity.

 Contact: 613-820-9931 x 242

Note: Ms. Hui is currently on leave and not accepting new clients.

Joseph Inhaber, B.A. (Hons) is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. In his role as a practicum student at OICBT, Joseph supports clients in the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program. Clinically, Joseph is committed to helping clients who are suffering from a wide range of mental health challenges such as mood and emotional difficulties, anxiety, and sleep problems. Joseph has previously trained at the Center for Psychological Services and Research at the University of Ottawa, as well as at the Montfort Hospital. His research is focused on better understanding the causes and consequences of psychological trauma. His research also aims to identify novel treatment options for individuals suffering from trauma-related problems.   

Contact: 643-820-9931

Dr.  Karp is a clinical psychologist who provides treatment for children, adolescents and parents. She offers individual child and adolescent therapy to address a range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, behaviour problems, ADHD, interpersonal challenges and parent-child relational conflict. She maintains a particular interest in working with clients suffering from anxiety conditions and OCD. Dr. Karp also offers parent consultation and emotion coaching support. In addition to therapy, she provides psycho-educational assessments to children and adolescents in order to evaluate learning disabilities, ADHD and gifted status. 

Dr. Karp works collaboratively with children, youth and parents in creating a warm, empathic environment in which to address presenting concerns. Dr. Karp’s therapeutic orientation may best be described as cognitive-behavioural (CBT), although she also has training and experience in other approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). In addition to providing individual therapy and assessment, Dr. Karp is involved in the training and supervision of supervised practice members.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x289

Emily O’Connor, B.Sc. (Hons) is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. In her role as a practicum student at OICBT, Emily works with adult clients in the OICBT’s Anxiety and Depression Clinic. Emily’s goal is to provide a safe environment for her clients using a warm, client-centred approach. Emily works primarily with clients who are experiencing mental health challenges which include difficulties with anxiety and mood using a cognitive behavioural approach. Previously, Emily completed intake assessments for new clients and co-facilitated the Core Beliefs Group and the Mood and Anxiety Group at OICBT. Emily is also currently training at the Center for Psychological Services and Research at the University of Ottawa. Her doctoral research is focused on the training of psychotherapists and factors which make psychotherapy more effective for clients.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x230

Katerina Papakonstantinou MSc., is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).  Katerina obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Crete in Greece and her master’s degree in Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands. She provides individual therapy using primarily a cognitive behavioural (CBT) approach to therapy and she draws from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a client-centred and collaborative approach to best fit each individual’s needs.  Katerina’s experience involves helping adults with anxiety related disorders, depression, ADHD, BPD as well as interpersonal difficulties and self-esteem challenges.  She offers services in English and Greek.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x224

Note: Ms. Papakonstantinou is currently on leave and not accepting new clients.

Dr. Jeff Perron, MBA, C.Psych. is a Clinical Psychologist who works with adults. His work focuses primarily on helping clients who are experiencing anxiety, low mood, loss, burnout, life transitions, or general challenges in executing on goals that are important to them. He takes a CBT approach to helping clients identify their values and works with them to align their life more closely with those values.

He works to clarify client goals early on and adapt them as needed, while working to help make sure that the process consistently feels focused and aligned with client goals.

Dr. Perron completed his undergraduate training in Psychology at McMaster University and his PhD at the University of Ottawa, including a Residency at the Ottawa Institute of CBT.

Dr. Perron also has experience in business, economics, and human resources, holding an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x257

Dr. Peterson completed her Pre-doctoral Residency at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She provides psychodiagnostic assessments as well as individual and group therapy treatment for diverse adult populations. Her primary approach to therapy is cognitive behavioural and she has experience and training in a number of evidence-based approaches, including dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She is dedicated to establishing a safe and open therapeutic environment and working collaboratively with clients to meet their individual needs. Dr. Peterson’s practice focuses on individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological issues, including: mood (including depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, health and disability related issues, grief and loss, chronic pain, and adjustment disorders. She has a particular interest and experience working with posttraumatic stress and forensic issues (addictions, anger, ADHD). She is involved in the supervision of doctoral students in clinical psychology. She is also committed to continuing program development and evaluation in the community in an effort to develop more effective and accessible mental healthcare programs.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x240

Angela Priede is a CBT Therapist at the OICBT who provides assessment and treatment services to adults, couples, and groups experiencing difficulty related to a range of problems including mood and anxiety, interpersonal, sexuality, and trauma related problems. Ms. Priede is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Prior to competing her clinical residency in August 2020, she gained experience working in a wide range of private-practice, hospital, and community mental health setting delivering therapy to people from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Priede regularly seeks out and participates in continuing education to ensure that she remains knowledgeable and up-to-date on advancements in the field of psychology. Areas of special interest include working with individuals and couples to resolve interpersonal and relational problems, including problems related to sexuality and intimacy, core beliefs, and trauma-processing. 

While Ms. Priede's foundational training is in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) she is well versed in a range of therapeutic approaches including emotion focused (EFT), schema/core beliefs, acceptance and commitment (ACT), cognitive processing (CPT), and dialectical behaviour (DBT). She has also obtained advanced training in a range of evidence- based couple and sexuality related therapeutic approaches. Ms. Priede works collaboratively with her clients drawing from these approaches as appropriate, to meet their diverse needs. Ms. Priede is currently working under the supervision of Dr. N. Ballen and Dr. F. Rousseau. 

Contact: 613-820-9931 x288

Gabrielle Saarloos is a Psychometrist and Report Writer at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She holds a Master of Education degree in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto and is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. Gabrielle has worked as a Psychometrist in a psychiatric hospital setting, and has experience assessing children, adolescents, and adults. Currently, Gabrielle is practicing within the Adult ADHD Intensive Assessment Program at OICBT.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x285

Mr. Nick Schubert is a Clinical Psychology Resident at the OICBT and doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Memorial University. He is completing rotations in with the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Service,  Intensive Treatment Service, and Intensive Diagnostic and Assessment Service while at the OICBT. He works with adults (aged 18-65 years) facing a range of mental health issues and related challenges, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, ADHD, insomnia, and other transdiagnostic challenges (i.e., emotion regulation and relationship challenges). His doctoral research focuses on psychological and social factors associated with internet gaming disorder. He holds a master's degree in experimental psychology, and is a student member of the Canadian Psychological Association.  

Contact: 613-820-9931 x247

Dr. Kathryn Sexton is registered as a Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She specializes in cognitive behavioural treatments for anxiety and mood disorders and chronic stress.  Her areas of special interest and experience are in the assessment and treatment of worry/generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, and insomnia, and in chronic stress and pain management related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as MS and IBD. She also treats a wide variety of problems, including depression, panic disorder and agoraphobia, social anxiety, PTSD and other trauma-related anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sleep difficulties, chronic pain, and adjustment to acute and chronic medical problems.  Her primary approach to therapy is cognitive behavioural, and she also incorporates complementary evidence-based therapies including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Behavioural Activation, Applied Relaxation, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Dr. Sexton received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, training in the Anxiety Disorders Laboratory.  She completed her Pre-doctoral Residency at the Clinical Health Psychology Program within the College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.  She conducted further postdoctoral training in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical and Research Centre at the University of Manitoba and Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.  She has previously worked with the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Institute of Manitoba.  Dr. Sexton is a past Board member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies - L’Association Canadienne des thérapies cognitives et comportementales (CACBT – ACTCC) and currently sits on the Communications and Advocacy committee.  Dr. Sexton is also an active researcher and has published several scientific articles and book chapters on cognitions and behaviours influencing worry/generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, and stress in chronic gastrointestinal diseases.  La docteure Sexton offre des services en français et en anglais.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x263

Dr. Dhrasti Shah is a Clinical and Health psychologist who provides adult clients with assessment and treatment for depression, anxiety (i.e., GAD, social, illness, and panic), stress (e.g., school, university and work), post-traumatic stress and related difficulties, grief and loss, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, and navigating life transitions. She has a special interest in health-related difficulties (i.e., coping with acute and chronic medical problems, fear of cancer or illness reoccurrence, health-anxiety).  She works with her clients to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs, with the goal of increasing their quality of life and functioning. She primarily uses a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, however she also has training and experience in other approaches including, interpersonal, and dialectic behaviour therapy.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x245

Silya Shenassa, MSW, RSW is a Social Worker with experience providing support to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD and eating disorders. Silya obtained her master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University where she was trained in Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care. She went on to complete further professional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Narrative Therapy.  Silya works from a client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective that recognizes the client as the expert of their own life experience. Silya is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

Contact: 613-820-9931 x235

Dr. Irit Sterner is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience providing psycho-diagnostic assessments and psychotherapy to adults. She has specialized in individual and group psychological treatments for depression and bipolar disorder but has experience with a wide range of problems and clinical conditions.  These include mood and anxiety disorders, personality-related issues, and difficulties related to histories of trauma and abuse.  She uses primarily a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy approach, but has training and experience in other approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), schema therapy, EMDR, compassion-focused and experiential therapies. Dr.  Sterner’s treatment is client-centered, collaborative and integrative, using evidence-supported therapies to meet the needs of the individual.

Dr Sterner’s previous experience includes 5 years in a federal government EAP program, 10 years at the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, and 11 years in the Mood and Anxiety program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Dr Sterner was also a clinical professor at the University of Ottawa from 2000-2017, supervising psychology graduate students in their residency and practicum placements.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x258

Kelly Ann Trottier, BSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Ms. Trottier obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Justice & Peace Studies and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. Ms. Trottier is employed as a social worker at the OICBT. She is currently working within the intensive assessment program as a report writer.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x271

Dr. Kiran Vadaga obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the McGill University Health center and supervised practice at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (OICBT). He provides Psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also provides treatment for adults and the elderly struggling with mood and anxiety-related disorders. Dr. Vadaga uses an integrative approach to treatment drawing from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness traditions.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x261

Mariève Vandervoort, B.A (Hons), B.Sc (Hons) is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. As a practicum student at OICBT she is providing individual, couple and group therapy under the supervision of Dr. Natasha Ballen. She currently co-facilitates the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy groups on Thursday evenings. Mariève can offer individual services in French, English and Spanish, assisting with a wide range of mental health challenges including mood difficulties, personality-related challenges and sexual health.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x 259

Ruo Ying Feng, B.A. (Hons), is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. As a practicum student at the OICBT, Ruo supports clients in the Intensive Treatment Program and co-facilitates the Emotions, Acceptance & Art of Coping group. She also works with adult clients within the Anxiety and Depression Clinic, emphasizing a client-centered approach and employing cognitive-behavioral strategies to address challenges related to anxiety and mood. Ruo previously trained at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, where she provided psychoeducational assessments and therapy for children and adolescents. Currently expanding her training at the Center for Psychological Services and Research at the University of Ottawa, she is dedicated to incorporating a culturally informed, competent, and safe approach into her clinical practice. Beyond clinical work, Ruo is engaged in doctoral research focused on mental health help-seeking and service use among immigrant and racialized youth, with a focus on stigma, intersectionality, and racial discrimination. Her passion lies in contributing to the evolving landscape of mental health, embracing diversity, and creating positive transformations in the lives of those she works with.

Contact: 613-820-9931 x 244

Dr. Prabhu, who is now retired, is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  He provided clinical services to children, youth, and their families for more than 30 years in both private as well as hospital based practice.  While at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, he served as head of the Mood and Anxiety Clinic. He was the Director of Training of the Internship Program in Clinical Psychology when at the Children’s Outpatient Department of the Royal Ottawa Hospital. As a Clinical Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa he provided supervision in CBT to residents in both Psychology and Psychiatry. His area of expertise was the assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders and he had a particular interest in treating obsessive compulsive disorder.

Dr. Telner, who is now retired, is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is the former head of Psychology at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. For many years, he was the head of cognitive behavioural therapy training in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Telner was formerly an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Professor of Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He also participated in the specialized Extramural Training Program for Residency Training Directors at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research. Dr. Telner focused his practice on CBT treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and its spectrum, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as Major Depressive Disorder.