Doctoral Residency in Clinical Psychology: Training Brochure, 2026-2027

The OICBT Doctoral Residency Program in Clinical Psychology was accredited by the Canadian Psychology Association (CPA) in 2025. CPA accreditation was granted for a period of seven years, from 2024-2025 to 2029-2030.

For more information on CPA Accreditation, please contact the Accreditation Office:

CPA Accreditation Panel
Canadian Psychological Association 141 Laurier Avenue, W., Suite 702 Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J3
Phone: 1-613-237-2144

The OICBT Pre-Doctoral Residency Program is listed with and follows the guidelines of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in Psychology (APPIC) and the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP).

Overview of Training Vision, Mission, Philosophy & Goals

The core principles and values of the OICBT residency program directly stem from, and are integrated within, our broader institutional mission. The mission of the OICBT residency program is to offer an experience with adequate breadth and depth in evidence-based training to prepare residents for competence in autonomous practice and registration as professional psychologists within Canada, while adhering to ethical standards of professional conduct and fostering a robust professional identity.

The core principles and values of the OCBT residency program, which arise from this mission, include:

1. A dynamic balance between training in more generalist models of psychological practice as well as specialized CBT assessment and treatment for specific client populations.
2. An emphasis on training residents in the delivery of evidence-based treatment approaches within psychology.
3. The importance of research in guiding the decisions we make before, during, and after delivering evidence-based care to our clients is emphasized within the scientist-practitioner model.
4. A fundamental focus on diversity, specifically training populations presenting with a broad range of issues across the lifespan, including gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
5. Opportunities to work within interdisciplinary teams as leaders in directing assessment and treatment within this context.
6. Commitment to using a competency-based training model to ensure training benchmarks are obtained during the residency year and in preparation for autonomous practice.
7. Opportunities to receive training in a variety of theoretical approaches and modalities across different levels and intensities of treatment within a stepped care treatment model.
8. The provision of training that is developmental in nature, considering the residents’ pre-existing abilities, skills and competencies, and adjusting the pace and content of training based on these individual differences and training needs.
9. A commitment to supporting developing clinicians in their adherence to the standards and guidelines of ethical clinical practice as outlined within our legislative and professional governing bodies.
10. Commitment to teaching our residents to tailor their treatment approaches to client needs and resources by offering individual, group, out-of-office and more intensive treatment options.
11. Opportunities for residents to directly observe, and be observed by, psychologists across the roles of service provision, supervision, training, program development and evaluation.
12. The development of future psychologists who are equipped to function as autonomous professionals across the multiple roles of a psychologist, including service provision, research, consultation and supervision.

The philosophy of training reflected in the mission statement, principles, and values of the residency program, as outlined above, is highly consistent with the mission and goals of the OICBT in general. More specifically, the mission of the OICBT is to provide empirically supported clinical psychology services that are responsive to our clients’ needs and reflective of their level of financial and personal resources. This is accomplished through the emphasis on: 1) using research in our treatment decisions; 2) emphasizing the central role of psychology in generating and directing treatment within treatment teams; 3) tailoring of treatment to patient needs and resources by offering individual, group, out-of-office and more intensive treatment options; 4) reinforcing our strong ties to academic and hospital institutions through hospital and educational affiliations; and 5) supporting continued professional development, supervision and teaching for all staff through in-house training and supervision experiences.

The foundation of the OICBT’s residency program is the scientist-practitioner model, in which residents are encouraged to assess problems and apply scientific knowledge and skills to 1) inform their professional services based on current research and evidence-based treatment models, 2) justify their choice of services, such as intervention types or assessment measures, and 3) evaluate the outcomes of their services. The clinical training staff at OICBT exemplifies the integration of the scientist-practitioner model through their dedication to training, research, management, leadership, and professional practice. This commitment aligns with the accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology from which residents emerge and reflects the program’s emphasis on the scientific foundations of psychological practice. The OICBT residency also recognizes the diverse roles an autonomous psychologist must fulfill. With this in mind, the goal of the program is to provide training experiences that develop competencies enabling residents to deliver clinical services, supervise and train personnel and other mental health professionals, develop new clinical service programs, evaluate interventions, conduct research projects, and assume leadership roles in management and administration.

Five core foundational and functional skill areas in the practice of Clinical Psychology underpin the specific training goals within the OICBT residency program. These areas include interpersonal relationships, assessment and evaluation, intervention and consultation, research, and ethics and standards. These areas align with the core competencies required by the College of Psychologists of Ontario for the professional practice of psychology and are also assessed in the quarterly evaluations of residents. The specific objectives within our developmental and competency-based training model are outlined in detail for each of these skill areas. Additionally, the goals and objectives of our residency program aim to develop competencies across these domains, matching the level of skill and knowledge expected at the end of the training year. The competency level anticipated at the program’s conclusion corresponds directly to the skills necessary for a graduating resident to receive a certificate authorizing supervised practice by the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). These foundational skills are closely aligned with the competency benchmarks used to evaluate candidates applying for autonomous practice in professional psychology (four of the five skill areas are included in the CPO evaluation). The ethics and standards competency required for registration as an autonomous member of the CPO is integrated throughout all areas of skill development and competency attainment, with a focus on ethical decision-making.

OICBT acknowledges that it is located on unceded Algonquin territory and benefits from European colonialism, the impacts of which persist today. OICBT Directors are familiar with and support the CCTC 2020 Consensus Statement and CPA’s Psychology Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report, with particular attention to how clinical psychology must adequately address the effects of social determinants of health and experiences in its understanding of Indigenous and other racialized peoples.

An essential part of OICBT is holistic care that is client-centred, diversity- informed, and that incorporates biopsychosocial and spiritual factors. During the Intake, Assessment & Treatment process, the OICBT asks all clients if any aspects of their identity are especially important to them and that they would like included in the services, such as race, culture, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, sexual health, age, religion, disability, employment, or family and relational status.

A mental health model of diversity examines how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected to their various social environments. This includes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and experiences of oppression, microaggressions, and prejudice when conceptualizing care for marginalized peoples.

As part of OICBT’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and social justice-based services and recruitment, OICBT actively incorporates Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into their practice. This involves creating services and collective actions that are inclusive and dedicated to removing barriers (whether procedural, visible, invisible, intentional, or unintentional) that prevent participation and contribution from underrepresented and/or disproportionately disadvantaged groups.

The OICBT’s Clinical Psychology Residency Program runs from September to August and requires completing 1600 hours of supervised practice. Residents are expected to work 37.5 hours per week, with specific hours decided at the start of the residency in consultation with their clinical supervisors and the Director of Training. Depending on a resident’s involvement in group programming, they may need to work one evening per week. In this case, a resident might choose to start their day later to compensate for hours worked in the evening.

During the residency year, residents will dedicate at least 25% of their time to direct client contact. These hours may also include delivering evidence-based treatment via videoconference (e.g., OWL). All services are provided under the supervision of a doctoral-level registered psychologist.

Residents are expected to complete a total of three rotations during their residency. This includes two primary rotations of 12 months each (~2 days/week) and one secondary rotation of 12 months (~1 day/week). All residents will have access to training opportunities across various therapy modalities, including both individual and group therapy.

The two 12-month primary rotations include the Mood and Anxiety Disorders rotation and the Intensive Assessment Clinic Rotation.

The one 12-month secondary rotation includes one of the following options from our intensive treatment programs: The DBT Group Therapy Program or the Intensive Day Treatment Program (for OCD, Anxiety and related disorders, PTSD).

Compulsory supplemental experiences include Program Evaluation and providing supervision to a Ph.D. clinical psychology student.

Additional supplemental training experiences may include Concurrent Disorders, Health Psychology, women’s mental health, Couples Therapy, and Adult ADHD. On-site professional development and training in CBT are offered throughout the residency year as part of our internal and external CBT training programs and workshop series. Please note that the availability of clients for these supplemental experiences is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of referrals and supervisor resources.

Example Training Plan:

Primary Rotation I: Mood and Anxiety Disorder Clinic

Primary Rotation II: Intensive Assessment Clinic

Secondary Rotation: DBT Program

Compulsory: Program Evaluation Provision of Supervision

Supplemental Experiences: Couple Therapy

Individual Supervision: Residents receive at least four hours of supervision weekly, comprising both individual and group sessions. Of these, a minimum of three hours is dedicated to individual supervision, all provided by doctoral-level, registered psychologists. Supervision in a week might include at least two hours focused on individual therapy cases, one hour of group supervision on comprehensive diagnostic assessments, 30 minutes of individual supervision on supervision, 30 minutes on program development and evaluation, and between 30 minutes to one hour for any additional supervised experiences (duration varies based on the number of cases involved). Residents also participate in additional group supervision related to group therapy facilitation.

Direct Modelling/Observation: As part of the group therapy programs, the Intensive Assessment Clinic, and the Intensive Treatment Program, residents participate in direct observation and modelling of treatment delivery.

Case Conferences & Didactic Seminars: From September through June of the training year, residents attend weekly on-site didactic seminars focused on CBT treatments and interventions, assessment and diagnosis, and diversity-informed care. Residents also participate in monthly clinic-wide case discussion meetings, where they are encouraged to contribute to discussions on professional practice issues. Additionally, residents attend city-wide seminars held on one Friday afternoon per month. This provides OICBT residents with the opportunity to connect with residents from other training sites across the Ottawa region.

Example of Didactic Training:

OICBT Weekly CBT-Seminar Series: Fridays 10:30 – 12:00

City-Wide Resident Seminars: Monthly half-day seminar on various topics related to psychology

Case Discussion: Monthly Tuesdays 12:00 – 1:00

Residents collaborate with supervisors and the training director to set their training goals and interests across eight core clinical competencies: assessment, intervention, consultation, program evaluation/development, interpersonal relationships, professional standards and ethics, diversity and individual differences, and supervision.

To achieve these clinical training goals, residents participate in the following activities: direct client contact, direct observation and coaching of core clinical skills by a clinical supervisor, seminars on professional and clinical development issues and models of supervision, individual and/or group supervision focused on the identified competency area, and an evaluation of the residents’ skill levels.

Assessment and Diagnostic Skills

The specific objectives of this goal include developing competencies in general assessment, diagnostic interviewing and evaluation, differential diagnosis, communicating diagnoses, interpreting cognitive test results, report writing, and treatment planning. The Assessment Training Hub, part of the Intensive Assessment Program rotation at the OICBT, involves all internal residents completing their residency in a given year, as well as any external residents assigned to this rotation and practicum students in psychology. The purpose of the assessment services is to provide diagnostic clarity and support treatment planning through evidence-based tools tailored to individual needs. The assessments offered in this rotation include General Diagnostic Assessment (which clarifies mental health concerns and offers care recommendations), ADHD Assessment with— or in rare cases without— Cognitive Testing (comprising standardized testing of attention, executive functioning, and clinical interviews), and Psycho-Educational (LD + ADHD) Assessment (which evaluates learning difficulties and provides documentation for supports).

As part of their training, residents will rotate through various roles within this hub, including diagnosis, cognitive testing, and report writing. The Intensive Assessment Program rotation equips residents with skills in differential diagnosis, selecting suitable assessment measures, monitoring symptoms, case formulation, providing feedback on assessments, communicating diagnoses, and report writing in a private practice setting. Generally, residents will dedicate the equivalent of one day of their residency to the assessment hub.

Functions within the assessment hub include: 1) diagnostician (completing structured diagnostic interviewing using tools such as the DART diagnostic forms, communicating a diagnosis and providing feedback on cognitive testing), 2) cognitive testing (administering cognitive tests, scoring, and writing up the results), and 3) integrative report writing. A practicum student will also be placed within this stream for training and possible residency supervision in the third or fourth quarter.

Residents will also complete a minimum of 1 comprehensive personality assessment, which can occur in any of their rotations, including the assessment program, intensive treatment program, or the mood and anxiety program.

Requirements: Over the course of the residency, residents will be involved in completing approximately six comprehensive assessments as part of the Assessment Training Hub.

Intervention

Residents are expected to complete 15 individual cases by the end of the year during the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Rotation and the secondary rotation (DBT or ITP). The number of sessions and visit frequency per client may differ based on the specific problem, symptom severity, levels of impairment, client goals, financial resources, and progress. Residents will have the chance to follow 1-2 longer-term therapy cases during their residency. They may also choose an optional rotation in couples’ therapy, replacing 1 to 2 (minimum of 1 couple therapy case) of their direct intervention hours with equivalent hours of couples’ therapy.

In terms of group therapy experience, residents co-facilitate 1 CBT-based group over the course of their residency. Residents learn to apply group- level interventions and work collaboratively with a co-therapist. Residents may be involved in pre-group assessment sessions as required. Groups are CBT-based, vary in the number of sessions offered, and are based on treatment manuals that are empirically supported. Treatment groups include the following: Stage 1 Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills Group; Stage 2 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Group: Module 1 Value-Guided Living for Emotion Regulation and Module 2 Emotion Regulation and Traumatic Growth; ADHD Group: Module 1 Behaviour Modification and Interpersonal effectiveness and Module 2 Attention and Emotional Regulation. Residents involved in the DBT rotation will co-facilitate either the Stage 1 Skills Group or the Stage 2 Group. Residents involved in the Intensive Treatment Program will co-facilitate the Emotions, Acceptance and the Art of Coping group and deliver individual treatment in various forms (lead clinician, coaching, and/or family accommodation). The focus of the accommodation sessions is on supporting the client in making the identified treatment changes and involves weekly sessions with the client and their family. Sessions often focus on educating significant others about the primary problem of concern, identifying collaborative goals towards helping the client and the family system in the context of the home environment, reducing accommodation behaviours that may reinforce the problem(s) of concern, and leveraging the supportive aspect of these relationships to help the client meet their functional goals.

Requirements: Complete 15 individual cases and co-facilitate 1 CBT-based therapy group.

Consultation

Residents at the OICBT work within an interprofessional setting, where they participate in various consultation activities. These may include: a) providing peer consultation to residents and practicum students on more complex assessment and treatment cases; b) offering consultation to social workers, occupational therapists, and psychotherapists; c) sharing information about the OICBT with community and hospital organizations; d) participating in training and consultation with community treatment teams interested in implementing CBT strategies; and e) contributing to the development, operation, and financial sustainability of a private practice (OICBT) focused on social enterprise goals and community needs. Residents are also expected to engage in consultation with external agencies as needed. Additionally, they attend bi-weekly clinic-wide case discussion meetings and participate in one of the above consultation activities.

Requirements: Providing and receiving consultation with other interdisciplinary team members both within and outside the clinic as needed for each client being assessed or followed in treatment (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour per week). Regularly participating in monthly clinic-wide case discussion meetings. Residents may also engage in one of the consultation activities mentioned above as necessary and relevant to training goals and rotation placements.

Program Development and Evaluation

Residents dedicate about 12 hours per month (equivalent to 3 half-days) to program development and evaluation research. Each resident is expected to complete an evaluation project during their residency year in collaboration with a supervising psychologist at the OICBT. This may involve analyzing data collected from self-report measures of symptom severity and functioning levels, aimed at monitoring and improving the quality of services offered. Examples of evaluation projects include investigating the benefits of offering supplementary individual sessions alongside group therapy versus group contacts alone; analysing institutional data of interest; and assessing group therapy outcomes through quantitative and qualitative methods. Residents may also choose to undertake a project focused on business development. With an emphasis on social enterprise, this option offers an opportunity to develop sustainable, high-quality clinical services that are cost-effective for clients. Within this framework, residents can also design a project and seek funding to provide services at reduced rates to community clients.

Requirements: Completion of one applied research project and/or business development project.

Interpersonal Relationships

Through didactic seminars, readings, and discussions in supervision, residents deepen their understanding of the factors that contribute to establishing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships and continuously work on enhancing these relationships. For instance, when working with clients, they consider their clients’ unique characteristics, regularly assess their clients’ progress in the therapeutic process, and modify their approach accordingly. They also reflect on their own traits (e.g., biases, values, motivation) and how these can influence the therapeutic relationship.

Requirements: Demonstrate skills in developing strong therapeutic relationships with clients, maintaining key relationships with supervisors, and collaborating effectively with colleagues.

Diversity and Individual Differences

Residents engage in structured activities to help them reflect on their experiences with diversity. This includes integrating academically learned knowledge with discussions about residents’ self-awareness of differences in perspectives between themselves and others. It also involves routine reflections with clinical supervisors on how diversity influences client treatment. Residents have the chance to work with a variety of diverse clients at OICBT, including individuals across the lifespan, with different socio-economic backgrounds, and reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the National Capital region — in terms of ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual and gender identities, military and disability status, and languages. The OICBT has incorporated diversity-informed questions into our referral, intake, and assessment forms, based on the APA cultural formulation interview. This helps in understanding clients’ individual and cultural characteristics to meet their needs better and provides data to improve our care. Diversity-informed care is an integral part of each rotation.

Requirements: Demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity to diversity issues in clinical practice.

Professional Ethics and Standards

Residents learn to apply the CPA Code of Ethics and Standards to all aspects of their professional work. Training is provided through individual supervision and didactic instruction, including in-house and city-wide seminars. In addition to topics covered in other settings, residents are also introduced to issues particularly relevant to private practice, such as the role of payment in negotiating treatment contracts with clients, boundaries and responsibilities with third-party payers, the financial and organizational challenges involved in running a group private practice clinic, and the promotion of services.

Requirements: Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics and applicable standards in clinical practice.

Supervision and Direct Modelling

The OICBT recognizes the importance of training students in supervision. With each type of supervision experience, residents develop their supervision skills through observation, modelling, and independently supervising Ph.D. practicum students. Supervisory experience generally occurs during the second half of residency in one of these areas: 1) supervision of individual therapy: supervising a Ph.D. psychology student on a single therapy case; 2) assessment supervision: providing oversight to an individual or group of Ph.D. psychology students on diagnostic interviewing, assessment, and treatment planning. This process begins with observing a psychologist provide supervision, co-leading supervision, and eventually leading it; or 3) group therapy supervision: supervising a Ph.D. student in group therapy. This takes place after the resident has completed observation and co-facilitation of the group with a seasoned group facilitator. Facilitators are experienced clinicians with extensive background in group therapy and the specific modality used. The resident then assumes the lead role, with a clinical psychology practicum student acting as co-facilitator. Direct modeling and observation: As part of the Intensive Treatment Program, residents have opportunities to deliver didactic instruction, observe, and model the treatment of a Ph.D. student in the ITP. The resident will assume the lead, with a clinical psychology practicum student as co-facilitator. Residents also receive weekly individual supervision on their supervision activities, along with group supervision of supervision involving all residents with overseeing psychologists. Supervision of supervision occurs within the rotation where they are working.

Residents will receive both individual and group supervision on their supervision activities on a weekly basis from a psychologist at the OICBT. This will occur within the context of supervision being provided within a rotation in which they are working.

Requirements: 1) Supervision of one practicum student on one individual therapy case; 2) Supervision on a diagnostic/assessment and treatment planning case; or 3) Group therapy supervision.

The OICBT provides residents with $500 towards professional development activities (e.g., conferences, therapy workshops, books) and 3 days of professional leave.

To support personal and professional growth during residency, the OICBT is dedicated to fostering ongoing feedback among residents, supervisors, and the training director. At the OICBT, residents attend an orientation session about the practice and participate in regular monthly meetings with the training director to ensure the residency addresses the residents’ needs.

Residents participate in both informal and formal assessments, during which their supervisors observe them directly and indirectly as they deliver clinical services (e.g., supervisors watching live sessions, providing coaching, and facilitating groups).

Residents also receive formal written evaluations quarterly. These reviews provide an opportunity to assess progress on resident goals and identify strengths and areas needing further development, which can be addressed during the rest of the rotation and residency. Summaries of the evaluations are sent to each resident’s university to document their progress. Each review focuses on a competency- based approach (Foundational and Functional Competencies outlined in the CPA- Accreditation Standards), evaluating residents on skills such as interpersonal relationships with clients and professionals; clinical assessment, testing, and report writing; clinical intervention; supervision (including utilization, feedback, and provision); scientific knowledge of psychological theory and research; clinical research skills; self-assessment (e.g., reflective practice); professionalism; and ethics.

At the end of their training year, residents can complete evaluations of their rotations, supervisors, and training director. Residents review their supervisors (e.g., quality, availability, etc.), satisfaction with client contact, the overall quality of the rotations, and how well their experiences meet their goals. They are encouraged to provide informal feedback to supervisors throughout their rotations to address any concerns that may arise. Residents also complete evaluations of the City-Wide didactic seminars and have the opportunity to share feedback on their overall resident experience with the DoT at the end of their training year.

The OICBT also has clear guidelines and procedures for handling any grievance that may arise during residency.

The following is an example of weekly activities a resident may be involved in once they are functioning at full capacity. The resident’s 37.5 hours per week may be allocated as follows (Note: this is an estimation, and allocation of hours may change across the year):

• Direct Client Contact Hours (~14-16)
  • Individual & Group Therapy; Assessment
• Supervision (~4.5)
  • 3 hours individual supervision, 1 hour group supervision;
  • 30 minutes provision of supervision to a practicum student;
  • ~15 minutes supervision of supervision
• Program Evaluation (~3-4)
  • approximately 12 hours/month
  • Didactic Seminars & Professional Development: 2-5 hours
  • Support Hours: ~9

Therapy Facilities

Each resident is assigned an office, along with access to telephone and fax services. Residents usually bring their own computer. Internet access is available, as well as access to a shared printer used by practice members. Residents also have access to one group therapy room.

The University of Ottawa Library

Residents registered in a graduate university program (e.g., PhD in Clinical Psychology) can obtain a library card from the University of Ottawa to access library resources (e.g., books, journal articles, etc.).

In line with Canadian Immigration requirements, only applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada will be considered. Applicants should be enrolled in a doctoral program in clinical psychology that is accredited by either the Canadian Psychological Association or the American Psychological Association. To be eligible for residency, students must have completed the following requirements before commencing the residency year.

• All requisite coursework,
• All practicum requirements outlined by their doctoral training program,
• and approval of their doctoral thesis proposal, is required before residency

Applicants who are more likely to be prepared to submit or defend their thesis before starting the residency will, all other factors being equal, be ranked higher.

Applicants must complete at least 600 practicum hours (including direct, support, and supervision hours), with at least 300 hours of direct client contact involving intervention and assessment activities. They must also log 150 hours of supervision, while the remaining hours should be supporting activities. The evaluation is based on the quality and depth of practicum training rather than just the total number of hours.

The OICBT doctoral residency program adopts a hybrid model, which combines in-person and virtual elements of training, clinical work, and supervision. It is designed to maintain high-quality clinical training while adapting to modern service delivery needs and accessibility considerations. Residents spend 2 days per week in person for direct service. Three days per week are structured for telepsychology sessions, virtual group therapy, and online seminars. Core competencies are tracked across both delivery modes to ensure residents meet professional standards.

Stipend

The stipend for each resident position for the 2026-2027 year is set at $32,500 CAD.

Leave Benefits

Work-life balance is an important value at the OICBT. Residents are provided with the following paid leave opportunities and encouraged to make use of them.

1. Vacation leave: Residents receive 15 days (3 weeks) of vacation and all statutory holidays
2. Professional development leave: Residents also receive 3 days of professional development leave (e.g., conferences, defending dissertation).
3. Sick leave: Residents are entitled to 5 sick days.

The OICBT’s doctoral residency program (APPIC program code number: 188011) in clinical psychology is CPA-Accredited. It is a member of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP) and a full member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). It follows APPIC policies regarding internship offers and acceptances.

This residency program is participating in the APPIC Internship Matching Program. All applicants must register with the National Matching Services to be considered for this residency.

The OICBT is committed to employment equity and hires based on merit. We encourage applications from members of groups that are marginalized based on their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, racialization, disability, and/or status as First Nations, Métis, Inuit or Indigenous.

Applicants must complete the following through the Applicant Portal of the AAPI online:

1. Completed APPIC Application
2. Verification and electronic signature completed by the University Training Director attesting to the applicant’s readiness for an
3. The names and contact information (i.e., phone number, email address, title, place of employment) of 3 persons familiar with the applicant’s clinical and professional experience and performance. One of these referees should be the applicant’s thesis supervisor.
4.  Graduate transcripts
5. Curriculum Vitae

We encourage applicants to specify their training experience preferences in their cover letters, as this helps us to ensure that interviewees at our site can meet potential supervisors during their interviews.

Completed applications must be received by Friday, November 14, 2025.

Aligned with the suggested CCPPP member program guidelines, we will be following the recommended 2-step process with respect to interview notification and interview scheduling. Specifically:

Step 1: All offers to interview with OICBT will be made on Friday, December 5, 2025, by email. Applicants are not expected to make any commitments on this day.

Step 2: After 11:00 am in the Eastern Time Zone on Monday, December 8, 2025, applicants who have been offered an interview are welcome to contact OICBT via email to respond to interview offers. We will not be scheduling any interviews before this time.

The OICBT will conduct interviews on the following dates within the CCPPP East/Atlantic window, from January 5th to 16th, 2026. All OICBT interviews will be virtual (phone or videoconferencing). We will not be offering any in-person interviews.

Monday, January 5, 2026

Friday, January 9, 2026

Monday, January 12, 2026

Friday, January 16, 2026

If you have any questions about our program, please get in touch with Dr. Natasha Ballen (Director of Training):

101-411 Roosevelt Ave. Ottawa, ON K2A 3X9 Email: drnballen@oicbt.ca
Tel: 613-820-9931, extension 227

For more information about the OICBT, please visit: www.ottawacbt.ca

At the OICBT, all triage, assessment, and treatment services are provided within our stepped care model. Stepped care involves giving the appropriate amount of treatment to the right individuals at the right time. In this model, a client’s treatment plan is based on a multidimensional assessment of their current concerns and functioning. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments by adjusting the frequency, timing, and intensity of service delivery, sometimes exceeding what is typically provided in a standard “one-hour therapy session per week”. Treatment is increased or decreased in intensity based on objective monitoring of progress. Training opportunities within our residency program are directly integrated into this service delivery approach.

The description below offers a review of the specific and unique rotations we are delighted to offer at the OICBT.

INTENSIVE ASSESSMENT CLINIC ROTATION

• Psychologists
  • Connie Dalton, Ph.D., C. Psych.
  • Dr. Pete Kelly, Ph.D., C. Psych.
• Assessment Staff:
  • Kelly Trottier, BSW
  • Gabrielle Saarloos, M.A.
• Rotation Option:
  • Primary Rotation (1 day per week ~ 7.5 hours)

Description of Service:

 The specific objectives of this goal include developing competencies in general assessment, diagnostic interviewing and evaluation, differential diagnosis, communicating a diagnosis, interpreting cognitive results, report writing, and treatment planning. The Assessment Training Hub, within the Intensive Assessment Program rotation at the OICBT, comprises all internal residents completing their residency in a given training year, as well as any external residents placed in this rotation and practicum students in psychology. The purpose of the assessment service is to provide diagnostic clarity and support treatment planning using evidence-based tools tailored to individual needs. The assessments offered within this rotation include General Diagnostic Assessment (which clarifies mental health concerns and includes recommendations for care), ADHD Assessment with [or, in rare cases, without Cognitive Testing (which involves standardized testing of attention, executive functioning, and clinical interviews), and Psycho-Educational (LD + ADHD) Assessment (which assesses learning difficulties and provides documentation for supports).

As part of their training, residents will progress through various roles across rotations within this hub, including diagnosis, cognitive testing, and report writing. The Intensive Assessment Program rotation equips residents with skills in differential diagnosis, selecting appropriate assessment measures, monitoring symptoms, case formulation, providing feedback on assessments, communicating diagnoses, and report writing in a private practice setting. Generally, residents will be asked to commit the equivalent of 1 day of their residency to the assessment hub.

Functions within the assessment hub include: 1) diagnostician (completing structured diagnostic interviewing using tools such as the DART diagnostic forms, communicating a diagnosis and providing feedback on cognitive testing), 2) cognitive testing (administering cognitive tests, scoring, and writing up the results), and 3) integrative report writing. A practicum student will also be placed within this stream for training and possible residency supervision in the third or fourth quarter.

Residents will also complete a minimum of 1 comprehensive personality assessment, which can occur in any of their rotations, including the assessment program, intensive treatment program, or the mood and anxiety program.

Requirements: Over the course of the residency, residents will be involved in completing approximately 6 comprehensive assessments as part of the Assessment Training Hub.

Rotation Experiences: All residents must complete a primary rotation in the Intensive Assessment Clinic. Within this rotation, residents observe and then complete all aspects of the diagnostic and assessment process.

• Diagnostic Interviewing and Possible Communication of a Diagnosis
• Cognitive testing
• Report writing
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the assessment team
• Optional involvement in a related program development and evaluation
• Supervision of a practicum student is possible

ANXIETY AND MOOD DISORDERS ROTATION

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Meredith Foot, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Michael Bodner, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Jeff Peron, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Kathryn Sexton, C. Psych.
• Rotation Option:
  • Primary Rotation (~1.5 days/week)

Description of Service:

The Mood and Anxiety Disorders Services focuses on treating mood and anxiety conditions, including Depressive Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, and Obsessive- Compulsive and Related Disorders. Clients in this program generally need a low to moderate level of treatment intensity. However, they often present with other comorbidities, such as concurrent substance use issues, insomnia, personality or interpersonal struggles, and health-related concerns.

Our treatment team is interdisciplinary and includes psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychotherapists. The primary modality of treatment is CBT, which is complemented by other approaches, including DBT, Schema-Focused Therapy, EFT, ACT, CFT, MBCT, CPT, and transdiagnostic approaches. Services are provided through both individual and group therapy. We offer an ADHD group within this rotation.

The role of psychology within the Mood and Anxiety Disorders program primarily involves delivering cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), with the potential to supervise a practicum student.

Requirements: Throughout the residency, residents will complete 15 individual therapy cases.

Rotation Experience: All residents are required to complete a primary rotation in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service. Within this rotation, residents have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Assessment (Problem mapping, case conceptualization, collaborative treatment planning)
• Individual CBT for clients with mild to moderate mood, anxiety, OCD and PTSD difficulties
• ADHD group therapy
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the client’s circle of care
• Program development and evaluation are possible in this rotation
• Supervision of a practicum student is possible

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY PROGRAM

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Kiran Vadaga, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Natasha Ballen, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Golnaz Ghaderi, C. Psych. (Supervised Practice)
• DBT Clinicians:
  • Ericha Braun, MSW
  • Silya Shenassa, MSW
• Rotation Option:
  • Secondary Rotation (~1 day/week)

Description of Service:

The Stage 1 Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Service is based on the evidence-supported treatment program developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. All treatment components of DBT are available at our clinic, except for 24-hour coaching. The DBT program specifically targets individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder (Type II), and ADHD, who experience symptoms at moderate to high severity levels. As with our other treatment programs, clients in this stream often present with complex co-occurring conditions, including substance use issues, anxiety, mood disorders, and complex trauma.

The Stage 1 DBT program is interdisciplinary, comprising psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and those in training in psychology and other mental health fields. Treatment involves individual therapy sessions, participation in a weekly skills-based DBT group, and additional coaching sessions as needed, excluding telephone coaching. Each group begins with a two-session mindfulness module before proceeding to the remaining modules. The group consists of three modules, each lasting 7 to 8 sessions, focused on introducing and reinforcing skills in the three core areas of treatment: 1) Distress Tolerance, 2) Emotion Regulation, and 3) Interpersonal Effectiveness. Participants may attend each module twice if clinically indicated, with the aim of solidifying the skills learned during the first six months of treatment.

A core requirement for participation in the Stage 1 DBT program is that clients attend both individual and group therapy. This service is part of our moderate-intensity program at the OICBT. The frequency of individual therapy and supplementary coaching sessions depends on the severity of the clients’ presenting concerns and needs. Facilitators in this group participate in a bi-weekly consultation group designed to support treatment providers through group discussions of challenging client issues and group processes, as well as bi-weekly DBT group supervision. The group consultation and supervision alternate on a weekly basis. The goal is to create a safe environment for therapists to manage and work through their internal reactions to clients and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Clients who have completed a full round of the Stage 1 DBT Program are eligible to continue treatment in the Stage 2 DBT program offered at the OICBT. Stage 2 treatment: Value-Based Guide for Emotion Regulation and Traumatic Growth is a group therapy available for individuals who have finished the DBT program at OICBT or another clinic within the past two years. Specifically, clients must have completed all three modules of Marsha Linehan’s curriculum to ensure they have gained the necessary skills for stabilization and are prepared to engage in Stage Two treatment. This program addresses the needs of individuals struggling with mild to moderate emotion dysregulation diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or other mood disorders that affect their ability to regulate emotions. Stage

2 treatment is a time-limited, closed group that meets weekly for 16 weeks, consisting of Module 1: Value-Guided Living for Emotion Regulation (8 weeks) and Module 2: Emotion Regulation & Traumatic Growth (8 weeks). The group includes six to eight members, and each session lasts two hours. It is a two-part group. In the first part, group members focus on learning self-therapy skills within an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, and in the second part, the focus is on recovering from interpersonal trauma. This treatment is a process- based group that employs a trauma-informed and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach. Each session includes didactic content while encouraging discussion among group members. Weekly home-practice exercises will be assigned. There is no requirement for group members to have an individual therapist to access this group therapy. However, individuals engaging in active, chronic, or severe self-harm, those hospitalized for suicidality in the past three months, individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms, or those struggling severely with substance use as a primary issue or in a way that would interfere with therapy, will not benefit from this treatment.

The role of psychology primarily includes helping to make triage decisions regarding client placement in the groups, the provision of individual and group DBT services, supervision of students, residents and psychologists under supervised practice, active involvement and facilitation of the consult group and program development and evaluation. Psychologists in this service also provide consultation and direct supervision of other members of the team being trained and supervised in the delivery of empirically supported treatments.

Rotation Experience: Residents may choose to complete a secondary rotation in the DBT service to fulfill their requirement for exposure to moderate to high- intensity treatment during their residency year. Within this rotation, residents have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Provision of orientation sessions before client initiation in the DBT program
• Individual therapy for DBT clients
• Co-facilitation of a DBT group (Stage 1 Skills Group or Stage 2 Group)
• Bi-weekly scheduled consultation with interdisciplinary team members
• Program development and evaluation are possible in this rotation
• Supervision of a practicum student is possible in this rotation

INTENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM (ITP)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Cathy Dandurand, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Dhrasti Shah, C. Psych.
• ITP Clinicians:
  • Ericha Braun, MSW
• Rotation Option:
  • Secondary Rotation (~1 day/week)

Description of Service:

The Intensive Day Treatment Service targets conditions of moderate to high severity, including mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. Clients in this program require a moderate to high level of treatment intensity and often experience high levels of comorbidity and inadequate responses to previous therapy. Their functioning is usually significantly impaired, and they may have limited access to support resources. Treatment is primarily grounded in CBT, with elements of mindfulness, DBT, and ACT-based strategies integrated as appropriate. This program is highly interdisciplinary, with each team member playing a vital role in the client’s treatment.

Within our intensive treatment program, we have developed several core treatment components that we combine in varying levels of frequency to tailor treatment to the client’s needs. These treatment components include Individual Therapy Sessions, Coached Sessions, Phone Contacts and Family Accommodation.

Individual Psychotherapy Sessions consist of 50-minute therapy sessions led by psychologists, psychotherapists, and occupational therapists. The individual therapist meets with the client weekly to work through a treatment plan, review progress, set treatment goals, and address any obstacles related to a personalized general and weekly treatment plan. They also assist in determining next steps for treatment intensity and any necessary referrals. The therapist facilitates communication with the treatment team to coordinate care effectively.

Coaching Sessions are 50-minute meetings typically conducted by occupational therapists, registered psychotherapists, social workers, and clinical psychology residents. These sessions focus on the practical application of strategies outlined in the weekly treatment plans, including therapy techniques and homework review. The aim is to help clients regularly practice empirically supported strategies. Coaching therapists maintain weekly communication with your treatment team to ensure seamless care coordination. Coaching Calls are brief, 15-minute check-ins that review homework and discuss the implementation of treatment strategies. These calls often serve to troubleshoot and resolve obstacles or stuck points in applying strategies. Throughout all activities, primary clinicians stay in close contact with other members of the treatment team and the broader care network to ensure alignment with treatment goals and effective coordination.

Family Accommodation sessions are integrated into therapy to ensure that family and close others are appropriately involved in treatment. Often, these sessions focus on identifying behaviours of family members and loved ones that may be aimed at helping a client avoid or reduce symptoms or distress in the short term, but which unintentionally enable or worsen these issues in the long term (e.g., providing repeated reassurance to lessen anxiety). The goal is to help family members and loved ones learn and recognize alternative strategies to best support therapy progress and client independence. With the client’s permission, family members are kept informed of all treatment planning, and the entire family system is considered in this approach. If involving family is not appropriate, these sessions often focus on helping the client achieve related interpersonal goals (e.g., developing more meaningful relationships, assertive communication strategies, boundary setting). Family Accommodation and interpersonal strategy sessions are conducted by registered psychotherapists, social workers, and clinical psychology residents.

The Intensive Treatment Program also includes a weekly skills-based group called Emotions, Acceptance, and the Art of Coping. This group is designed to help clients deepen their understanding of core cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles to align their coping strategies with their stated goals and values. Major themes explored in the group include a review of the CBT model, the importance of willingness in facilitating behavioural change that aligns with our values, matching coping strategies appropriately to life’s circumstances, understanding how behaviour impacts mood, and fundamental principles of exposure therapy. Additionally, the group supports clients in developing emotional regulation skills to enhance their ability to manage stress and improve emotionalawareness and tolerance through the practice of acceptance and self- compassion.

Several treatment packages of moderate to high intensity have been developed so clients can receive the appropriate level of care in the most efficient and cost- effective manner. Treatment intensity in this program ranges from 2.5 to 11 hours of therapy per week. Clients typically participate in these programs for 12 to 16 weeks, depending on their response to treatment, which is closely monitored throughout. Adjustments to treatment intensity may be made based on this response and in collaboration with the client. Therapists in this service attend weekly team Grand Round meetings and rounds to review progress, discuss emerging treatment issues, and plan future treatment steps.

The role of psychology primarily includes the provision of individual therapy services, supervision of students, residents, psychologists under supervised practice and core service staff, facilitation of the Grand Round meetings, and program development and evaluation.

Rotation Experiences: Residents may choose to complete a secondary rotation in the Intensive Treatment Service to meet their requirement for exposure to moderate to high-intensity treatment during their residency year. During this rotation, residents have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Provision of orientation sessions prior to client initiation in Intensive Day Treatment
• The delivery of individual, coached, and/or family accommodation sessions
• Co-facilitation of the Art of Coing therapy group
• Weekly scheduled consultation with interdisciplinary team members and staff as well as other members of the clients’ circle of care (HUB)
• Program development and evaluation are possible in this rotation
• Supervision of a practicum student (for coaching and accommodation sessions) is also possible in this rotation

SUPPLEMENTAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Residents may have the opportunity to supplement their clinical experiences within the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service primary rotation by working with clients within specific competencies (e.g., Couple, Health Psychology) or clinical populations (e.g., ADHD, concurrent disorders). Please note that the availability of clients within a supplementary experience is not guaranteed and is dependent on available referrals.

ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER SERVICE FOR ADULTS (Supplemental)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Kiran Vadaga, C. Psych.
• Other Staff:
  • Laura Bishop, RP (Registered Psychotherapist)
• Rotation Option:
  • Supplemental (~.5 days/week)

Rotation Description:

The primary treatment methods within the ADHD service are CBT and mindfulness-based approaches. Treatment involves individual therapy sessions, participation in a weekly skills-based ADHD group, and additional coaching sessions as needed. The ADHD Skills group at the OICBT offers an option for adults experiencing ADHD symptoms. This group was developed based on an evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy model for ADHD. It also incorporates elements of other therapeutic techniques to more explicitly address emotion regulation and interpersonal challenges commonly faced by adults with ADHD. The group’s goal is to help individuals improve their ability to manage attention and activity levels by teaching behavioural strategies and skills to enhance organization, decrease distractibility and procrastination, and include attention training such as mindfulness. Training on emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and education about co-occurring issues like sleep difficulties, mood and anxiety symptoms, and ADHD are also integral parts of the program. Clients may receive both individual and group therapy, as well as coaching sessions focused on applying core skills learned within the group. The frequency of individual therapy and coaching depends on the severity of the clients’ concerns and individual needs.

The role of psychology in the ADHD Service primarily includes the provision of individual and group ADHD services, supervision of students, residents and psychologists under supervised practice, and program development and evaluation. Psychologists in this Service also provide consultation and direct supervision to other team members being trained and supervised in the delivery of empirically supported treatments.

Rotation Experiences: Within this rotation, residents have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

• Provision of orientation sessions before client initiation in the ADHD service
• Individual therapy for ADHD clients
• Co-facilitation of an ADHD group

CONCURRENT DISORDERS EXPERIENCE (Supplemental)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Cathy Dandurand, C. Psych.
• Other Staff:
  • Ericha Braun, MSW.
• Rotation Option:
  • Supplemental (~.5 days/week)

Rotation Description:

The Concurrent Disorders supplemental experience in the OICBT residency involves treating clients with concurrent mood, anxiety, and substance use issues. Clients in this stream require a low to moderate intensity of treatment, and careful assessment is made for the need for residential and community- based services during triage to the clinic.

Clients within this stream often present with a range of other comorbidities, including ADHD, insomnia, mood and anxiety issues, personality or interpersonal challenges, and health concerns. The primary approach to treatment in this service is integrative, with CBT as the core modality. Strategies from ACT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches are utilized to enhance treatment as needed and based on the stage of the issues being addressed.

Services are primarily offered as individual therapy; however, clients in this stream may attend any relevant groups in the clinic as needed. Coaching sessions can also be added to treatment to increase engagement in practicing skills introduced in individual therapy, helping to maintain or reinforce goals related to abstinence or harm reduction, and implementing healthy living goals and strategies. Clients are seen for a specified period with the aim of achieving a set of concrete treatment objectives. The role of psychology aligns with all other services in the clinic and includes assessment, treatment, consultation, supervision, and program development.

Residents in this supplemental rotation will need to allocate approximately a half day per week throughout the year to this experience. This will reduce the time spent in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service rotation accordingly.

Rotation Experiences:

• Assessment (Problem mapping, case conceptualization, collaborative treatment planning)
• Individual treatment for clients
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the client’s circle of care
• Delivery of coached and family accommodation sessions as needed
• Monitoring involvement in any related group participation

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY EXPERIENCE (Supplemental)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Natasha Ballen, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Meredith Foot, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Kathryn Sexton, C. Psych.
• Rotation Options:
  • Supplemental (~.5 days/week)

Rotation Description:

The Health Psychology experience in the OICBT residency involves assessing and treating clients with health-related concerns. Health psychology is concerned with the psychology of a range of health-related behaviours, with assessment focusing on the impact of biological factors, behavioural factors, cognitions, and beliefs about illness and social conditions on mental and physical health. Treatment may involve a range of interventions aimed at preventing illness, investigating the impact of a health condition on mental health and functioning, enhancing doctor-client communication and advocacy, improving adherence to medical advice, and implementing behavioural change interventions. Specific treatment programs, for example, are also used to manage pain, treat anxiety and depression related to the health condition, and manage symptoms of PTSD or related conditions.

The primary treatment approach is CBT and mindfulness-based therapy. Clients seen in this program are mainly treated through individual sessions; however, they may also participate in relevant group sessions at the clinic as needed. Coaching sessions can be added to enhance engagement and support the practice of skills introduced in individual therapy, pain management, and the development of healthy living goals and strategies. Clients are scheduled for a designated period to achieve specific treatment objectives.

The role of psychology is consistent with all other services in the clinic and spans assessment, treatment, consultation, supervision, and program development. Residents in this supplemental rotation will need to allocate approximately .5 day per week throughout the year to this experience. This will reduce the time spent in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service rotation accordingly.

Rotation Experiences:

• Assessment (Problem mapping, case conceptualization, collaborative treatment planning)
• Individual treatment for clients
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the clients’ circle of care
• Delivery of coached and family accommodation sessions as needed
• Monitoring involvement in any related group participation

COUPLES THERAPY EXPERIENCE (Supplemental)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Natasha Ballen, C. Psych.
  • Dr. Angela Priede C. Psych. (Supervised Practice)
• Rotation Options:
  • Supplemental (~.5 days/week)

Rotation Description:

The Couples Therapy experience during the OICBT residency involves assessing and treating couples who face relational and interpersonal challenges. Couples therapy focuses on individuals’ and couples’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviours within their relationships and the wider environment in which they operate. It addresses a wide range of clinical and relational issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, life transitions such as becoming parents, medical concerns, relationship dissatisfaction, mental health issues, and infidelity.

The primary approach used in this service is Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples, along with an introductory exposure to the Gottman Method of couples’ therapy. Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) is an attachment-based intervention that views the negative, rigid interaction patterns common in distressed couple relationships as rooted in emotional disconnection and insecure attachment. The goals of the Gottman Method include increasing intimacy and friendship behaviours, resolving conflict effectively, and creating a shared sense of meaning. This method involves tailoring research-based principles to each couple’s unique patterns and issues. Before starting treatment, couples complete a comprehensive Gottman Relationship Checkup assessment.

The role of psychology aligns with all other services in the clinic and includes assessment, treatment, consultation, supervision, and program development. Residents on this supplemental rotation will need to allocate approximately half a day per week throughout the year to this experience. This will reduce the time dedicated to the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service rotation accordingly.

Rotation Experiences:

• Assessment (Problem mapping, case conceptualization, collaborative treatment planning)
• Couples therapy treatment for clients
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the clients’ circle of care

WOMEN’S HEALTH EXPERIENCE (Supplemental)

• Psychologists:
  • Dr. Natasha Ballen, C. Psych.
• Other Staff:
  • Laura Bishop, RP (Registered Psychotherapist)

Rotation Description:

Mental disorders can affect women differently. There are also specific types of disorders that are unique to women. For instance, some women may experience symptoms of mental disorders during hormonal changes and reproductive changes, such as antenatal depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and/or psychosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and psychological issues related to perimenopause/menopause. Other health and mental health challenges can stem from birth trauma, fertility issues, and medical complications during pregnancy and postpartum.

Treatment may involve a range of interventions aimed at preventing illness, such as reducing the risk of postpartum disorders, examining how a health condition affects mental health and functioning (e.g., pregnancy-related conditions), enhancing communication and advocacy between doctor and client, improving adherence to medical advice, and implementing behavioural change strategies. It may also include managing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety or related conditions; coping with grief and loss; and adapting to changing roles, life transitions, and identity. The main treatment approaches include CBT and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), as well as integrating interventions from DBT, EFT, and Schema Therapy when suitable.

The role of Psychology is consistent with all other services in the clinic and spans assessment, treatment, consultation, supervision, and program development. Residents in this supplemental rotation will need to allocate approximately half a day per week throughout the year to this experience. This will reduce the time spent in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Service rotation accordingly.

Rotation Experiences:

• Assessment (Problem mapping, case conceptualization, collaborative treatment planning)
• Individual therapy treatment for clients
• Consultation with interdisciplinary staff and other members of the clients’ circle of care

Executive Director of Training and Supervision

Dr. Natasha Ballen, Psychologist,

Dr. Natasha Ballen is a Clinical and Health Psychologist who provides individual, couple, and group therapy treatment to adults. She uses primarily a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach; however, she also has training and experience in other techniques, including experiential (EFT for couples), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She treats a wide variety of problems, including mood and anxiety-related disorders, personality-related problems, health issues (e.g., coping with acute and chronic medical problems), and women’s health concerns (e.g., reproductive life stages). 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”).

Managerial Staff

Operational Manager: Lisa Dalton

Clinical Manager: Kelly Trottier

Business Development & Systems Manager: Alannah McLeod

Administrative Staff

Madylon Christley

Fakhra Nisa

Executive Directors

Dr. Connie Dalton, Psychologist, CEO

Dr. Dalton is a founding member and the executive director 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 psychologists as well as other mental health professionals. Dr. Dalton is actively involved in providing assessment and individual therapy to clients across most problem areas. An area of focus and proficiency is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, anxiety, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Dr. Cathy Dandurand, Psychologist, CCOO

Dr. Dandurand’s theoretical approach incorporates a cognitive behavioural framework that combines elements of Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, experiential therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour 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.

Dr. Pete Kelly, Psychologist, CFO

Dr. Kelly provides individual and group treatment to adults for mood and anxiety disorders using cognitive behavioural therapies, including Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. An area of focus and interest is the treatment of posttraumatic stress using CBT techniques. Dr. Kelly’s approach focuses on building skills in identifying and changing patterns of behavior that may be getting in the way of clients realizing their goals. 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 on “Treating Psychosis: A Clinician’s Guide to Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Approaches within the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tradition”. He is also author of the Canadian adaptation of the textbook “Research Methods in Psychology” for Oxford University Press.

Dr. François Rousseau, Psychologist, Executive Director of Recruitment, Performance, and Well-Being

Dr. Rousseau is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral 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.

Other Training Staff/Supervisors

Dr. Michael Bodner, Psychologist

Dr. Bodner is a Clinical Psychologist with eight years of direct therapeutic experience and nearly 20 years of mental health research experience. He is an Associate Psychologist at OICBT and an Adjunct-Scientist at the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research. He uses research-based therapies and offers an integrative, holistic approach that stems from basic health strategies to the widespread nature of psychology to the neuroscience behind mental health. Dr. Bodner offers clinical supervision and training at the OICBT.

Dr. Meredith Foot, Psychologist

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 (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer). Dr. Foot has experience working in hospital-based settings and was previously on staff at the Ottawa Hospital with 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.

Dr. Jeff Perron, Psychologist

Dr. Perron provides clinical psychology services to adults, with a particular focus on the areas of mood and anxiety disorders. Guided by client goals and presenting concerns, he applies the range of evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapies, including Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Perron completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He completed his doctoral residency at the OICBT and his doctoral thesis research focused on the development of a measure related to assessment of readiness to change. He also holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University and has a background in Human Resources.

Dr. Mandisa Peterson, Psychologist

Dr. Peterson completed her 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 post traumatic stress and forensic issues (addictions, anger, ADHD). She is also committed to continuing program development and evaluation in the community in an effort to develop more effective and accessible mental health care programs.

Dr. Kathryn Sexton, Psychologist

Dr. Sexton 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, 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, Montreal. She has previously worked with the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Institute of Manitoba, and is a past board member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). La docteure Sexton offre des services en français et en anglais.

Dr. Dhrasti Shah, Psychologist

Dr. 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 recurrence, 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 approach; however, she also has training and experience in other approaches, including Interpersonal Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Dr. Kiran Vadaga, Psychologist

Dr. 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-relateddisorders. Dr. Vadaga uses an integrative approach to treatment drawing from cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal, and mindfulness traditions.