Our Team

“Our mission is to help people improve and maintain their mental health through research-supported methods of psychological assessment and treatment. We value inclusivity and respect the unique and diverse nature of individuals.”

Associates at Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy are all either Ph.D./Psy.D. level psychologists registered by The College of Psychologists of Ontario, or Clinical Psychology Ph.D./Psy.D. Candidates working under the direct supervision of a registered psychologist.

With rigorous post-secondary education and training typically spanning 10-12 years, our clinicians are highly-skilled in the assessment of psychological difficulties and in the provision of evidence-based cognitive behavioural treatment services to childrenadolescentsadults, couples and families.

(Click on image to view bio)

Directors

Dr. Robert Ferguson

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Directors

Dr. Rob Ferguson is the Co-Director of the OCCT. Dr. Ferguson’s past professional experience includes positions within St. Joseph’s Healthcare (Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, Eating Disorders Program, and Forensic Service), Counselling and Psychological Services at the University of Michigan, a private practice in Windsor, Psychological Services Centre at the University of Windsor, and the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In his own work with clients, he provides assessment and CBT services for adolescents, adults, and couples. Dr. Ferguson is both a founding member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT), and a CACBT-certified provider of cognitive behavioural therapy. Dr. Ferguson is particularly interested in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, self-esteem issues, anger management, stress-related difficulties, chronic pain management, and body image concerns. In addition to providing clinical services to clients, Dr. Ferguson supervises psychologists in the final stages of their registration for autonomous practice.

Dr. Robert Ferguson

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Justin Mattina

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Directors

Dr. Justin Mattina is the Co-Director of the OCCT. Dr. Mattina’s past professional experience includes positions at the Psychological Trauma Program and the Anxiety Disorders Clinic within the Mood and Anxiety Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. He has also held past positions at the Clinical Research Laboratory specializing in the treatment of depression at the CAMH, as well as at the McMaster University Centre for Student Development Counselling Clinic. Dr. Mattina’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults. He is a credentialed CBT provider with the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). He has a particular interest in the assessment, treatment and facilitation of return to work efforts for clients who have experienced a psychological and/or physical trauma within the workplace. He also has experience in the assessment and treatment of various anxiety disorders (e.g., obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia and panic disorder), depression and coping with physical pain and disability. In addition to providing clinical services to clients, Dr. Mattina supervises psychologists in the final stages of their registration for autonomous practice.

Dr. Justin Mattina

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Department Heads

Dr. Lorah Pilchak Harley

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
HEAD OF ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Categories: Department Heads

Dr. Lorah Pilchak Harley is a clinical psychologist and school psychologist working with children, teens, and adults. Dr. Pilchak Harley’s past professional experience includes a long-term position at the Toronto District School Board, where she provided psychoeducational assessments, delivered professional development seminars on children’s mental health, fostering resiliency, and on topics related to learning, attention and executive functioning skills. She also served as a member of the TDSB’s Identification Placement Review Committee, which serves to provide exceptionality identifications and determine educational support services within the board. Dr. Pilchak Harley also held past positions at the University of Waterloo’s Health Services and Surrey Place Centre. At the OCCT, Dr. Pilchak Harley provides psychoeducational assessments for various conditions, including learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, giftedness, developmental disability, and autism spectrum disorder and pervasive developmental disorders. She also provides counselling services for a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and adjustment conditions. She has a particular interest in treating anxiety in children. In addition to providing clinical services to clients, Dr. Pilchak Harley supervises psychologists in the final stages of their registration for autonomous practice and manages assessment services at the OCCT.

Dr. Lorah Pilchak Harley

Ph.D., C. Psych.
HEAD OF ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Dr. Vicki Rombough

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
HEAD OF AUTISM SERVICES
Categories: Department Heads

Dr. Vicki Rombough works with children, adolescents and young adults. In addition to her work at the OCCT, she previously provided psychological services and program supervision at the Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND) clinic in Toronto. Prior professional experiences include positions at North York General Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, Kinark Child and Family Services, Toronto District School Board, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and York University. Dr. Rombough provides psychological and developmental assessments, as well psychological intervention and parent consultation/support. She has a special interest in providing CBT and mindfulness-based therapies to treat anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and behavioural challenges in children and adolescents. She is also dedicated to working with individuals with learning, attention or developmental differences, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who also experience mental health concerns. In addition to her clinical work and research contributions, Dr. Rombough has provided training to other professionals, including ASD training to mental health clinicians across Ontario and globally through Sick Kids International.

Dr. Vicki Rombough

Ph.D., C. Psych.
HEAD OF AUTISM SERVICES

Registered Psychologists

Dr. Stephen R. Swallow

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Stephen Swallow founded the OCCT in 1994 and has maintained an Oakville-based practice in clinical, health and rehabilitation psychology since that time. Dr. Swallow’s professional experience includes work on the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Unit at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. A founding member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT) and a CACBT-certified cognitive behaviour therapist, Dr. Swallow has a special interest in CBT for depression, anxiety, couples problems, and stress-related health difficulties.

Dr. Stephen R. Swallow

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Kristen Adams

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Kristen Adams has worked in private practice settings for the last decade treating couples as well as individual concerns such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, bereavement, and relationship/ interpersonal difficulties. Her clinical training included placements at the CAMH’s Affective Disorders Unit and the Sunnybrook Hospital’s Short-term Psychotherapy Unit. Dr. Adams has a specific interest in working with couples using emotionally focused therapy (EFT). She participated as a therapist in Dr. Leslie Greenberg’s research project about resolution of couples’ emotional injuries and has also authored a paper on forgiveness processes in couples.

Dr. Kristen Adams

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Abid Azam

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Abid Azam completed his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and a graduate diploma in Health Psychology at York University. Dr. Azam completed his pre-doctoral residency at the CAMH Work, Stress, and Health Program, and the University of Toronto’s Health & Wellness Centre. He also completed practicums at the Toronto General Hospital’s Transitional Pain Service, McMaster Medical Hospital’s Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic, and the York University Psychology Clinic. At the OCCT, Dr. Azam works with adults experiencing a variety of issues including anxiety-related problems (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders), PTSD and complex trauma, depression, life direction guidance for emerging adults, and health-related problems (e.g. chronic pain, coping with illness). He also has a particular interest in the assessment, treatment, and support of return-to-work efforts for clients who have experienced psychological and/or physical trauma within the workplace. Services offered in English and Urdu/Hindi.

Dr. Abid Azam

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Dean Carcone

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Dean Carcone completed his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Carcone’s past professional experience includes positions at the Centre for Psychological Services and Research, the Ottawa Institute for CBT, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Psychological Trauma Program, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital. Dr. Carcone’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and integrates some strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He works with adults and strives to collaboratively implement individually-tailored CBT programs to provide support and help them learn strategies to manage challenging mental health symptoms. Dr. Carcone specializes in the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, phobias, depression, and other symptom presentations.

Dr. Dean Carcone

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Mashal Haque

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Mashal Haque completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University. She recently finished her predoctoral residency in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba, where she treated a breadth of issues including anxiety disorders, chronic pain, depression, sleep disorders/insomnia, and women’s health concerns. Other training experiences include positions with the Queen’s Psychology Clinic, Kingston Health Science Centre (Family Court Clinic, Adult Mental Health Program), and Providence Care Hospital (Brain Injury Services, Mood Disorders Outpatient Service). At OCCT, Dr. Haque provides Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and values building warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative working relationships. She has a strong passion for working with women experiencing mood and anxiety difficulties during different reproductive life stages (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum).

Dr. Mashal Haque

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Melissa Howlett

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Melissa Howlett completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University, with much of her clinical training completed at the IWK Health Centre, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She subsequently completed her Pre-Doctoral Residency in Pediatric and Child Clinical Psychology at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Dr. Howlett’s clinical experience and interests span both health and clinical psychology. She has experience providing psychological treatment to support children, teens, and their families in managing the physical, emotional, and social challenges related to managing complex medical needs and living with chronic health conditions. She also has experience providing assessment and treatment services to children and teens who struggle with anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and behavioural challenges. At the OCCT, Dr. Howlett provides Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as other third-wave behaviour therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and skills grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to address each individual’s needs. In addition to her work at the OCCT, Dr. Howlett currently holds a position at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) providing psychosocial support to youth and families within the Division of Haematology/Oncology.

Dr. Melissa Howlett

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Lily Krantz

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Lily Krantz completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Krantz has trained at St. Michael’s Hospital, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre in St. Joseph’s Healthcare (Hamilton) and in the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Dr. Krantz believes in the importance of the bond that forms between client and therapist as they collaborate on meeting client goals. Her interest in the therapeutic alliance extends to her research, in which she examines how the client-therapist relationship impacts treatment outcomes in dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Dr. Krantz has also researched and published in the areas of emotion regulation, shame measurement, mindfulness, trauma and treatment mechanisms in DBT. At the OCCT, Dr. Krantz provides assessment and treatment services (cognitive-behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy) for adults struggling with various anxiety disorders, depressive and obsessive-compulsive disorders and borderline personality disorder.

Dr. Lily Krantz

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Larah Maunder

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Larah Maunder completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University. In addition to her work at OCCT, she will be completing a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University, where she is researching the prevention and treatment of military sexual trauma. She is currently completing a predoctoral residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. There, Dr. Maunder has worked in the WSIB Mental Health Specialty Clinic, the Schizophrenia Outpatient Service, and the Kidney Urinary Program, where she provides psychotherapy to individuals with end stage renal disease. In addition to St. Joseph’s, she has trained in Kingston at Queen’s Psychology Clinic, Queen’s University Sex Therapy Service, Maple Family Health Team, Kids Inclusive, The Chronic Pain Clinic at Hotel Dieu Hospital, and The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre’s Operational Stress Injury Clinic (Kingston Campus). At the OCCT, Dr. Maunder provides evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy and related therapies (e.g., cognitive processing therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy) to individuals with PTSD and individuals with health-related concerns, such as chronic pain. She also has an interest in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and psychosis-related difficulties.  She enjoys working with both adolescents and adult clients.

Dr. Larah Maunder

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Geneva Millett

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Geneva Millett is completed her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her clinical experience includes positions with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in the Eating Disorders Clinic; Dr. Rodney Day and Associates conducting motor vehicle accident assessments; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre where she provided intensive treatment services for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); and the Family Health Team at St. Michael’s Hospital. At the OCCT, Dr. Millett provides CBT for adults and adolescents struggling with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, and body shape and weight concerns.

Dr. Geneva Millett

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Mirmahmoud Mirnasab

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Mirmahmoud Mirnasab completed his Ph.D. in Psychology and Special Education at the University of Tehran in 2006. His past professional experience includes a visiting lectureship at University of Newcastle, Australia and positions at the University of Tabriz as Associate Professor of Psychology, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology and Head of Education Department. He has held clinical positions at Razi Psychiatric Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences as a Registered Child and Adolescent Psychologist where he was involved in providing clinical services, teaching behaviour therapy for Ph.D students in the department of psychiatry and consultant for Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences for 10 years. Dr. Mirnasab had also been working in private practice and providing consultant and clinical services for Tabriz Health Center. Dr. Mirnasab received his second M.A. degree from Brock University and has been volunteering at Pathstone Mental Health since 2019. Dr. Mirnasab provides psychoeducational assessments, behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapy for various child and adolescents mental health concerns including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disability, habit disorders, anger problems, low self-esteem, anxiety and developmental disorders. He also provides psychoeducation in parent-child relationship issues and psychotherapy for culturally diverse clients. Dr. Mirnasab has published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed Journals and six books in the field of child and adolescent psychopathology. He offers services in English, Persian and Turkish (Azerbaijani).

Dr. Mirmahmoud Mirnasab

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Melissa Mohan

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Melissa Mohan earned her doctoral degree at Western University. She has extensive training and experience in health and rehabilitation psychology, and while in London she worked at Victoria Hospital’s Behavioural Medicine Service, at University Hospital’s Epilepsy Program, and at St. Joseph’s Health Care’s Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program, as well as at its Rheumatology Day Program. Her training and experience in clinical psychology includes positions with the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, and the Assessment Program at London’s Regional Mental Health Care. In addition, she has worked at Western University’s Student Development Centre and in several private practices in the London area. Dr. Mohan also presently works at Toronto Western Hospital, providing psychological services to individuals with work-related musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain and/or psychological trauma. At the OCCT, Dr. Mohan has a special interest in using CBT to help clients who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relational issues, chronic pain, and a variety of other health challenges to optimize coping and to improve the quality of their lives.

Dr. Melissa Mohan

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Victoria Nieborowska

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Victoria Nieborowska completed her doctoral training in the CPA-Accredited Counselling Psychology program at the University of Calgary. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy (OCCT). Her past clinical experiences have included intervention and assessment positions at the Alberta Health Services Sheldon M. Chumir Centre in the Community Addiction and Mental Health Services Clinic – Central Services; Alberta Health Services South Health Campus in the Allied Health Clinic – Neuropsychology; Alberta Health Services in Addiction Services; Substance Abuse Experts Psychological, and the Calgary Board of Education.

At the OCCT, Dr. Nieborowska provides cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as her primary modality and incorporates third-wave CBTs (e.g., mindfulness-based approaches, dialectical behaviour therapy). Dr. Nieborowska offers evidence-based treatment to adults with a wide range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, alcohol/substance use, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management, and body image concerns. Dr. Nieborowska fosters a therapeutic alliance with her clients that is built on empathy, warmth, and collaboration in a safe and positive environment. Dr. Nieborowska offers psychological services in English and Polish.

Dr. Victoria Nieborowska

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Mélise Ouellette

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Mélise Ouellette completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at McMaster University. Her primary theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and she integrates other evidence-based modalities as needed (e.g., Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). In addition to her work at OCCT, Dr. Ouellette holds a position at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP), which primarily serves people with anxiety and related disorders (e.g., PTSD, OCD), as well as mood disorders. She completed her predoctoral residency at Ontario Shores, providing psychological services across various outpatient clinics including the OSP, Traumatic Stress Clinic, and First Responders Mental Health Program. Prior to this, she trained at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, primarily in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Youth Wellness Centre, but also in the Clinical Neuropsychology Service. Dr. Ouellette strives to create a non-judgmental and collaborative relationship to support clients in reaching their goals. At the OCCT, Dr. Ouellette primarily works with adults with anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (e.g., OCD, skin picking), posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. She is also interested in working with people with stress-related difficulties, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues.

Dr. Mélise Ouellette

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Melina Ovanessian

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Melina Ovanessian completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Ovanessian has completed clinical training across a number of sites including St. Michael’s Hospital (Department of Family and Community Medicine), St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic), Sunnybrook Hospital (Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre – Residential Treatment program for OCD), and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Mood and Anxiety Ambulatory Services and Work, Stress and Health Program). Dr. Ovanessian works with adults seeking support for a range of concerns including excessive worry, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Ovanessian works primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) framework, and takes a collaborative, nonjudgmental, and compassionate approach when working with clients, to help them achieve their goals.

Dr. Melina Ovanessian

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Danielle Rice

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Danielle Rice completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at McGill University. In addition to her work at the OCCT, she holds a position at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in the Mood Disorders Program. Dr. Rice’s past professional experience includes providing psychotherapy and assessments at the Jewish General Hospital, the Emotional Health CBT Clinic, McGill University Counselling Centre, and the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal. Dr. Rice completed her predoctoral residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, Behavioural Medicine Consultation Services, Schizophrenia and Severe Mental Illness). Dr. Rice’s primary theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). At the OCCT, Dr. Rice uses a shared decision-making model when engaging in psychotherapy with clients, and she prioritizes forming a therapeutic relationship founded on genuineness and compassion. She has particular interest in working with adults experiencing stress and burnout, mood or anxiety concerns, those with chronic health diagnoses, pregnant or postpartum women, and individuals diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia.

Dr. Danielle Rice

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Maryam Sharif-Razi

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Maryam Sharif-Razi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary. Dr. Sharif-Razi’s most recent experience includes a position at the Homewood Health Centre where she provided inpatient assessments and outpatient treatment to clients with PTSD and other co-occurring conditions. She also has worked at the University of Waterloo’s Wellness Centre, the Addiction Centre at the Foothills Medical Centre, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the inpatient unit at Rockyview Hospital, the neuropsychology department at the South Health Campus hospital, and in private practice. She also has worked as an instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. Dr. Sharif-Razi has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Sharif-Razi has an integrative approach, incorporating CBT with other empirical modalities (e.g., schema therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based approaches, relapse prevention, and interpersonal therapy). She is trained in providing Cognitive Processing Therapy to clients with complex PTSD. At the OCCT, Dr. Sharif-Razi provides assessment and treatment services for a wide range of clinical issues. She has a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, work-related stress, and addictive disorders.

Dr. Maryam Sharif-Razi

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Jesse Silberstein

Position: Psy.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Jesse Silberstein completed his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Long Island University. His past professional experience includes positions within various community mental health and hospital-based settings, such as Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, and WellSpan Philhaven Community Mental Health Center. Dr. Silberstein completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton where he specialized in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders. At the OCCT, Dr. Silberstein provides assessment and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) services for adults struggling with stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Dr. Silberstein uses a collaborative and empathic approach to develop a shared understanding of clients’ goals and how to overcome barriers that are interfering with achieving them.

Dr. Jesse Silberstein

Psy.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Janelle Steckley

Position: Psy.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Janelle Steckley completed her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Adler University and completed her residency here at the OCCT. Prior to residency, her clinical training experience included positions with a private practice in North Vancouver providing therapy to adolescents and adults with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders; WorkBC Vancouver providing therapy to clients who were unemployed; and WorkSafeBC conducting assessments for clients who experienced a psychological and/or physical trauma within the workplace.

Dr. Steckley practices primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach and incorporates third-wave CBTs (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy). At the OCCT, she provides treatment services for adults presenting with a range of concerns including excessive worry, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Dr. Steckley has a particular interest in the assessment, treatment, and return to work efforts for clients who have experienced a psychological and/or physical trauma within the workplace. She also provides ADHD and psychoeducational assessment services for adults.

Dr. Janelle Steckley

Psy.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Thulasi Thiruchselvam

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Thulasi (pronounced “Thoo-le-see”) Thiruchselvam completed her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto. In her clinical training, she has conducted both comprehensive assessments and psychotherapy in a variety of settings, including counselling at the University of Toronto, as well as hospital outpatient and day programs at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She works with adults presenting with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, body image concerns, relational difficulties, and stress. Dr. Thiruchselvam approaches psychological treatment through an integrative approach, with primary emphasis on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and emotion regulation skills.

Dr. Thulasi Thiruchselvam

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Amy Tran

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Amy Tran completed her Ph.D at the University of Windsor’s Clinical Psychology program. She has received intensive training to work with children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with a variety of mental health concerns. Her training has spanned multiple settings which include The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism, The Psychological Services and Research Centre in Windsor, Regional Children’s Centre, Grand River Hospital, Youthdale Treatment Centres, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and several private practices across Ontario. Dr. Tran’s therapeutic approach though primarily Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, also incorporates elements of other evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and mindfulness into her work. She focuses on creating a safe space for clients to self-reflect and learn skills to help them live a more peaceful and meaningful life. At OCCT, Dr. Tran provides assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults. She is particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, phobia, panic disorder), perfectionism, depression, self-esteem issues, stress-related difficulties, and interpersonal/social challenges. She also provides psycho-educational assessments for various conditions, such as learning disabilities, attention related concerns, and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments. Dr. Tran can provide services in English and Cantonese.

Dr. Amy Tran

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Rebecca Vendittelli

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Rebecca Vendittelli completed her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology at the University of Victoria and her residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology. Prior to residency, Dr. Vendittelli has gained experience applying evidence-based therapy approaches at Victoria Mental Health Centre’s Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Vancouver CBT Centre, and the University of Victoria’s Psychology Clinic. Across these settings, she has treated adults with anxiety disorders and depression. She also worked with new and expecting mothers presenting with perinatal mental health challenges.

Dr. Vendittelli practices primarily from a cognitive-behavioural approach (CBT), integrating skills such as self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance. Her approach is coloured by an existential lens, where she strives to deeply understand her clients unique human experiences and meet them with compassion and empathy, stemming from an understanding of our shared humanity. She views a non-judgemental stance as crucial to therapy and aims to provide her clients with a space where they feel comfortable to share, validated, and understood, acknowledging the importance of the therapeutic relationship in treatment. At the OCCT, Dr. Vendittelli provides assessment and treatment services for adults presenting with anxiety, stress, and mood-related challenges.

Dr. Rebecca Vendittelli

Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice

Dr. Dora Zalai

Position: M.D., Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Dora Zalai completed medical training in Hungary and worked as a physician prior to embarking upon a career as a psychologist. She has held positions at the University Health Network, London Health Sciences, St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Care (Hamilton) and a number of sleep clinics throughout Ontario. At the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Zalai provides cognitive behavioural, mindfulness and acceptance-based treatments to older adolescents and adults who feel tired, overwhelmed, unhappy, anxious, or stuck in life. In addition, she provides cutting-edge sleep and body clock assessments and individually-tailored treatment interventions for sleeping difficulties. She can also incorporate sleep assessment and treatment into her work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, medical conditions, chronic pain and post-concussion symptoms. Dr. Zalai has educated clinicians and patient groups about the relationship between sleep, fatigue, mental and physical health in Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa and is passionate about developing cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia programs in community and in hospital settings.

Dr. Dora Zalai

M.D., Ph.D., C. Psych.

Dr. Dan Zdzieborski

Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists

Dr. Dan Zdzieborski’s training and experience is in the area of child and adolescent clinical and forensic psychology. His recent professional experiences include positions with the Better Behaviours Service and Adolescent Forensic Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. He has also held positions at Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health Services, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services. In addition to working in private practice, he currently holds a position at Kinark, Child and Family Services, and specifically, the Syl Apps Youth Centre, where he provides evidence-based psychological services to youth who have serious mental health difficulties and are also in conflict with the law. Dr. Zdzieborski has a particular interest in providing assessment and treatment services to children and youth who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma-related, disruptive behaviour, and psychotic disorders. He offers CBT to address his client’s individual needs, as well as Parent Management Training to support parents in managing their children’s behaviour and mental health.

Dr. Dan Zdzieborski

Ph.D., C. Psych.

Supervised Clinical Therapists

Ivana Marcincinova

Position: M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists

Ivana Marcincinova is a Ph.D. Candidate in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology at the University of Guelph. She successfully completed her clinical residency at the Waterloo Region Psychology Consortium (WRPC), where she provided assessment and treatment for children and adolescents at Lutherwood and the Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment at the University of Waterloo. She also received training at Hamilton Health Sciences, the Toronto Region District School Board, the Centre for Psychological Services at the University of Guelph, and at local private practices providing assessments, and both individual and group therapy. Ivana provides psychological treatment to children, adolescents and young adults who are experiencing various mental-health and behavioural concerns. In therapy, Ivana integrates skills from different therapeutic modalities based on the needs of the client and their family (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, among others). Ivana prides herself on providing therapy that is guided by the client’s needs from a strength-based lens. She strives to provide her clients with space to be heard without judgment, while supporting the development of skills to support individual growth. Ivana has worked with clients and their families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, trauma, developmental disorders, anxiety, and mood-related challenges.

Ivana Marcincinova

M.A., Ph.D. Candidate

Danielle Uy

Position: M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists

Danielle Uy is completing her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her practice is strongly rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and her work primarily involves the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders in the adult population. Danielle has received clinical training from a number of sites, including St. Michaels Hospital (Department of Family and Community Medicine), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre – Residential Treatment program for OCD), B&C Health Canada, and Toronto Metropolitan University. At the OCCT, Danielle offers assessment and treatment services to adults experiencing a wide range of problems including those related to mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviours, and insomnia.

Danielle Uy

M.A., Ph.D. Candidate

Administrative Team

Tracey

Position: Office Manager
Categories: Administrative Team

Tracey joined the OCCT in 2018, bringing with her many years of administrative and banking experience. She has also been involved in coaching gymnastics to young children, assisting with a kindergarten readiness program, and volunteering as a group facilitator at a grief and bereavement support centre for children and families. As part of the OCCT’s administrative team, Tracey liaises with patients and referral partners, assists with scheduling, and manages a range of business-related matters.

Tracey

Office Manager

Hannah

Position: Administrative Assistant
Categories: Administrative Team

Hannah joined the Oakville Centre For Cognitive Therapy in 2021 after graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Brain, and Cognition. She also completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Disability Management at Mohawk College. She brings administrative and data management experience from previous positions held while attending school. As part of OCCT’s administrative team, Hannah supports patients with scheduling and a wide range of administrative responsibilities.

Hannah

Administrative Assistant

Diane

Position: Administrative Assistant
Categories: Administrative Team

Diane joined the OCCT team in 2020. Prior to this, she held an administrative position in childcare within the school board. She also spent several years in the classroom working directly with teachers and children, as well as being greatly involved in volunteering with children over the last 15 years. At the OCCT, Diane handles a wide range of administrative responsibilities.

Diane

Administrative Assistant

Logan

Position: Administrative Assistant
Categories: Administrative Team

Logan joined our administrative team in 2022. She has extensive administration experience and strong interpersonal and organizational skills acquired over 8 years of working in administration. Logan previously held an office manager position at a psychological office for over 4 years. She possesses a broad understanding of administrative duties and procedures, and a fluid set of skills which support our team here at the OCCT. Logan is a warm and welcoming presence at reception who is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the day-to-day office administration.

Logan

Administrative Assistant

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

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