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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Pauline Leung completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University and concurrent to her work at the OCCT, holds a position at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. She completed her predoctoral residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, providing psychological services to adults within the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (ATRC) and the Forensic Psychiatry Program. Other experience includes placements with Maple Family Health Team, services affiliated with Queen’s University (Student Wellness Services, The Psychology Clinic), Kingston Health Sciences Centre (Family Court Clinic, Adult Eating Disorders Program), Providence Care Hospital (Forensic Mental Health), and Forensic Behaviour Services. At the OCCT, Dr. Leung provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and strives to be collaborative and nonjudgmental in her approach. She has a particular interest in working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety and/or anxiety-related issues.

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. 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 struggling with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, and body shape and weight concerns.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.