“Our mission is to help people improve and maintain their mental health through research-supported methods of psychological assessment and treatment.”
Associates at Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy are all either Ph.D. level psychologists registered by The College of Psychologists of Ontario, or Clinical Psychology Ph.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 children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
(Click on image to view bio)
Directors
Dr. Robert Ferguson
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Directors
Dr. 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. 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.
Registered Psychologists
Dr. Stephen R. Swallow
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. 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. Abid Azam
Position: PH.D., C. PSYCH. SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Abid Azam completed his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and a graduate diploma in Health Psychology at York University. Abid 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, Abid 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.
Dr. Abid Azam
PH.D., C. PSYCH. SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Dr. Kristen Adams
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. 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. Mariyam Ahmed
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. Ahmed’s recent professional experience includes positions at the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, Mood Disorders Program and Eating Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. She has also received training at the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. Dr. Ahmed has a special interest in the application of CBT to the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, relationship concerns and interpersonal difficulties. She provides assessment and treatment services for adults, adolescents and couples. Dr. Ahmed is fluent in Urdu and Hindi and can offer services in these languages.
Dr. Mariyam Ahmed
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Simerpreet Ahuja
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Simerpreet Ahuja completed her doctoral training in psychology at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) in Patiala India in 2009. Prior to coming to Canada, she spent several years as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at TIET, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, while also maintaining an active program of research—she has published peer-reviewed papers in a number of well-regarded academic journals. In addition to her teaching and research work, Dr. Ahuja has many years of experience providing psychotherapy and counselling services. At the OCCT, Dr. Ahuja works with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, anger, stress, low self-esteem and relationship problems. She has a special interest in providing vocational assessment services for individuals seeking guidance in career planning. Dr. Ahuja offers services in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Dr. Simerpreet Ahuja
Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Dr. Dean Carcone
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dean Carcone completed his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. Dean’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, Ryerson University, and the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital. Dean’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). He works with adults and strives to collaboratively implement individually-tailored CBT programs to help support them through and help them learn strategies to manage challenging mental health symptoms. Dean has been providing individual therapy for over seven years, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, phobias, and depression.
Dr. Dean Carcone
Ph.D., C. Psych. Supervised Practice
Dr. Oksana Gravets
Position: Psych.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. Gravets recently held a staff position at St. Michael’s Hospital’s Department of Family and Community Medicine working with a variety of presenting difficulties. At the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, she provided treatments for traumatic stress injuries in veterans, serving members of the Canadian Forces and the police. More recently at the Toronto Western Hospital she was working with individuals experiencing work-related psychological trauma, physical injuries and chronic pain. Dr. Gravets also has experience practising in various healthcare settings in the U.K. including a family medicine health care team, a community child and adolescent mental health care service, an adolescent inpatient unit, a drug addictions service and a specialist inpatient and outpatient HIV clinic. Dr. Gravets provides CBT for a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, chronic pain, bereavement, relationship difficulties, trauma, substance use disorders and chronic health problems. Her commitment lies with delivering evidence-based and outcome-oriented assessments and treatment plans which incorporate clients’ unique needs and goals.
Dr. Oksana Gravets
Psych.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Pauline Leung
Position: PH.D., C. Psych Supervised Practice
Categories: Registered Psychologists
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, Pauline 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. Pauline Leung
PH.D., C. Psych Supervised Practice
Dr. Mirmahmoud Mirnasab
Position: PH.D., C. PSYCH. SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Categories: Registered Psychologists
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. SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Dr. Melissa Mohan
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. 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. Lorah Pilchak Harley
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. Lorah Pilchak Harley is a clinical psychologist and school psychologist working with children, teens, and adults. In addition to her work in private practice, she is currently employed at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), where she provides psychoeducational assessments. She also delivers professional development seminars on children’s mental health, learning and executive functioning issues, and fostering resilience. She serves as a member of the TDSB’s Identification Placement Review Committee, which serves to provide exceptionality identifications and determine educational support services. Dr. Pilchak Harley has previously held 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.
Dr. Lorah Pilchak Harley
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Vicki Rombough
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. Rombough works with children, adolescents and young adults. In addition to her work at the OCCT, she provides 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.
Dr. Susan Sergeant
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. Sergeant’s recent professional experiences include positions at the Centre for Mental Health Research and University of Waterloo Counselling and Psychological Services, the Work, Stress, and Health Program at CAMH, the York University Anxiety Research Lab, and the Vanier Centre for Women and Maplehurst Correctional Complex. She provides assessment and treatment services to adults and adolescents experiencing difficulties related to mood, anxiety, stress, interpersonal issues, eating disorders, chronic pain, and personality problems. In her work with patients, Dr. Sergeant draws on a number of empirically-supported CBT modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy.
Dr. Susan Sergeant
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Leah Tobin
Position: Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Leah Tobin completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Calgary. Her work experience includes positions at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre’s Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Service and its Regional Psychological Assessment Service, the Sunridge Medical Gallery’s Community Mental Health Clinic, the Foothills Medical Centre’s Mood Disorders Program and Addiction Centre, Alberta Health Services’ Forensic Adolescent Program, and the Peter Lougheed Centre’s Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. At the OCCT, Leah provides CBT for adult and adolescent clients who are struggling with anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression. She has a special interest in helping individuals who are struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns.
Dr. Leah Tobin
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Dora Zalai
Position: M.D., Ph.D., C. Psych.
Categories: Registered Psychologists
Dr. 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. 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
Geneva Millett
Position: M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists
Geneva Millett is currently completing her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Ryerson 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, Geneva provides CBT for adults struggling with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, and body shape and weight concerns.
Geneva Millett
M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Melina Ovanessian
Position: M.A., PH.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists
Melina Ovanessian is a supervised clinical therapist, and is nearing completion of her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Ryerson University. With over 5 years of experience providing evidence-based treatments, Melina 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). Melina 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. Melina 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.
Melina Ovanessian
M.A., PH.D. Candidate
Maryam Sharif-Razi
Position: M.Sc., PH.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists
Maryam Sharif-Razi is a Ph.D. Candidate from the University of Calgary. Maryam’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. Maryam has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. Maryam 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, Maryam 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.
Maryam Sharif-Razi
M.Sc., PH.D. Candidate
Victoria Nieborowska
Position: M.A., PH.D. Candidate
Categories: Supervised Clinical Therapists
Victoria Nieborowska is currently completing her doctoral training in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. Her clinical training experience includes 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 Neuroscience Clinic; Alberta Health Services and Substance Abuse Experts Psychological in Addiction Services (1835 House) Adult Long-Term Residential; and the Calgary Board of Education. At the OCCT, Victoria provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and incorporates third-wave CBTs (e.g., mindfulness, DBT) into her work with adults. She is particularly interested in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance use, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Victoria Nieborowska
M.A., PH.D. Candidate
Administrative Team
Tracey McIntosh
Position: Office Manager
Categories: Administrative Team
Ms. McIntosh 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 McIntosh
Office Manager
Hannah Lang
Position: Administrative Assistant
Categories: Administrative Team
Ms. Lang 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, Ms. Lang supports patients with scheduling and a wide range of administrative responsibilities.
Hannah Lang
Administrative Assistant
Diane Martinez
Position: Administrative Assistant
Categories: Administrative Team
Ms. Martinez 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, Ms. Martinez handles a wide range of administrative responsibilities.
Diane Martinez
Administrative Assistant
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.