Residency Program in Clinical Psychology
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Ottawa Institute Institut de thérapie
of Cognitive cognitivo-comportementale
Behavioural Therapy d’Ottawa
The Ottawa Institute of
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT)
Residency Program in
Clinical Psychology
2022-2023
411 Roosevelt Avenue
Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario
K2A 3X9
Tel: (613) 820-9931
Dr. Natasha Ballen, C. Psych.
Training Director - Residency Program
1Philosophy and Goals of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy
The current vision of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) is to
provide assessment and treatment services that are empirically supported, responsive
to our clients’ needs, and reflective of their level of financial and personal resources. We
also aim to emphasize and promote the increasingly important role of psychology as a
leading discipline in the treatment of mental health problems. Consequently, our private
practice model emphasizes the following: 1) the importance of research in our decisions
about treatment; 2) the central role of psychology in generating and directing treatment
within interdisciplinary teams; 3) the need to tailor treatment to patient needs and
resources by offering individual, group, and home- and community-based treatment
options as well as services at reduced rates; 4) the importance of strong ties to academic
institutions and hospitals; and 5) the creation of opportunities for continued
professional development, supervision, and teaching.
While our primary focus is the delivery of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), many of
our staff have experience with empirically-supported treatments that are extensions of
CBT including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness-
Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and
transdiagnostic approaches. In addition, our psychologists are committed to keeping
abreast of the latest research to inform their clinical practice.
The referral sources at the OICBT are varied and include, but are not limited to: self-
referral, family physicians, community psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as the
primary care hospitals and specialized mental health psychiatric facilities in the Ottawa
region. Consequently, our clients present with a wide range of problems with varying
degrees of symptom severity and impairment. Specifically, we see clients that fall within
the following diagnostic groups:
a. Mood disorders (Unipolar Depression, Dysthymia, Bipolar Disorder)
b. Anxiety disorders (GAD, OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder with and without
Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, simple phobias)
c. Personality disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder)
d. Sleep disorders (e.g., Insomnia)
e. Health conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Tinnitus)
f. Rehabilitation conditions (e.g., chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, concussion)
g. Relational and interpersonal problems (i.e., couples therapy)
h. Addiction and substance use problems
For more information about the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy visit
our website at: www.ottawacbt.ca
2Philosophy of the OICBT Clinical Psychology Residency Program
The OICBT offers three unaccredited residency positions. Our residency program is a
member of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP) and a
provisional member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship
Centers (APPIC). We endorse a scientist-practitioner model to training that includes the
delivery of empirically-supported assessment and treatment approaches. We are
committed to preparing psychology residents for autonomous practice through training
in core competencies required by provincial licensing boards and through exposure to a
diversity of issues and topics relevant to professional psychology.
Structure of the Residency Program
The OICBT’s Clinical Psychology Residency Program runs from September through August
(i.e., first business day in September to the last business day in August) and requires the
completion of 2000 hours (minus vacation and professional development leave) of
supervised practice. Residents are expected to work 40 hours per week (including ½ hour
per day for lunch), with specific hours to be determined at the outset of the Residency in
collaboration with the Resident’s Clinical Supervisors and Director of Training. Depending
upon a resident’s involvement in group programming, a resident may be required to work
one evening per week. In this situation, a resident may choose to begin their day later to
account for hours worked in the evening.
During the residency year, residents will spend a minimum of 25% of their time in direct
client contact (approximately 10-12 hours/week). These hours may also include the
provision of evidence-based treatment via videoconference (e.g. OWL). All services are
provided under the supervision of a doctoral-level registered psychologist.
Residents are expected to complete a total of three rotations throughout the duration
of their residency. This includes two 12-month primary rotations and one 12-month
(~1 day/week) secondary rotation.
The two 12-month primary rotations include the Mood and Anxiety Disorders rotation and
one of the following: The DBT Group Therapy Program or the Intensive Day Treatment
Program (for Anxiety, PTSD, & OCD).
The one 12-month secondary rotation includes one of the following options, as available:
Adult ADHD, Business Development, CBT Group Therapy program (i.e., Changing Core Beliefs),
Concurrent Disorders, Health Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Women’s Mental Health,
and Couples’ Therapy.
Additional core training experiences include the completion of comprehensive diagnostic
assessments, supervision of a practicum student, and program development/evaluation. On-
site professional development and training in CBT is offered throughout the residency year
within the context of our internal and external CBT training programs and workshop series.
3Example Training Plan:
Primary Rotation A: Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program
Primary Rotation B: DBT Individual and Group Therapy
Secondary Rotation: Adult ADHD
Supplemental Experiences: Assessment (intake and comprehensive diagnostics)
Program development and evaluation
Supervision of a practicum student
Supervision and Didactic Training
Individual Supervision: Residents receive a minimum of four hours of supervision per
week in individual and group formats. This may include a minimum of one hour of
supervision on individual therapy cases, one hour of supervision on group therapy
facilitation, one hour of group supervision on comprehensive diagnostic assessments, 30
minutes of supervision on supervision, and 30 minutes of supervision on program
development and evaluation.
Coaching: As part of the group programs (e.g. Core Beliefs Group, DBT group) and our
Intensive Treatment Program, residents receive didactic instruction and observe their
supervisor delivering treatment. In these programs, residents are also directly observed
and coached in delivering specific interventions prior to providing treatment
independently.
Case Conferences and Seminars: From October through March of the training year,
residents attend weekly on-site didactic seminars focused on the modelling and
practicing of key CBT skills. They are encouraged to attend and contribute to case
discussions and discussion of professional practice issues during weekly clinic wide case
discussion meetings. Residents also attend city-wide seminars that occur one Friday
afternoon per month. This provides OICBT residents the opportunity to connect with
residents from various training sites located throughout the Ottawa region.
Example Seminar Schedule:
OICBT Weekly Case Discussion: Tuesdays from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
CBT Seminar: Fridays from 9:30am to 12:00pm
City-Wide Seminar Series: Once monthly half-day seminars (in collaboration
with the other residency programs in Ottawa)
4Training in Core Clinical Competencies
Residents work collaboratively with supervisors and the training director to identify their
training goals and interests across eight core clinical competencies: assessment,
intervention, consultation, program evaluation/development, interpersonal
relationships, professional standards and ethics, diversity and individual differences, and
supervision.
In order to meet these clinical training goals, residents are exposed to the following:
direct client contact, direct observation and coaching of core clinical skills by a clinical
supervisor, seminars to discuss professional and clinical development issues and models
of supervision, individual and/or group supervision focused on the identified
competency area, and an evaluation of the level of the residents’ skills.
1. Assessment and Diagnostic Skills. Residents complete standard intake
assessments for both individual and group therapy clients. As part of the general
intake, cognitive behavioural formulations and case conceptualization of specific
problem areas are completed with the goal of specifying factors that may maintain,
exacerbate or alleviate specified problems. In both individual and group therapy
contexts, self-report measures are used to collect demographic data, assess
symptom severity levels and level of functioning. Depending on client needs and
the complexity of the presenting problems, residents have the opportunity to offer
more comprehensive diagnostic services using semi- structured interviews (e.g.,
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, MINI). These opportunities provide
residents with skills in case formulation, selecting appropriate measures for
assessment and symptom monitoring, providing assessment feedback and
communicating appropriate diagnoses, report writing in a private practice setting,
and creating and implementing a treatment plan.
Requirements: Over the course of the residency, residents will be required to
conduct a minimum of 6 information and screening sessions, 12 intake sessions,
6 comprehensive diagnostic assessments, and a general treatment plan for each
individual therapy client being followed for treatment.
2. Intervention. Residents engage in approximately 7 individual or couples therapy
contacts per week for the duration of their residency. The number of sessions and
frequency of visits per client may vary depending on the specified problem,
symptom severity, levels of impairment, client goals, financial resources and
progress. Residents will have the opportunity to follow 1-2 longer-term therapy
cases over the course of their residency. A portion of these individual therapy cases
are seen within the context of specific programs at the OICBT (i.e., Intensive
Treatment Program, Dialectal Behavioural Therapy Group Program).
5In terms of group therapy experience, residents co-facilitate 1-2 CBT-based groups
over the course of their residency. Residents learn to apply group level
interventions and work collaboratively with a co-therapist. Residents may be
involved in pre-group assessment sessions as required. Groups are CBT-based, vary
in the number of sessions offered, and are based on treatment manuals that are
empirically supported. Treatment groups include the following: CBT for Anxiety and
Depression, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Changing Core Beliefs. Residents
also have the opportunity to be involved in the delivery of group treatment within
the context of the intensive day treatment program rotation, as well as to
participate in our weekly family accommodation sessions. The focus of the
accommodation sessions is on supporting the client in making the identified
treatment changes and involves weekly sessions with the client and their family.
Sessions often focus on educating significant others about the primary problem of
concern, identifying collaborative goals towards helping the client and the family
system in the context of the home environment, reducing accommodation
behaviours that may reinforce the problem(s) of concern, and leveraging the
supportive aspect of these relationships to help the client meet their functional
goals.
Requirements: Approximately 7 hours per week of individual therapy. One to two
longer-term therapy cases (6-12 months). Lead and/or co-facilitate 1-2 CBT-based
groups.
3. Consultation. Residents at the OICBT work within an interprofessional setting
wherein they are involved in various consultation activities. These activities may
include the following: a) providing peer consultation to a fellow group of practicum
students/residents on more complex assessment and treatment presentations;
b) consultation with an on-site Social Worker with concurrent disorders
experience; c) opportunities to provide consultation to Social Workers and
Occupational Therapists; d) disseminating information about the OICBT to
community and hospital organizations; e) involvement in training and consultation
to community treatment teams interested in implementing CBT strategies in their
treatment centers; and f) participating in the marketing and promotional aspects
relevant to creating, maintaining, and developing a private practice that focuses on
social enterprise goals. Residents are also expected to engage in consultation with
external agencies as the need arises.
Requirements: Receiving and providing consultation to other inter-disciplinary
team members within and outside of the clinic as needed for each client being
assessed or followed in treatment (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour per week).
Regular involvement in bi-weekly clinic wide case discussion meetings. Residents
may also be involved in one of the consultation activities identified above as
needed and when relevant to training goals and rotation placements.
64. Program Development and Evaluation. Residents spend approximately 12 hours
per month (i.e., 3 half-days) completing program development and evaluation
research. Each resident is expected to complete an evaluation project during the
residency year with a supervising psychologist at the OICBT. This may include using
data that we collect on self-report measures of symptom severity and level of
functioning with the goal of monitoring and improving the quality of the services
we provide. Examples of evaluation projects include the investigation of the
possible benefits of providing supplementary individual sessions during group
therapy vs. group contacts only; analysis of institutional data of interest; and
evaluation of group therapy outcomes using quantitative and qualitative methods.
A resident may also choose to complete a project in the area of business
development. This option offers an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in how
to create, maintain, and grow the business of private practice. Examples of possible
projects include developing and disseminating a brochure of the OICBT for family
physicians in the community or developing a project and applying for funding with
the purpose of providing services at lower rates to clients in the community.
Requirements: Completion of one applied research project and/or business
development project.
5. Interpersonal Relationships. Through didactic seminars, readings, and discussions
in supervision, residents increase their awareness of the factors that contribute to
the establishment and maintenance of strong interpersonal relationships and work
at constantly improving these relationships. For instance, when working with
clients they consider their clients’ unique characteristics, they regularly assess
where their clients are in the therapeutic process and adjust their approach
accordingly, and they reflect on their own characteristics (e.g., biases, values,
motivation) and how these characteristics can influence the therapeutic
relationship.
Requirements: Demonstrate skills in the development of strong therapeutic
relationships with clients, key relationships with supervisors, and working well with
colleagues.
6. Diversity and Individual Differences. Through didactic seminars, readings, and
discussions in supervision, residents develop an awareness and sensitivity to
diversity issues (e.g., cultural, sexual orientation, language, gender, spirituality,
physical disability).
Requirements: Demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity to diversity issues in clinical
practice.
77. Professional Ethics and Standards. Residents learn to apply the CPA code of ethics
and standards to all aspects of their professional work. Training is provided in
individual supervision and through didactic instruction (in-house and city-wide
seminars). In addition to topics that are covered in other settings, residents are
also exposed to issues that are especially relevant to private practice settings,
including the role of payment in negotiating treatment contracts with clients,
boundaries and responsibilities with third-party payers, financial and organizational
issues associated with maintaining a group private practice clinic, and promotion of
services.
Requirements: Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics and applicable
standards in clinical practice.
8. Supervision of Students & Coaching in Clinics. The OICBT recognizes the
importance of training students in the provision of supervision. With each type of
supervision experience, residents develop their supervision skills through
observation, modelling, and independently supervising Ph.D. level practicum
students in at least two of the following areas: 1) Individual supervision:
Supervision of one Ph.D. student in psychology on one individual therapy case. This
takes place during the second half of the residency; 2) Group supervision: Providing
group supervision to a group of Ph.D. students in psychology on diagnostic/
assessment and treatment planning issues. This takes place over the course of the
residency, beginning with the observation of a psychologist providing group
supervision, co-leading group supervision, and eventually leading group
supervision; 3) Coaching: In the intensive day treatment program, residents
observe a supervisor delivering treatment for three weeks before being observed
delivering treatment by the same supervisor for 3 weeks. When possible, this
model is then adopted by residents who are involved in supervising practicum level
students; 4) Group therapy supervision: Supervising a clinical psychology practicum
student on group therapy. This would also take place during the second half of the
residency after the resident has completed observation and co-facilitation of the
same group with a supervising clinical psychologist. The resident will then take the
lead role where they will have a clinical psychology practicum student as co-
facilitator.
Residents will receive a minimum of 30 minutes of individual supervision on their
supervision activities per week from a psychologist at the OICBT.
Requirements: 1) Supervision of one practicum student on one individual therapy
case; 2) Supervision of students in a group or intensive treatment context and/or
co-facilitate a CBT group or intensive clinic with a practicum student and provide
supervision for the same student through direct modelling and coaching of core
clinical skills.
8Professional Development
The OICBT provides residents with $500 towards professional development activities
(e.g., conferences, therapy workshops, books).
Evaluation and Feedback
In order to facilitate personal and professional growth during residency, the OICBT is
committed to facilitating ongoing feedback between residents, supervisors, and the
training director. At the OICBT, residents take part in an orientation session to the
practice as well as regular monthly meetings with the training director to ensure that
the residency is meeting the resident’s needs.
As part of an informal and formal evaluation process, residents undergo direct and
indirect observation by their supervisors while providing clinical services (e.g., audiotaped
sessions; supervisors observing live sessions; coaching, group co- facilitation).
Residents also receive formal written quarterly evaluations. These evaluations provide
an opportunity to review progress on resident goals and identify areas of strength and
areas needing further improvement that can be developed in the remainder of the
rotation and residency. Summaries of the evaluations are sent to each resident’s
university to document their progress. Each evaluation is geared towards a competency-
based approach wherein residents are evaluated on the following skills and ability areas:
interpersonal relationships with clients and other professionals; clinical assessment,
testing, and report writing skills; clinical intervention skills; supervision (utilization of
supervision and feedback; provision of supervision); scientific knowledge of
psychological theory and research; clinical research skills; self-assessment (e.g.,
reflective practice); professionalism; and professional ethics.
At the end of their training year, residents have the opportunity to complete evaluations
of their rotations, supervisors, and training director. Residents evaluate their supervisors
(e.g., quality, availability, etc.), satisfaction with client contact, overall quality of the
rotations, and the value of their experiences in meeting their goals. Residents are
encouraged to provide informal feedback to supervisors throughout their rotations to
address any concerns that may arise. Residents also complete evaluations of the didactic
seminars and have the opportunity to provide feedback on their overall experience as a
resident to the training director at the end of their residency year.
The OICBT also has clear guidelines and procedures for handling any grievance that may
arise during residency.
9Summary of Core Activities
The following is an example of weekly activities a resident may be involved in once they
are functioning at full capacity (i.e., after 2 to 3 months into residency). The resident’s
40 hours per week may be allocated as follows:
Direct contact:
(~ 12 hours) 7 individual therapy hours
2 group therapy hours
1 assessment/intake (~ 1.5 hours)
1.5 hours (~) as part of a comprehensive diagnostic
assessment
Supervision: 1 hour of supervision on individual therapy
(4 hours) 1 hour of supervision on group therapy
1 hour of supervision on assessment & treatment
planning
30 min on program development/evaluation
30 min on supervision of supervision
Consultation: 1 hour providing consultation to practicum students on
(1 hour) assessment and treatment planning
Program evaluation: 0.5 day of program evaluation (3 days/month; ~ 3 hrs/week)
(3 hours)
Supervisory experiences: 1 hour of providing supervision to practicum student(s)
(1 hour)
Didactic seminars: Seminar on CBT specifically, wider clinical issues and
(4 hours) case discussion/presentation and professional issues in
private practice
Attending monthly City-wide seminars
Support hours: These hours include but are not limited to report writing,
(12.5 hours) reading, peer consultation, clinical documentation, etc.
TOTAL PROJECTED HOURS
Total direct hours (individual, group, assessment) = 12 hours
Supervision hours = 4 hours
Consultation = 1 hour
Research/Program Evaluation = 3 hours
Provision of Supervision = 1 hour
Didactic Seminars = 4 hours
Support hours = 12.5 hours
Total hours = 37.5 hours
10Physical Facilities
Therapy Facilities
Each resident is provided an office with a telephone. Residents are required to supply their
own computer. Internet access is provided as well as access to a communal printer that is
shared with members of the practice. Residents also have access to two group therapy
rooms.
The University of Ottawa Library
Residents who are registered in a graduate university program (e.g., PhD in Clinical
Psychology) can obtain a library card from the University of Ottawa so that they can
access library resources (e.g., books, journal articles etc.).
Requirements for Candidacy
In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, only applicants who are
Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada will be considered. The OICBT is
committed to employment equity and encourages applications from individuals from
diverse genders, communities, cultures, histories and experiences, including visible
minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities.
Applicants are required to have their doctoral dissertation proposal approved and will
have completed all coursework prior to the residency. Applicants more likely to be ready
to submit or defend their thesis prior to commencing the residency will, all other things
being equal, be ranked more highly.
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 1200 practicum hours (direct + support
+ supervision) that includes a minimum of 300 hours total direct client contact
(minimum of 200 hours clinical intervention and 80 hours of clinical assessment), 150
hours of supervision, and the remaining hours as support activities. Applicants are not
rated on the basis of “raw number of practicum hours” as we feel the quality and depth
of practicum training is more relevant than total number of hours. A minimum of five
integrated written assessment reports, and provision of therapy to a minimum of five
patients/clients is required to apply.
Stipend
The stipend for each resident position for the 2022-2023 year is set at $30,000 CAD.
11Benefits
1. Health care: Residents are eligible to apply for coverage under the Ontario Health
Insurance Plan.
2. Vacation and professional development leave: Residents receive 15 days (3 weeks) of
vacation and all statutory holidays. Residents also receive 3 days of professional
development leave (e.g., conferences, defending dissertation).
3. Sick leave: Residents are entitled to 5 sick days.
Application Procedure
The OICBT’s residency program (APPIC program code number: 188011) in clinical psychology
is a member of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP) and a
provisional member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers
(APPIC), and adheres to APPIC policy regarding internship offers and acceptances. This
residency site agrees to abide by the APPIC policy that no person at this training facility solicit,
accept or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant.
This residency program is participating in the APPIC Internship Matching Program. All
applicants must register with the National Matching Services to be considered for this
residency.
Applicants must complete the following through the Applicant Portal of the AAPI online:
1. Completed APPIC Application
2. Verification and electronic signature completed by the University Training Director
attesting to the applicant’s readiness for an internship
3. The names and contact information (i.e., phone number, email address, title, place of
employment) of 3 persons familiar with the applicant's clinical and professional experience
and performance. One of these referees should be the applicant’s thesis supervisor.
4. Graduate transcripts
5. Curriculum Vitae
We encourage applicants to indicate their preferences for training experiences within their
cover letters, as this allows us to make every effort to ensure that applicants who interview
at our site are able to meet with potential supervisors during the interview.
Completed applications must be received no later than Monday November 15, 2021
12Aligned with the suggested CCPPP member program guidelines, we will be following the
recommended 2-step process with respect to interview notification and interview
scheduling. Specifically:
Step 1: All offers to interview with OICBT will be made on Friday December 3, 2021, by
email. Applicants are not expected to make any commitments on this day.
Step 2: After 11:00 am in the Eastern Time Zone on Monday, December 6, 2021 applicants
who have been offered an interview are welcome to contact OICBT via email to respond to
interview offers. We will not be scheduling any interviews before this time.
The OICBT will be conducting interviews on the following dates within the CCPPP East/Atlantic
window of January 5-17, 2022. Please note that due to COVID-19, possible travel restrictions
and physical distancing needs, all interviews for OICBT 2022-2023 interview dates will be
virtual (phone or videoconferencing). We will not be offering any in-person interviews.
Monday, January 10, 2022
Friday, January 14, 2022
Monday, January 17, 2022
This residency site agrees that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept or
use any ranking-related information from any resident applicant.
If you have any questions about our program, please do not hesitate to contact:
Dr. Natasha Ballen (Training Director – Residency Program)
411 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 3X9
Tel: (613)–820-9931 x227
Email: drnballen@ottawacbt.ca
For more information about the OICBT please visit: www.ottawacbt.ca
13About the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the
City of Ottawa
The Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) was founded in 2009 by
Drs. Connie Dalton, Anand Prabhu, François Rousseau, Jeanne Talbot and John Telner.
The OICBT is a treatment and training institute. Our group is comprised of a large
number of psychologists and psychologists under supervised practice as well as other
mental health professionals brought together by our common interest and expertise in
providing therapy as well as professional training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
We offer individual and group therapy services.
Most members of the OICBT have been involved in hospital-based practice and have
received in-depth training in the delivery of evidence-based treatments. We offer CBT
workshops and are involved in training psychology, psychiatry and medical residents.
Our team has a wealth of experience using the CBT model to treat psychological
problems.
OICBT Location (Westboro, Ottawa)
Located 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, the OICBT is located in Westboro, which is
surrounded by an impressive array of nearly 200 shops, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms,
and services. Westboro hosts a yearly arts and music festival that features a variety of
local and national performers. In addition, the OICBT is located near the Ottawa River,
cycling trails, and on central bus routes.
For more information about the OICBT please visit: www.ottawacbt.ca
For more information about Westboro:
www.ottawatourism.ca/member/westboro-village/
City of Ottawa
With a population of over 1 million people, Ottawa is the capital of Canada and home to
Canada’s federal government. The Ottawa River borders Ottawa, and the Rideau River
and Rideau Canal flow through Ottawa. Ottawa is bordered by the province of Quebec
and includes Gatineau Park, lakes, and ski resorts merely 20 minutes from downtown
Ottawa. Ottawa is known for its museums, art galleries, parks, outdoor activities,
festivals and concerts (e.g., Canada Day, Winterlude, Blues Fest, and Jazz Festival). The
city is also home to Carleton University, St. Paul’s University, and the University of
Ottawa.
For more information about the City of Ottawa: www.ottawatourism.ca
14Supervisors and Staff at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy
Training Director – Residency Program
Dr. Natasha Ballen, Psychologist
Dr. Natasha Ballen is a Clinical and Health Psychologist who provides individual, couple,
and group therapy treatment to adults. She uses primarily a cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT) approach, however she also has training and experience in other
approaches including experiential (EFT for couples), interpersonal, and Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy. She treats a wide variety of problems, including mood and anxiety-
related disorders, personality-related problems, health issues (e.g., coping with acute
and chronic medical problems), and women’s health concerns. An area of special
interest and experience is in the assessment and treatment of psychological issues
related to pregnancy and postpartum adjustment (e.g., postpartum depression and
anxiety, “baby blues”).
Administrative Staff
Administrative assistant for the Residency Training Program: Lisa Dalton (email:
info@ottawacbt.ca)
Other Training Staff/Supervisors
Dr. Natasha Bouchard, Psychologist (Maternity Leave)
Dr. Natasha Bouchard provides adult clients with assessment and treatment for anxiety,
depression, grief and loss, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, low self-worth/
esteem, and negative core beliefs. She has a special interest in pregnancy, perinatal and
postpartum depression and anxiety. Natasha collaborates with her clients to develop a
treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals. She uses a cognitive behavioural
approach and integrates elements of Schema Therapy, experiential, and Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy. Natasha leads the Core Beliefs group therapy program at OICBT,
which helps clients learn to challenge longstanding negative core beliefs with the goal of
developing a healthier and more positive self- view. She is excited to begin incorporating
the use of Virtual Reality technology into treatment for anxiety to help clients face and
overcome fears.
Dr. Connie Dalton, Psychologist
Dr. Dalton is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy. She participated in the specialized Extramural Training Program at the Beck
Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research. She was also a clinical staff member at the
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, where she was responsible for the development of
programming for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. She offers supervision
and training for psychology and family medicine residents, as well as other mental
15health professionals. Dr. Dalton provides individual therapy for anxiety and mood
disorders using CBT and is co-directing the group therapy program being offered at the
OICBT. An area of focus and proficiency is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of
anxiety, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Cathy Dandurand, Psychologist
Dr. Dandurand’s theoretical approach implements a cognitive behavioural approach
comprised of elements of Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,
experiential, interpersonal, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Dr.
Dandurand's practice (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment) is in the service of adult
populations experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar, post-partum
depression, etc.), anxiety (social, generalized, health anxiety, specific phobias, panic,
agoraphobia, etc.); obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCD, hair-pulling, skin-
picking, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, etc.), post-traumatic stress disorder/
trauma and abuse; eating disorders (e.g., AN, BN, overeating) and psychosis. Additionally,
her practice focuses on working with individuals experiencing personality-related
problems (e.g., borderline personality disorder), alcohol/substance use, grief counselling,
relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, insomnia, and stress management. Dr.
Dandurand collaboratively tailors her work to target clients' individual needs and
strengths and has a vested interest in stigma-reduction related to mental health
difficulties.
Dr. Meredith Foot, Psychologist (Maternity Leave)
Dr. Foot is a clinical and health psychologist providing cognitive behavioural therapy
combined with mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. She works with adult
clients experiencing a range of difficulties, including mood disorders (depression, bipolar
disorder), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder,
agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobias), and adjustment related
difficulties (e.g., stressful life transitions, grief, work-related challenges). She also has an
interest in helping clients address low self-esteem, relationship concerns, anger
management problems, and difficulties with assertiveness. In the area of health and
illness, Dr. Foot works with individuals experiencing health-related anxiety as well as
those adjusting to illness (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer). Dr. Foot has
experience working in hospital-based settings and was previously on staff at the Ottawa
Hospital with the Shared Mental Health Care Program. She brings a caring, collaborative
approach to her work with clients and aims to help individuals identify and work
towards their goals. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Foot is involved in the
supervision and training of doctoral students in clinical psychology.
Dr. Pete Kelly, Psychologist
Dr. Kelly provides individual and group treatment to adults for mood and anxiety
disorders using cognitive behavioural therapies including Schema Therapy and
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. An area of focus and interest is the treatment of
posttraumatic stress using CBT techniques. Dr. Kelly’s approach focuses on building skills
in identifying and changing patterns of behavior that may be getting in the way of clients
16realizing their goals. Prior to joining the OICBT, Dr. Kelly was a psychologist in the
Anxiety Disorders Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. He is currently an
Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Lecturer in the
Department of Psychology at Carleton University. In addition to publishing scientific
papers, Dr. Kelly is co-author on “Treating Psychosis: A Clinician's Guide to Mindfulness,
Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Approaches within the Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy Tradition”. He is also author of the Canadian adaptation of the textbook
“Research Methods in Psychology” for Oxford University Press.
Dr. Jeff Perron, Psychologist
Dr. Perron provides clinical psychology services to adults, with a particular focus on the
areas of mood and anxiety disorders. Guided by client goals and presenting concerns, he
applies the range of evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapies, including Schema
Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Perron completed his Ph.D. in
Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He completed his doctoral residency at
the OICBT and his doctoral thesis research focused on the development of a measure
related to assessment of readiness to change. He also holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier
University and has a background in Human Resources.
Dr. Mandisa Peterson, Psychologist
Dr. Peterson completed her Residency at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She
provides psychodiagnostic assessments as well as individual and group therapy
treatment for diverse adult populations. Her primary approach to therapy is cognitive
behavioural and she has experience and training in a number of evidence-based
approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, mindfulness, and Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy. She is dedicated to establishing a safe and open therapeutic
environment and working collaboratively with clients to meet their individual needs.
Dr. Peterson’s practice focuses on individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological
issues, including: mood (including depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders,
trauma-related disorders, health and disability related issues, grief and loss, chronic
pain, and adjustment disorders. She has a particular interest and experience working
with posttraumatic stress and forensic issues (addictions, anger, ADHD). She is also
committed to continuing program development and evaluation in the community in an
effort to develop more effective and accessible mental health care programs.
Dr. François Rousseau, Psychologist
Dr. Rousseau is a founding member of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy. He provides treatment to adults and seniors for mood disorders (including
Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder) and anxiety disorders. He uses a
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, including Mindfulness-Integrated
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT). Prior to joining the OICBT, Dr. Rousseau worked
in the outpatient and inpatient units of the Mood Disorders Program at the Royal
Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Le Dr Rousseau offre des services en français et en
anglais.
17Dr. Katherine Sexton, Psychologist
Dr. Sexton specializes in cognitive behavioural treatments for anxiety and mood
disorders and chronic stress. Her areas of special interest and experience are in the
assessment and treatment of worry/generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety,
insomnia, and in chronic stress and pain management related to irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) or to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as MS and IBD. She
also treats a wide variety of problems, including depression, panic disorder and
agoraphobia, social anxiety, PTSD and other trauma-related anxiety, obsessive-
compulsive disorder, sleep difficulties, chronic pain, and adjustment to acute and
chronic medical problems. Her primary approach to therapy is cognitive behavioural,
and she also incorporates complementary evidence-based therapies including Prolonged
Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention,
behavioural activation, applied relaxation, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Dr. Sexton received her Ph.D. in Clinical
Psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. She has previously worked with the
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Institute of Manitoba, and is a past board member of the
Canadian Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). La docteure Sexton
offre des services en français et en anglais.
Dr. Dhrasti Shah, Psychologist
Dr. Shah is a Clinical and Health psychologist who provides adult clients with assessment
and treatment for depression, anxiety (i.e., GAD, social, illness, and panic), stress (e.g.,
school, university and work), post-traumatic stress and related difficulties, grief and loss,
relationship and interpersonal difficulties, and navigating life transitions. She has a
special interest in health-related difficulties (i.e., coping with acute and chronic medical
problems, fear of cancer or illness reoccurrence, health-anxiety). She works with her
clients to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs, with the
goal of increasing their quality of life and functioning. She primarily uses a cognitive
behavioural therapy approach, however she also has training and experience in other
approaches, including Interpersonal Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Dr. Melissa Tiessen, Psychologist
Dr. Tiessen is a Clinical and Health psychologist. In addition to her foundational training
in cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Tiessen has completed training in Mindfulness-Based
Symptom Management (MBSM), Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(MICBT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Tiessen’s practice focuses on assessment and treatment
services for adults. She has experience and expertise working with individuals facing
challenges due to depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, chronic pain, and other chronic
health conditions. Dr. Tiessen has previously worked in the Department of Clinical
Health Psychology within the Rural and Northern Psychology Program at the University
of Manitoba, as well as the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program of The Ottawa Hospital/
University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She also previously served as the Director of the
Education Directorate of the Canadian Psychological Association, overseeing the
association’s national accreditation and continuing education programs.
18Dr. Kiran Vadaga, Psychologist
Dr. Vadaga obtained his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University,
Montreal. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the McGill University Health
center and supervised practice at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(OICBT). He provides psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment for adult Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). He also provides treatment for adults and the
elderly struggling with mood and anxiety-related disorders. Dr. Vadaga uses an
integrative approach to treatment drawing from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal,
and mindfulness traditions.
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