SERVICES

How I Work

Evidence-based therapy for OCD and high-functioning anxiety.

I focus on working with people who are bright and capable, but find themselves stuck in cycles of overthinking and perfectionism. You don’t need a generalist; you need a psychologist who understands the specific mechanics of an anxious brain.

OCD & Constant Over-Thinking

Many people I work with are exhausted by a mind that won't stop "checking" or ruminating on social interactions (the "Cringe Loop").

  • The Reality: OCD isn't a logic problem—it’s a biological loop.

  • The Work: As someone who also lives with OCD, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and CBT. We don’t just talk about your thoughts; we work on the rituals and habits that keep the anxiety alive.

  • The Goal: To get your time and mental energy back so you can focus on things that actually matter.

High-Functioning Anxiety & "People-Pleasing"

I work best with "fixers"—the people who hold everything together at work and home, often at a high personal cost.

  • The Reality: High-achievers often stay too long in dysfunctional environments, trying to out-work a broken system or please everyone to feel "safe."

  • The Work: We look at the perfectionism-procrastination cycle and build practical strategies for setting boundaries. I’ve navigated high-pressure medical and startup roles myself, so I know how hard it is to set those boundaries in the real world.

  • The Goal: To help you move from constant "firefighting" to a more sustainable way of working and living.

Performance & Social Anxiety

If you’re successful but still struggle with stage fright or the "post-event audit" after a meeting, it’s usually an over-active survival response, not a lack of skill.

  • The Work: We work on calming the physical "alarm" response that happens when you're under scrutiny.

  • The Goal: To help you deliver your expertise without the internal static of self-doubt.

Sleep (CBT-I)

If you’re waking up at 3:00 AM with a racing mind, "sleep hygiene" won't solve it.

  • The Work: I use CBT-I, which is the gold-standard protocol for chronic insomnia. It’s a data-driven way to reset your sleep-wake cycle.

  • The Goal: Reliable, restorative sleep without the anxiety of being awake.

The Details

  • Experience: 25 years in Canadian medical centers (BC Children’s, VGH, etc.) and an Adjunct Professor at UBC.

  • Approach: Practical, direct, and grounded. I believe humor and warmth are as important as clinical expertise.

  • Fees: $297 per 50-minute session. I am a "privacy-first" practice, meaning I don't bill insurance directly to keep your records confidential. I provide receipts for you to submit for reimbursement or to claim on your tax returns as a medical expense.