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Eating Disorders

Welcome

Welcome to our Eating Disorders Treatment Track. We are an internationally recognized outpatient eating disorder clinic with a specific focus on treating those with longstanding difficulties who have not been adequately helped by frontline approaches. We are one of the only clinics in the country offering MED-DBT. We believe that all eating disorders are characterized by an inability to properly feed oneself and that they all have unique neurometabolic drivers. All of our work is situated in a weight inclusive and non-dieting framework and we are committed to ensuring our treatments are gender affirming and culturally inclusive. We are advocates for system change and seek to elevate the voices of our colleagues with lived experience.

We are committed to working with individuals and families to restore nutrition, promote health, and reduce the harmful effects of weight stigma. We support and operate from a lens of weight-inclusion and believe recovery looks different for every body. Our services are available both in-person and through virtual/telehealth options.

What We Treat

Eating disorders are neurologically driven, biologically-based illnesses that affect an individual’s physical, psychological, and emotional health. While there are different types of eating disorders (see below) all involve an inability to properly feed oneself. As a whole, eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in eating and body weight and specific personality traits that typically emerge well before the onset of the disorder (e.g., perfectionism, emotion regulation difficulties, risk aversion).

Eating disorders are not a choice, rather, they are the result of a complex interaction between genetics, environmental influences, and psychological factors and they require specialized treatment. At the Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, we treat all types of eating disorders using evidence-based treatment models.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by significant weight loss, extremely challenging physical and perceptual experiences of the body, and is linked to specific genetic underpinnings including differences in metabolic functioning. Anorexia can be present in any body shape or size and may be associated with anosognosia (the inability to detect the seriousness of one’s physical condition). Anorexia has significant short and long term effects on the brain and body.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by ongoing episodes of binge eating and compensatory behaviours. A binge episode is defined as eating a large amount of food in a relatively short period of time and accompanied by a sense of being out of control. A compensatory behaviour is anything a person does to “get rid of” the food and calories consumed in the binge. This may include purging, exercising, restricting food the next day, or taking laxatives. Those suffering with bulimia struggle with the way they view and experience their bodies and are at high risk of medical complications.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating that may or may not be followed by compensatory behaviour. Many people with BED restrict food intake or engage in dieting behaviours. There is often a great deal of shame, guilt, and loneliness associated with these behaviours. Notably, those suffering with BED often do not know they have an eating disorder because they are more often referred to weight loss centres or prescribed weight loss medications.

ARFID is characterized by problems with feeding related to sensory/textural difficulties, lack of appetite/interest in eating, and/or fear of aversive consequences (e.g., choking). These challenges lead to: significant weight loss (or failure to achieve expected weight gain in a child), nutritional deficiencies, and problems with psychosocial functioning. ARFID is not overly associated with body image issues (although this is currently being debated), and is not the result of food insecurity, a culturally sanctioned practice, or explained by another medical or mental health condition.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is a diagnostic category used to describe eating disorder behaviours that don’t fall neatly into the other categories usually due to frequency or duration of symptoms. Some examples of OSFED include: binge eating or purging behaviors of low frequency, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome. OSFED is just as serious medically and psychologically as any other eating disorder.

PICA is characterized by persistent eating of non-nutritive substances such as hair, paint chips, dirt, and paper. Pica is not part of a culturally/socially normative practice and is developmentally inappropriate (this would not be diagnosed in young children that are mouthing objects to explore their senses). Pica can occur in the presence of other mental health disorders (eg., autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia), or during medical conditions (eg., pregnancy, malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia).

Rumination Disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of regurgitating food and is not part of another ED or due to a medical condition. Regurgitated food may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. Many people with rumination disorder feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may not tell others about them. There are specific and effective treatment protocols for rumination disorder that we provide.

Our Intake Process

1

Psychiatrist Consult

An initial meeting with our team psychiatrist to talk about your symptoms, get diagnostic clarity, and consult around medications if needed. This session is covered by OHIP for those in Ontario with a valid health card.

2

Dietitian Consult

Meeting with one of expertly trained registered dietitians during the intake process gives you a chance to explore your relationship with food in a way that will help us with treatment recommendation.

3

Treatment Planning + Feedback Meeting

Once you complete the psychiatry and dietitian consultations, we will invite you to meet with a member of our ED team to review these findings and collaboratively decide on a treatment pathway.

4

MED-DBT, CBT-E, or OHIP Covered ED Therapy Groups, + Caregiver Support

You will start your treatment pathway at our center, where we provide a range of treatment options tailored to your needs.

Start Your Intake Process

Treatments Within Our Eating Disorders Track

A novel, highly specialized and innovatie adaptation of DBT designed to treat an eating disorder in the context of co-occurring conditions such as suicide, self-injury, trauma, and/or substance use. Treatment includes weekly individual therapy, skills group training, phone skills coaching, and a MED-DBT consult team for therapists.
Dr. Anita Federici and Dr. Lucene Wisniewski are internationally recognized for their work in developing, implementing and training teams in MED-DBT. Combining their extensive knowledge and expertise in both eating disorder treatment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Dr. Federici and Dr. Wisniewski have developed MED-DBT to integrate the best practices from both fields. Their collaboration brings a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple complex needs, enhancing treatment outcomes through a cohesive and specialized framework. Dr. Anita Federici oversees the MED-DBT program here at The Centre for Psychology & Emotion Regulation.

Together with one of our registered dietitians, clients can receive real-time guidance and support during a meal or snack. Meal support can help you learn to work with feared foods, maintain regular meal times, or practice skills while coping with eating.

An evidence-based modified form of CBT designed to treat eating disorders by addressing problematic thinking patterns and behaviors related to food, body image, and weight. CBT-E focuses on developing regular eating habits, overcoming fears, and learning more effective coping strategies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders – Ten Sessions (CBT-T) is a brief, intensive form of therapy designed to treat eating disorders within a limited timeframe. Based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), CBT-T aims to address disordered eating patterns and underlying thought processes in just ten sessions. This approach focuses on rapidly stabilizing eating behaviors and challenging harmful beliefs related to food, body image, and self-worth. While effective for many individuals, CBT-T may not be suitable for more severe or long-standing eating disorders, where a longer, more comprehensive treatment plan may be necessary for sustained recovery.

We offer specialized support for caregivers and parents of individuals with eating disorders. Our services help you understand eating disorders based on the latest research, apply effective strategies to manage meal times, emotions, and family stress, develop effective communication strategies, and manage your own well-being while supporting your loved one.

The Eating Disorders Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes our psychiatrist, psychologists, registered dietitians, social workers, and registered psychotherapists, all of whom have extensive clinical training in treating eating disorders.

Dr. Anita Federici PhD, CPsych, FAED (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist, Owner, Founder

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Dr. Anita Federici PhD, CPsych, FAED (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist, Owner, Founder

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). She is the co-author of the MED-DBT Treatment Manual (to be published in 2025 with Guilford Press). From 2019 – 2022, Anita served as the Co-Chair for the Suicide and DBT Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AED and currently sits on the SIG Oversight Committee with AED. In 2019, she was awarded Business Woman of the Year by the Meridian Women of Excellence Committee for her outstanding contributions to the community and to the province. In 2020, she was awarded the ‘Outstanding individual” by The Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association.

Anita has had a considerable impact on the field through her leadership, advocacy work, and expertise. She has provided more than 400 lectures, workshops, and invited talks on eating disorders, MED-DBT, compassionate and collaborative models, and developing differential care pathways rooted in biotemperament and guided by experts-with-experience. She has developed a robust training program, a wide network of allied health professionals, and a treatment centre in an underserved and rural region of Ontario. Her passion for inspiring and invigorating hope for clients and clinicians is at the heart of her work.

Known for her engaging and authentic style of training, Anita has become a highly sought-after consultant. She works extensively with hospitals and community organizations internationally offering team training, implementation support, and program development. Her work has been presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and invited book chapters.

Rachel Gerow, MA, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Director

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Rachel Gerow, MA, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Director

Rachel is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Clinical Director at The Centre for Psychology & Emotion Regulation. She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and earned her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2018, completing her clinical practicum under the supervision of Dr. Anita Federici. Since that time, Rachel has been a dedicated member of the Centre’s team, contributing her expertise to support both clients and her fellow team members. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University.

As Clinical Director, Rachel oversees the delivery of high-quality therapeutic care at the Centre. She is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for both clients and clinicians, ensuring that the Centre’s programs meet the diverse needs of the community. Rachel works closely with her team to integrate evidence-based care with a compassionate approach to provide a comprehensive and client-centered experience.

Rachel has training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and specializes in working with emotion dysregulation, eating disorders, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders. She also facilitates DBT Skills Groups to help individuals develop effective coping strategies to build a life worth living.

Born and raised in the Midland region, Rachel grew up on the waters of Georgian Bay and fell in love with the area. She is grateful to be able to practice the work she loves in the place she calls home.

Amanda Barron, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

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Amanda Barron, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Amanda Barron is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Amanda has a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor Diploma from Canadore College, a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Laurentian University, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Carleton University.

Amanda grew up knowing she wanted to be a helping and supporting presence for others and has spent the last 25 years dedicated to developing her skills and increasing her knowledge. Amanda is passionate about the treatment of trauma & PTSD, body image disturbance, eating disorders, mood and anxiety concerns and emotional dysregulation and has extensive training in these areas. Amanda knows that the healing journey is different for everyone and offers variety of treatment modalities to meet individual needs including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).

Amanda provides a caring and compassionate space to reclaim your body and reconnect to your inner wisdom. Amanda can help you re-engage with your life, clarify your values, modify unhelpful thinking patterns, cope more effectively with intense emotions and improve communication skills. Amanda is passionate about helping you increase self-awareness, enhance self-compassion and achieve greater connection to mind and body.

Amanda prioritizes self-care and with her love of nature she can often be found lost on the Simcoe County Mountain Bike Trails.

Megan Bolt, MA (she/her)

Therapist (Supervised Practice)

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Megan Bolt, MA (she/her)

Therapist (Supervised Practice)

Megan completed her Masters in Applied Psychology from Laurentian University in 2019. She is currently under the supervision of Dr. Federici as she works towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (honours) in Psychology from Laurentian University. Megan completed her clinical practicum under the supervision of Dr. Albiani in the Outpatient Addictions and Gambling Program at Health Sciences North in Sudbury.

Megan has training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), Radically-Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (CBT-AR). She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders and emotion dysregulation.

She provides a non-judgemental and client-centered approach that focuses on individual strengths and motivational factors. Megan is passionate about understanding client experiences, offering a supportive, compassionate and collaborative environment where curiosity, learning, and self-exploration are celebrated and encouraged.

Megan was born in Newfoundland and has lived in the Georgian Bay area for nearly all her life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar and taking walks in nature with her golden retriever/bestie Archie. Megan is proud to be working in the community as she continues to learn and grow as a professional.

Holly Dickinson, RD, RP (she/her)

Registered Dietitian & Registered Psychotherapist

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Holly Dickinson, RD, RP (she/her)

Registered Dietitian & Registered Psychotherapist

Holly Dickinson started working as a Registered Dietitian in the area of eating disorders 18 years ago after she obtained her bachelor of science nutrition degree from The University of Western Ontario and
dietetic internship at The University Health Network.

Holly enjoys the rewards and challenges of working in mental health, specifically eating disorders. Holly uses a weight-inclusive approach, helping clients recognize and learn the skills needed to improve and
normalize their relationship with food.

Soon into her career, Holly recognized the importance of having a strong therapeutic background as a Dietitian working within the field. She recognized that although she was working as a Dietitian, a lot of
her time was spent offering emotional support through nutrition counselling. She decided to go back to school as she wanted to expand her counselling skills.

Holly completed her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at OISE, Toronto, Ontario. She then applied for membership at the College of Psychotherapists and is pleased to say she is a Registered Psychotherapist, as well as a Dietitian. Holly has experience working in both an inpatient and outpatient
setting and has completed extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). She has experience running and co-facilitating a number of groups, including CBT and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She
has experience working individually with clients using Motivational Interviewing techniques in order to help clients meet goals and facilitate behaviour change. During her schooling, Holly completed a
practicum working in an individual CBT-based relapse prevention program for those who just completed intense treatment and working on maintaining their recovery goals.

Holly is thrilled to be a member of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation team.

Dr. Niki Dignard PhD, CPsych (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr. Niki Dignard PhD, CPsych (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Niki Dignard received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Windsor and is a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She trained in a variety of settings during her graduate studies and completed her pre-doctoral residency at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) in the Borderline Personality Disorder and Intensive Day Treatment Programs.

Dr. Dignard’s graduate research was focused on body image and eating disorders and reflects her view of mental health: that wellness is about more than the absence of symptoms. Drawing on research investigating positive body image, embodiment, and intuitive eating, her doctoral research was focused on exploring yoga as a novel intervention for individuals with eating disorders to help them move from a state of tolerating their body to feeling connected with and empowered by it.

Dr. Dignard specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and related conditions. She draws on her extensive training to use a variety of evidence-based approaches including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and specialized adaptations of these.

Dr. Dignard believes that the right approach should be based on evidence and should reflect the individual and their unique challenges and strengths. She has been known to do a happy dance to celebrate her client’s growth in treatment and believes that her job is to work her way out of having a job. She views clients as experts in their lives and enjoys working with them to help explore what it means to be alive and to learn the skills to build a life that is joyful and feels worth living (even if it sometimes hurts).

When she is not working, Dr. Dignard loves making a mess of the kitchen while trying new recipes, running, and snuggling with her two rescue cats (though only one of them actually likes snuggles).

Dr. Healey Gardiner, PhD, CPsych (she/her)

Clinical & Health Psychologist

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Dr. Healey Gardiner, PhD, CPsych (she/her)

Clinical & Health Psychologist

Dr. Healey Gardiner is a Clinical and Health Psychologist operating virtually from Thunder Bay, ON. Dr. Gardiner received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor and received her license for practice with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario in 2024. Dr. Gardiner is currently licensed for autonomous practice in clinical and health psychology with adults. Additionally, Dr. Gardiner is providing services to adolescents under the supervision of Dr. Jasmine Mahdy.

Dr. Gardiner specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and adolescents presenting with eating disorders, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and related conditions or concerns. She has training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Dr. Gardiner views herself as an integrative clinician and takes a client-centered approach with an awareness of diverse needs. Using evidence-based approaches, she has worked with diverse client presentations including LGBTQ2sIA+, ethnicity, and disability. Most recently, she completed her pre-doctoral residency at The Ottawa Hospital working in The Rehabilitation Centre and the Regional Centre for Eating Disorders.

A born-and-raised resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Dr. Gardiner is thrilled to provide virtual services while living in the Northwestern Ontario city that she calls home. When not working, she can usually be found spending time outside in nature, usually accompanied by her dog.

Carla Katsuno MACP, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

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Carla Katsuno MACP, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

Carla is a Registered Psychotherapist, having completed her Master of Arts in Counselling from Yorkville University. She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto as well as a Certificate in Addictions Treatment and Prevention from Georgian College. Carla’s previous clinical experience is derived from working as a counsellor at an in-patient addiction treatment centre, within a hospital setting and currently as an Associate at the Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. Carla has received intensive training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), as well as comprehensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She approaches her work with empathy, non-judgement and compassion and believes that therapy is a collaboration between people working together toward a common goal. Carla has experience working with a broad spectrum of clients including first responders and their families. She specializes in working with emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, PTSD and eating disorders. Carla also has extensive experience as a presenter and trainer, having been a Master Trainer with The Mental Health Commission of Canada in the past.

Samantha Kittell, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

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Samantha Kittell, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Samantha is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. With over 7 years of dedicated experience in social services, Samantha has had the privilege of working across diverse settings, including community mental health agencies and private practice. These diverse professional experiences have provided her with the opportunity to assist individuals facing a wide array of challenges.

Samantha has undergone comprehensive training in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has also received specialized training in trauma-focused interventions such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Furthermore, Samantha has pursued additional training in the treatment of eating disorders, utilizing modalities such as CBT, DBT, and FBT.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Samantha treasures her role as a mother. She deeply values the time spent with her family and prioritizes maintaining balance through her own self-care routines.

Samantha is dedicated to empowering individuals to discover their inner strengths and make meaningful life changes. Her goal is to provide a safe and nurturing space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported on their path toward healing and self-discovery.

Cortney Lacroix, MACP, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

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Cortney Lacroix, MACP, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

Cortney completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Cortney has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Human Kinetics Concentration in Intervention and Consultation from the University of Ottawa.

Cortney has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She approaches her work with empathy, non-judgement and collaboration. Cortney has a range of clinical interests including eating disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, and emotion regulation.

Outside of work, Cortney enjoys spending time with her family, and friends and being outside.

Kari Loyst MA, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

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Kari Loyst MA, RP (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist

Kari is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University.

She collaborates with clients to cultivate meaningful change, drawing from a compassionate, trauma-informed approach honouring each person’s unique lived experience. By incorporating narrative and strength-based strategies, she supports clients in navigating grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, helping them find meaning and strength amid life’s challenges. Kari is a certified Cognitive Processing Therapy provider (CPT for trauma and PTSD). She has received training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE), MED DBT (for eating disorders), and Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E for eating disorders).

Outside working hours, photography, hiking, and a profound love of nature keep Kari curious and inspired.

Paula Ng, RD (she/her)

Registered Dietitian

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Paula Ng, RD (she/her)

Registered Dietitian

Paula has been a Registered Dietitian since 2009. She provides nutrition counselling services to adults, adolescents and children, specializing in: eating disorders/disordered eating; behavioural feeding issues; childhood nutrition and picky eaters.

Paula has training in motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), all of which inform her practice.

She has worked in various hospital-based eating disorder treatment programs for many years, as well as inpatient general psychiatry, diabetes education centres and in long term care. She studied at the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario and completed her dietetic internship at North York General Hospital.

Anita Maria Pudlik MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

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Anita Maria Pudlik MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Anita has worked in hospitals in the GTA for almost 30 years. Over the past several years, she has been a therapist within the Eating Disorders Program. She has also previously assisted persons who have experienced traumatic injuries as well as individuals living with chronic illness.

Anita holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto as well as a Master of Arts (Sociology) degree. She has extensive training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) from the School of Continuing Education, University of Toronto, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and is a Level 1 Therapist in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy.

Anita has maintained a daily mindfulness and meditation practice for 25 years and has learned from many wonderful teachers – Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kristin Neff, Mark Coleman, Susan Woods, and Bill Knight to name a few. Anita has experience teaching mindfulness while applying some empirically tested mindfulness-based protocols.

In therapy, Anita wants to offer warmth and compassion, clarity of thought and precision of language, practical skills and a sense of connection, full acceptance, and a strong invitation for change.

Anita likes any type of physical activity (cleaning the house included) and any type of learning.

Sara Robb, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

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Sara Robb, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Sara is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto and has worked in the mental health and eating disorder field for the past 10 years. Sara’s clinical experience includes work in university, community, and hospital settings, specifically in inpatient and day hospital eating disorder programs. She has comprehensive training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) for eating disorders and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for post-traumatic stress disorder. Her primary areas of focus include eating disorders, body image distress, trauma, anxiety, and emotion dysregulation.

Sara strives to provide a collaborative, warm, and non-judgmental space, where together you can use compassion, curiosity, and at times gentle humour to explore and make sense of your emotions, thoughts, body sensations, and behaviours. She cares about deeply understanding people’s experiences in order to help them accept themselves, while also supporting them to make meaningful changes toward their goals and values.

When not working or learning about new research in the field, Sara loves being in nature as much as possible. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, cooking, and trying to be patient with herself while she learns to watercolour paint.

Trent Simons, MDiv, RP (he/him)

Registered Psychotherapist

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Trent Simons, MDiv, RP (he/him)

Registered Psychotherapist

Trent is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counselling (Indigenous Studies emphasis) from Tyndale University and Seminary. Trent brings diverse personal, educational and professional experiences to the room, having received his first Master’s Degree in 2002 in Community Economic Development, spent time in over 25 countries, and was born and raised in the Philippines. He also worked for five years as a Family Services Worker for the Children’s Aid Society, ten years as an Associate Pastor of a local church, where he became an ordained minister, and three years at Chigamik Community Health Centre as a therapist and team manager.

Trent has provider status for Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and has been trained in DBT Prolonged Exposure and DBT for cPTSD. He has extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), with training also in Eating Disorder treatment, Radically Open DBT and Narrative Therapy. He specializes in working with PTSD, Eating Disorders, anxiety and mood disorders and is able to provide services to indigenous clients through NIHB.

While Trent brings some training and experience in the area of therapy and counselling, you are the expert on your life. Therapy is a collaborative process in which your experiences (both positive and negative) and strengths combine with the skills a therapist has learned to move you towards becoming the person you were meant to be.

Trent has lived in this community for over 20 years. When not in the office, you might find him enjoying time with his lovely wife of nearly 25 years or their 2 boys. Or you might see him on the soccer pitch trying to kick a ball in a net.

Nicole Turner, RD (she/her)

Registered Dietician

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Nicole Turner, RD (she/her)

Registered Dietician

Nicole Turner is a registered dietitian with the College of Dieticians of Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition and Food from Ryerson University and her Masters of Public Health from The University of Waterloo. Nicole then completed her dietetic internship at Hamilton Health Sciences. Her experiences include working in the neurology department at McMaster Children’s Hospital and working in the eating disorder unit at Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Nicole lives in Innisfil with her young family and two big dogs. She would like to continue to serve the eating disorder population and help to provide further access to care.

Dr. Darcy Waisman, M.D. FRCPC (she/her)

Psychiatrist & Medical Doctor

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Dr. Darcy Waisman, M.D. FRCPC (she/her)

Psychiatrist & Medical Doctor

Dr. Darcy Waisman completed her medical training as a Psychiatrist with the University of Toronto, and is a Board-Certified Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. She previously completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Alberta and obtained her Medical Degree, with Honours, from the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin.

 

Dr. Waisman has experience both as a specialist and general psychiatrist, who has practiced in both hospitals and in the community, in the Greater Toronto Area, including most recently, Credit Valley Hospital, CAMH and Toronto General Hospital, where she has been privileged to be involved in the treating of individuals with a wide range of mental health presentations, in inpatient, urgent care, outpatient and emergency room settings. Furthermore, Dr. Waisman is extensively trained in and has more than a decade of experience providing numerous psychotherapy modalities, including, but not limited to, individual and group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Dr. Waisman is a knowledgeable, dedicated and collaborative physician, who is open, curious and supportive of her patients and their mental health journeys. She would describe herself as a life-long learner, an avid traveler and someone who loves to read, cook, explore nature and spend time with loved ones. 

Dr. Waisman is honoured and delighted to be joining the team at The Centre For Psychology and Emotion Regulation. 

Dr. Mengran Xu, PhD, CPsych (he/him)

Clinical & Counselling Psychologist

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Dr. Mengran Xu, PhD, CPsych (he/him)

Clinical & Counselling Psychologist

Dr. Xu received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo and is registered as a clinical and counselling psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Dr. Xu specializes in the assessment and treatment for adults presenting with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and related conditions, using a variety of evidence-based interventions (such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy).

Dr. Xu is particularly experienced in working with individuals who have been exposed to psychological injuries due to their employment, such as veterans, first responders (including police officers, 911 dispatchers, firefighters, and paramedics), correctional officers, and public transportation workers. Dr. Xu oversees the WSIB program at the Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation and provides assessment and treatment to many injured workers every year.

Dr. Xu is a certified provider, consultant, and trainer for Cognitive Processing Therapy, and a certified provider of Prolonged Exposure. These two interventions are usually referred to as the “gold-standard treatments” for PTSD.

In addition to his work with the Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, Dr. Xu works full-time as a clinical psychologist at Canadian Forces Base Borden and provides mental health services to currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. He also works as an adjunct faculty for the psychology department at the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Xu has previously held several positions at both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, including Campus Wellness at the University of Waterloo, the Waterloo Psychology Group, and the Eating Disorders Program of Homewood Health Centre. Dr. Xu completed his pre-doctoral residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. During his residency year, he worked at the Eating Disorders Program as well as the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Xu has research expertise in anxiety disorders and mindfulness-based interventions and has published a number of peer-reviewed journal articles in these areas. He has also published several books, online courses, and podcasts, provided professional workshops, and presented various talks on topics such as trauma, eating, weight, and emotion regulation.

Dr. Xu is fluent in both English and Chinese (Mandarin).