Dr. Michael W. Best, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist, Clinic Director
Dr. Best completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Following completion of his Ph.D. he completed his clinical residency at the Aaron T. Beck Center for Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, developer of cognitive behavioural therapy. Following completion of this residency training, Dr. Best joined the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto where he supervises and trains graduate students in the delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy. Dr. Best is director of the Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis lab which conducts research to improve the effectiveness of CBT for psychosis. Additionally, Dr. Best is Director of the Clinical Research and Evaluation Center at the University of Toronto, an interdisciplinary research centre focused on improving psychotherapy for a broad range of difficulties. Dr. Best has experience treating a wide range of issues from a cognitive behavioural approach including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, phobias, personality disorders, relationship difficulties, stress, work performance, and grief. Dr. Best's speciality is working with people experiencing serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder to reduce symptoms, distress, and help people recover so that they can live the life they want to live. Dr. Best also has a particular interest in working with first responders, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Mountain Police and Canadian Armed Forces.
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Dr. Best is an active psychotherapy researcher who is currently conducting multiple large-scale clinical trials of psychotherapies for serious mental health conditions. He has published countless research articles and book chapters on serious mental health conditions and is actively involved in improving treatment approaches. He is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and is Certified by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies. He is a Review Editor for the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, newsletter editor for the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and serves on the executive committee of the North American Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis Network.
Dr. Pauline Leung, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Leung completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Queen's University, and is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. Dr. Leung provides both assessment and treatment. Central to her approach is a striving for collaboration and genuineness within the therapeutic relationship. She works with adults presenting with a variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, anger, and emotion dysregulation. She offers treatment to first responders, members of the military, and members of the RCMP, as well as their family members. Although Dr. Leung primarily adopts a cognitive-behavioural framework, she flexibly integrates other therapeutic modalities as indicated. Concurrent to her work at the Canadian Centre for CBT, Dr. Leung is a staff psychologist with the Forensic Program at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, where she provides services to individuals with severe mental illness who have been in contact with the law. Other relevant experience includes a residency at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, previous employment with Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and training placements at a variety of sites (e.g., private clinics, community-based programs, hospital services) in Kingston, Ontario.
Dr. Amanda Shamblaw, Ph.D., C.Psych. Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Shamblaw completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She completed her clinical health psychology residency at the University of Manitoba with a specialization in women's health (including perinatal mental health, women's trauma, medical trauma, and chronic pain).​ Dr. Shamblaw has experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma- and stress-related disorders, and mental distress due to physical illness. She has a particular interest in working with adults who have experienced trauma, including those with histories of childhood trauma, as well as women navigating the prenatal and postpartum periods. Concurrent to her work at the Canadian Centre for CBT, Dr. Shamblaw is a staff psychologist with the Operational Stress Injury Clinic at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, where she provides services to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Dr. Shamblaw works from a cognitive-behavioural approach integrating mindfulness, self-compassion and acceptance techniques as needed. She offers first-line treatments for trauma, including cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), and written exposure therapy (WET).
Dr. Stephanie Woolridge, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Woolridge completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She completed her clinical psychology residency at the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders and Community Mental Health Programs at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She has completed clinical training in a wide variety of settings, including family health teams, university clinics, community-based programs, and hospital services. Dr. Woolridge is also currently a post-doctoral researcher in the Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis Laboratory at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where she conducts research on social well-being and clinical interventions for psychosis.
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Dr. Woolridge provides assessment and treatment for adults with a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, substance use concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis. She has experience working with military, RCMP and first responder populations. She primarily practices from a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, while integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She adopts a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy that emphasizes clients’ individual strengths, values, and goals.
Ian MacAusland-Berg, MA, C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Ian is a registered psychologist in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan with more than 40 years of clinical experience. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at McGill University and his master’s degree at Yeshiva University in New York City. He completed a second master’s in human resource management at the University of Regina and has been a sessional lecturer at both University of Regina and the University of Prince Edward Island.
Ian provides assessment and treatment services for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictive disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, and life transitions. Ian’s therapeutic approach is based in evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Dr. Andreea Tamaian, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Tamaian completed her PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Regina and is a registered clinical and forensic psychologist. At the Canadian Centre for CBT, Dr. Tamaian focuses primarily on providing comprehensive psychological assessment services for adults. She approaches assessment work with compassion and curiosity, while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical rigour. Her assessments are trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based methods, with careful attention to understanding the multifaceted effects of trauma on mental health, functioning, and day-to-day life.
Dr. Tamaian has extensive experience providing psychological assessment services across a range of public-sector settings, including correctional environments and forensic psychiatric hospitals. Through this work, she has developed strong expertise in complex diagnostic presentations and trauma-related conditions.
Dr. Charles T Orjiakor, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Orjiakor completed his doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also completed a master’s program in forensic psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Dr Orjiakor completed clinical postings in diverse settings including the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, correctional facilities, general hospitals, and education settings (primary to tertiary levels). He is currently a post-doctoral researcher in the Clinical Laboratory for Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychodiagnostics at the University of Toronto Scarborough where he conducts research into the assessment of personality disorders. He is also a member of faculty in the Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria.
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Dr. Orijakor has experience in CBT for anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior problems. He also has experience using cognitive behavioral therapy to help people living with chronic health conditions manage the physical and psychological impacts of such conditions. He has over 5 years experience working with Project PinkBlue- a leading cancer advocacy group in Africa where he supports cancer patients and provides psychotherapy and research services.
Dr. Rob Aidelbaum, Ph.D.
(Supervised Practice)
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rob Aidelbaum received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Toronto and completed his predoctoral residency at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. He has experience working with adults presenting with a range of complex issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, interpersonal issues, and other difficulties. His focus is the delivery of scientifically-backed psychological services. Dr. Aidelbaum's approach to treatment follows the Cognitive Behavioural framework. Still, he will frequently draw upon techniques and strategies from other orientations, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Working under the supervision of Dr. Michael Best, Dr. Aidelbaum is providing comprehensive assessment services which integrate client history, presenting mental health concerns, personality, cognitive performance, and current functional impacts. Dr. Aidelbaum is also actively involved in clinical research focused on clarifying and rehabilitating cognitive aspects of mental illnesses, which continually informs his clinical practice.
Dr. Sylvia Romanowska, Ph.D.
(Supervised Practice)
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Romanowska completed her doctoral training at the University of Toronto. She subsequently completed her clinical residency at Vancouver Coastal Health in Vancouver, BC, focusing on assessment and cognitive intervention in neuropsychology, rehabilitation, and health psychology settings. She is currently in supervised practice under the supervision of Dr. Michael Best. Dr. Romanowska is also a post-doctoral fellow at Community Head Injury Resource Services, where she does neuropsychological assessment, neurobehavioural and cognitive rehabilitation, and clinical consultation.
Dr. Romanowska's focus is providing comprehensive, client-centered psychological assessment services that integrate numerous aspects of functioning and wellbeing. She has extensive clinical training and experience providing assessment and treatment to adults with a range of mental health and cognitive concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma, neurological and neurocognitive disorders, acquired brain injuries, ADHD, and medical adjustment.
Dr. Aya Cheaito, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate
Dr. Aya Cheaito is an assistant professor at Concordia University in Edmonton and a clinical associate at the Canadian Centre for CBT. She received her PhD from the University of Vermont with a concentration in clinical and developmental psychology. During her residency at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, she worked at the Operational Stress Injury and Neuropsychology clinics. Dr. Cheaito focuses on assessing and treating trauma with veterans, refugees, and torture survivors. She works primarily from a cognitive behavioural framework and provides evidence based therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure to help people recover from trauma. Dr. Cheaito also provides cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis for individuals who are experiencing psychosis. Dr. Cheaito is fluent in English, French, and Arabic and provides services in all three languages. Her research focuses on the underlying structural brain changes accompanying emotion dysregulation as well as idioms of distress among marginalized populations.
Greg Samuelson, RN
Registered Psychotherapist
Greg is a Registered Nurse and Registered Psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience in the mental health field. Greg provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based therapies. In addition to his clinical work, Greg is also an active trainer and supervisor of clinicians learning compassion focused therapy for the Compassionate Mind Foundation. Prior to joining the Canadian Centre for CBT, Greg worked at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, providing psychotherapy to individuals experiencing serious and persistent mental health conditions. Greg has extensive experience working with individuals who have not experienced a full remission of symptoms through other treatment approaches.
Greg’s therapy approach is compassionate and individualized to each client’s unique goals. In addition to the broad therapeutic approaches outlined above, Greg also provides a number of specialized treatment approaches to assist clients who are experiencing difficulties such as Hearing Voices, Psychosis, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Trauma, Emotion Regulation, Difficulties with Distress Tolerance, and Relationship issues.
Taylor Gaunce, D.CP, LCT
Registered Psychotherapist
Taylor Gaunce is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) and Licensed Counselling Therapist (CCTNB) who specializes in evidence-based approaches to mental health care, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She received her Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University. Taylor blends academic expertise with clinical experience to support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and psychosis among other presenting issues.
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Taylor's therapeutic approach is rooted in CBT and supported by additional training in trauma-informed and attachment-focused interventions. This approach allows for a uniquely tailored, client-centered approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying patterns of thoughts and behaviours. In addition to providing CBT for a variety of presenting concerns, Taylor provides Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Taylor has expertise working with first responders, veterans, and active service members of the armed forces and RCMP.
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In addition to clinical work, Taylor is involved in counselling education and mental health advocacy, contributing to the growth of the field through instruction and ongoing professional development. Taylor is committed to providing culturally responsive and ethically grounded care, with a particular focus on accessible and effective support for diverse and underserved populations.
Leanne Needham, MSW
Social Worker
Leanne is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health. Leanne utilizes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) interventions to support adolescents and adults with issues such as psychosis, emotion regulation and mood issues. Leanne strives at every step of the journey to ensure clients feel heard and understood and that they leave sessions with a sense of hope, possibility, and a plan to work towards change together.
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Leanne has training in CBT through the Adler School of Professional Psychology and the Canadian Centre for CBT. As well, she trained in Level 1 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Her experience in community mental health has spanned across several Early Intervention Psychosis Programs and Assertive Community Treatment Teams, supporting individuals and their families in their recovery with mental illness.
Long Zheng, MSW
Social Worker
Long is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work and over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. Long is an accommodating psychotherapist who will listen to your concerns, provide emotional support, and help you develop the treatment plan that works for you. Trained in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Long incorporates dialectical behavioural therapy, cognitive processing therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and acceptance and commitment therapy strategies into his practice. He believes that building a trustworthy therapeutic relationship is an essential step in effective psychotherapy. Everyone has strengths; Long will assist you in identifying your key strengths and working towards your personal goals. Long’s specialty is supporting clients who experience anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, life stress, relationship issues, and intercultural conflicts. His experience in mental health spans across hospital clinics, community mental health, and private practice. Before joining the Canadian Centre for CBT, Long worked at Shoniker Clinic, providing psychotherapy services to adolescents and young adults with complex and persistent mental health conditions.
Long’s professional and multicultural experiences have provided him with strong cross-cultural communication skills and an excellent understanding of the human psyche. Long is committed to providing the highest quality evidence-based therapy through an empowering and anti-oppressive framework.
Linda Pawluch, MSW
Social Worker
Linda has over 20 years of experience providing professional mental health supports to clients and she brings a warm and compassionate presence to her work. She has worked extensively with clients who live with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Recently retired from her position there, she is keen to work within a private practice context to continue to utilize her experience and knowledge in helping couples understand the impact of mental illness within their lives and to support healing and acceptance.
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Linda creates a safe environment in which difficult feelings can be processed towards making meaningful changes to create a more fulfilled life. If you are stuck in unhelpful relationship interpersonal cycles; need clarity on life transitions, family, or struggling with a difficult past, she can support you.
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Linda works from a strengths-based, collaborative and trauma-informed perspective. She employs an integrative model incorporating adult attachment theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical therapy (DBT), and emotional focused couple therapy (EFCT) to support you in your emotional healing.
Stephanie McCall, MSW
Social Worker
Stephanie McCall, MSW, RSW, is a clinician with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with psychosis, anxiety and depression. She draws on evidence-based approaches—including CBT for Psychosis (CBTp), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness—to help clients strengthen emotional regulation, self-awareness, and nervous system health in a safe, collaborative space.
In addition to her clinical practice, Stephanie is a certified yoga teacher (RYT-500) with specialized training in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Yin Yoga. When it supports a client’s goals, she incorporates body–mind practices that foster resilience and grounding.
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Stephanie views well-being as reconnecting with what brings balance and vitality. She draws inspiration from movement, time in nature, and creative practices—resources she shares with clients to enhance their journey toward well-being.
Natasha Campbell, M. Psy Candidate
Psychology Practicum Student
Natasha Campbell is a graduate student in the Master of Psychology (M.Psy.) program at Adler Graduate Professional School. Her academic and research background includes work as a research assistant in the Brock Intergroup Attitudes Scholarship (BIAS) Laboratory, where she contributed to research on intergroup discrimination and prejudice, as well as the Brock Psychopathy Laboratory, which focused on Dark Triad personality traits and motives for aggression. Her current research interests center on sexual assault survivors and their recovery processes.
Natasha has close ties with community mental health organizations, including Distress Centre Niagara and Pathstone Mental Health. She was a co-founder of the Niagara Strong chapter at Brock University, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and peer support.
Natasha offers a collaborative and trauma-informed approach to therapy that emphasizes mutual respect, compassion, client resilience, and open communication. She is excited to be completing her practicum placement at the Canadian Centre for CBT and offers services in English and French.
Nitha Vincent, B.Sc.H.
Clinic Administrator
Nitha is an MSc student at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies. Starting from a research volunteer to thesis student and now lab manager of the Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis Lab at the University of Toronto, Nitha's research experience includes working for two years at CAMH on a psychosis treatment implementation study. Nitha's clinical experience includes early episode psychosis and two years at St. Michael's Hospital volunteering on the internal medicine units.
Sofia Duarte, B.Sc.H.
Clinic Administrator - Toronto
Sofia Duarte is a recent graduate of McMaster University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences, with a minor in Psychology and a Concurrent Certificate in Science Communication. She has gained research experience through her work at the McMaster Auditory Development Laboratory and the University of Toronto Scarborough's Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis Laboratory. In these roles, she contributed to projects focused on neurodevelopment, psychosis, and evidence-based approaches. Sofia's academic and research background highlight her strong interest in psychology and mental health, which she is eager to further develop and apply within a clinical setting.
Lindsey LaBranche
Clinic Administrator - Ottawa
Lindsey LaBranche has a multidisciplinary professional background that spans healthcare, business, and visual development. She completed a clinical placement in cardiovascular technology at Kingston General Hospital and gained additional clinical experience in Windsor. She later pursued studies in business administration and finance, with a focus on accounting, and provided bookkeeping and payroll services for over 30 businesses in Windsor. Seeking to further expand her creative skill set, Lindsey relocated to Ottawa, where she studied visual development and concept art for three years. Lindsey’s strong commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for healthcare continue to drive her professional growth, allowing her to effectively support both clients and clinicians.