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.
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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. Amanda Shamblaw, Ph.D.
Clinic Co-Founder
Dr. Shamblaw completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. She completed her clinical residency at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Shamblaw has experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma- and stress-related disorders, and mental distress due to physical illness. Dr. Shamblaw has a particular interest in working with adults who have experienced trauma, including those with histories of childhood trauma, as well as women and individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQI+. Her specialties include prenatal and postpartum mental health care, childhood maltreatment, and parenting and attachment concerns. Dr. Shamblaw works from a cognitive-behavioural approach integrating mindfulness and acceptance techniques.
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. At Best Psychological Services, 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, psychosis, anger, and emotion dysregulation. Although Dr. Leung primarily adopts a cognitive-behavioural framework, she flexibly integrates other therapeutic modalities as indicated. Concurrent to her work at Best Psychological Services, 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.
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. Roselynne Webbo, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Webbo is a Clinical Psychologist who works with adults and couples. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy D) and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Dr Webbo has practiced as a Psychologist within the government and private sector in both Kenya and Canada. She has been faculty at the United States International University – Africa and University of Prince Edward Island Canada. Dr. Webbo uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in her work as well as other evidence-based modalities. She commonly works with mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, grief, and relationship issues. She also provides Vocational Assessment to guide with career and college choices. Dr. Webbo provides client-centered care and believes that everyone has a right to be listened to and understood as they are supported to be the best that they can be!
Dr. Charles T Orjiakor, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)
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 is completing his supervised practice under the supervision of Dr. Michael Best and 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. Stephanie Woolridge, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Woolridge completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She is currently completing her supervised practice under the supervision of Dr. Michael Best and Dr. Pauline Leung. Dr. Woolridge 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 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.
Leanne Needham, MSW
Registered 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 Best Psychological Services. 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.
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 Best Psychological Services, 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.
Maryam Moazzami, MPsy
Clinical Associate
Maryam is a clinician under supervision of Dr. Michael Best, she completed her Masters of Psychology degree in clinical and counseling psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto, Ontario. She also holds a Bachelors degree Specializing in Psychology from York University and a Master of Public Health from Lakehead University.
She specializes in providing therapy to adults experiencing a wide range of concerns including prenatal and postnatal mental health, stress management, emotion regulation, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, coping with life transitions, grief, mood issues, burnout, sleep difficulties, anxiety, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
Maryam adopts a client centered approach, tailoring her therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her integrative approach draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).
Chelsea Wood-Ross, MSc
Chelsea is a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University and is working in the clinic under the supervision of Dr. Mike Best. She practices with a collaborative and empathic approach and uses primarily a Cognitive-Behavioural model. Chelsea works with adults of all identities that are experiencing mental health difficulties including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chelsea has trained in a number of settings, including the Mood Disorders Service at Providence Care Hospital, Heads Up! Early Psychosis Intervention at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Maple Family Health Team, and the Queen’s Psychology Clinic. Chelsea’s research focuses on cognition and functioning and effective treatment for individuals experiencing mood disorders and psychosis.
Rob Aidelbaum, MA
Rob Aidelbaum is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. Throughout his training, he has gained clinical experience through positions in the University of Toronto Health & Wellness Centre, the Sunnybrook Frederick Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, the St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Clinical Neuropsychology Service, and the Oshawa Psychological and Counselling Service Group. He has experience working with adults presenting with a range of complex issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, severe mental illness, interpersonal issues, and other difficulties. His focus is the delivery of scientifically-backed psychological services. Rob’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. Mike Best, Rob is providing comprehensive assessment services which integrate client history, presenting mental health concerns, personality, cognitive performance, and current functional impacts. Rob is also actively involved in clinical research focused on clarifying and rehabilitating cognitive aspects of mental illnesses, which continually informs his clinical practice.
Nitha Vincent, B.Sc.H.
Intake Coordinator
Nitha is a University of Toronto alumna with an Honors 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.