Pauline O'Brien
Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, adjunct professor in counselling psychology
​I specialize in working with people who struggle with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma (including PTSD and CPTSD), and addiction. Most of my clients come to see me because, they are experiencing a dissatisfaction with life, they are burning out or are feeling stuck. They are often exhausted and doing battles internally and with systems. My clients are self described perfectionists and overachievers.
I'm a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists and have a Doctorate degree in counselling psychology from the University of Toronto (OISE). I'm a Canadian Certified Counsellor-Supervisor and Certified Clinical Supervisor, Addiction Counsellor. I'm a long-time advocate for the creation of safer spaces in healthcare My graduate research at the University of Toronto focused on counsellors’ experiences of learning to work with family physicians and integrating within Family Health Team (FHT) models and , and my Masters research at the University of Ottawa focused on the impact of psychological trauma and methods of treatment.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Over the years I have worked in a variety of settings, including governmental and non-governmental, healthcare, education and not for profit/charitable organizations.
In addition to seeing clients through my private practice and training clinical supervisors, I am an adjunct professor at Yorkville University in the Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DCP) programs.My practice is informed also from my own personal experiences with mental illness and trauma. I can fully appreciate the difficulty it takes to ask for help. It takes courage, patience, and an open mind. I also know it can be incredibly rewarding and life-changing. To this end, I'm committed to fostering a safer, collaborative, warm, and non-judgmental space where trust can be built and positive transformation can begin to take root.
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I'm fiercely passionate about personal and professional growth, and have had the privilege of studying under a number of psychotherapy and spiritual masters across the world.
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I've lived and worked in Indigenous communities in Northwest Territories and Nunavut; worked in a hospital diversion program to support individuals in crisis; run a volunteer suicide intervention program in a rural community; and spent countless hours in training and clinical supervision to help my practice.
I'm continuously committed to my growth as a therapist, teacher, and person, through self-study, ongoing personal therapy and clinical supervision, and post-graduate training.
In my spare time I love a walk in the woods, listening to podcasts, reading or cooking for my two school aged kiddos.
I am honoured to live, work, and play in the unceded territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Erie, Neutral and Mississauga’s of the Credit first nation.
If you would like to learn more about my counselling services or how we can work together, then please contact me today.
I look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Training & Creditentails
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Professional training & Credentials:​-Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO registration #001225) -Ed.D. in Counselling Psychology – University of Toronto (OISE) -M.Ed. (Educational) Counselling – University of Ottawa -B.A (Honours) Psychology – University of Ottawa
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Specialized Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Training:I continue to develop my skills and expertise as a counsellor through ongoing training and supervision, both locally and internationally. My post-graduate training includes: -IFS Level 1 (in progress) -EMDR Basic Training - (Sue Genest, Victoria, B.C.) - EMDR therapy and structural dissociation (Farnsworth Lobenstein, Northhampton, MA) - Easy EGO state therapy (Robin Shapiro, Seattle, WA) - Internal Family Systems Intro (Frank Andersen) - Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples (Sue Johnson) -Gottman Therapy Level 1 - (The Gottman Institute) -Arizona Trauma Institute – Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Compassion Fatigue Specialist training – Traumatology institute -Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Advanced Training with Steven Hayes, John Strosahl, Robin Walser ,Kelly Wilson) -Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Linehan (Behavioral Tech, through St Joe’s Hamilton) -Cognitive Processing Therapy (Resick & Monson, through St Joe’s Hamilton) -Nunavut Mental Health Steering Committee - Cultural Integration I & II (GN) -Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for trauma - (with Dr. Janina Fisher; Online) -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety & depression - (Clinical Behavioural Sciences Program, McMaster University) Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (T4T) Living Works Nonviolent Crisis Intervention CPI
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Course Development and Teaching ExperienceI am currently teaching:​ ​ The Compassion Project (School) The Empowered Supervisor: (36 hours of directed learning in clinical supervision) CBT in 7 Sessions ​ Yorkville University MACP Applied Interventions Cultural Diversity in Counselling Practicum I & II DCP Doctoral Seminar I: Integrative and Systemic Practice
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​Previous teaching experience:McMaster University Clinical Behavioural Sciences Program Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ​ McMaster University Addiction Education Program Introduction to Addiction Contemporary counselling techniques in Addiction Practice Assessment in addiction counselling Change Approaches (SFBT & MI) in addiction practice ​ Mohawk College Abnormal Psychology ​ Nunavut Arctic College Mental health diploma program
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Fees for Pauline:
- 50 minute individual counselling: $225
- 80 minute individual counselling: $335
- 80 minute couples/family counselling: $335. All fees include applicable taxes.
Let’s Work Together
206 Locke Street South
Hamilton, ON L8P 4B4
Canada
E-Mail: paulineobrienrp@gmail.com
Tel: +1 905-536-8830
Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, adjunct professor in counselling psychology
© 2023 By Pauline O'Brien, RP