The Lab Team
Meet our dedicated team
People
- All Members
- Graduate Students
- Lab Director
- Alumni
Lab Director
Dr. Stephanie Cassin
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary
MSc in Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary
BSc (Honours) in Psychology and Animal Physiology, University of Toronto
Biography
Dr. Cassin is a Professor and Director of the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle (HEAL) Lab in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition, she holds a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto (Department of Psychiatry) and is a member of the University Health Network Centre for Mental Health. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary and completed her psychology residency at the University of British Columbia / Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Following graduation, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Mood and Anxiety Treatment and Research Program). Prior to joining the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, she held staff clinical psychologist positions in the Mood and Anxiety Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network prior to joining the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Clinical and Research Interests
I am a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist with clinical and research interests in the areas of binge eating, ultra-processed food addiction, obesity, and bariatric (obesity) surgery. The research I completed during my doctoral training focused on the conceptualization of binge eating as an addiction, and the potential therapeutic implications that arise from this conceptualization. I am particularly interested in the impact of readiness for change on treatment outcome, as well as treatment approaches aimed at resolving ambivalence and enhancing readiness for change, such as motivational interviewing. My current program of research focuses primarily on psychosocial predictors of bariatric surgery outcome, and psychosocial interventions with the potential to improve outcomes. I also investigate health care innovations that increase treatment accessibility. I am co-Principal Investigator on several CIHR-funded multisite randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for bariatric surgery patients.
Selected Publications
Please see Google Scholar and the Lab Publications section of our website.
Teaching Interests
I have taught a variety of courses related to clinical and health psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (Psychological Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Advanced Clinical Psychology Seminar, Eating Disorders, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). I have also provided clinical supervision to many clinical psychology practicum students at the Psychology Training Clinic, which is a partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and Unity Health Toronto. I am a Fellow of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and co-Lead of Project ECHO Ontario CBT (a virtual professional development program that aims to build capacity in CBT and develop sustainable communities of practice).
Additional Interests
I enjoy high intensity interval training (HIIT), functional fitness, Muay Thai, walking, skating, running (when the weather is conductive, preferably a mix of sun and clouds and a temperature in the range of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius), leisurely bike rides, and yoga, depending on what my body feels inclined to do on any given day. I also enjoy reading fiction and non-fiction, watching documentaries, colouring, savoring a good cup of coffee, forever trying to improve my mediocre cooking skills (“growth mindset”), and (when that fails) expanding my palate by exploring different cuisines at restaurants and street festivals across Toronto and other cities I travel to.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Katey Park
Degrees
PhD in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology and Child, Youth and Family, University of Guelph
Research Interests
I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network (UHN) and the HEAL lab. I am an alumna of Toronto Metropolitan University, where I obtained my PhD in Psychology (Psychological Science). My dissertation employed a multi-method approach to investigate the factors that influenced physical activity changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also exploring sociocultural pressures to avoid weight gain during the pandemic. I am interested in research surrounding body image, eating behavior, physical activity, and weight stigma, particularly in bariatric surgery patient populations. Additionally, I enjoy dipping my toes into new research topics through my community program evaluation work.
Additional Interests
I enjoy strength training, gardening, hiking, and going for country drives. I love spending time with my friends and family outdoors- whether it’s a day at the beach, BBQing while playing lawn games, or having dinner on a patio. I’m often listening to podcasts about true crime and home organization. Much to my friends’ dismay, I’ve recently become a fan of country music. I find motivation in my daily iced coffee and desire to travel.
Graduate Student
Savie Edirisinghe
Degree in Progress
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Degrees
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen’s University
Research Interests
My research interests include understanding the ways we can conceptualize and foster positive body image among the general public, including love, gratitude, and acceptance of one’s own body. I am particularly interested in holistic and decolonizing approaches to well-being. For my Master’s thesis, I worked with Buddhist monks and scholars to explore how we can integrate traditional Buddhist knowledge and practice in the treatment of disordered eating and in the cultivation of positive body image.
Research Support
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Doctoral Award
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Clinical Interests
I am interested in accessible, person-centered, holistic, and trauma-informed care for a range of psychological concerns, including eating challenges and body image. I use cognitive behavioural interventions and draw from other modalities, including mindfulness and compassion-based approaches. I was fortunate to complete my first clinical practicum placement at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, as well as subsequent placements at Toronto Psychology & Wellness Group and Sick Kids Hospital Eating Disorders Program.
Additional Interests
Outside of research and clinical work, I engage in community organizing and advocacy. I will often have my nose in a nonfiction book (my favourite authors at the moment are Walter Rodney, Frantz Fanon, Angela Davis, and Arundhati Roy) when I’m not out exploring the city of Toronto. I love trying new foods and sharing meals with friends and family. I also love watching movies and sharing my opinions on said movies with whoever will listen!
Graduate Student
Lindsey Snaychuk
Degree in Progress
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Degrees
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology, Vancouver Island University
Research Interests
I study addiction broadly but have a particular interest in compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB; i.e., sex addiction). My master’s thesis examined the influence of CSB and associated correlates on inpatient treatment outcomes for substance use disorders. My doctoral work focuses on the conceptualization of CSB and the development of a multidimensional assessment tool for CSB. My recent clinical work (described below) has also sparked an interest in studying the overlap between behavioural addictions and eating disorders.
Research Support
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Doctoral Award
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Master’s Award
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) – Scientific Affairs Committee Student Research Grant
Clinical Interests
I have a particular interest in the evidence-based assessment and treatment of addictive disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. My clinical work is predominantly rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy, but I also regularly incorporate third-wave approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
I have completed clinical practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network, and Mood and Addiction Laboratory at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. I will be completing my psychology residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Additional Interests
I am passionate about mentorship and serve as a mentor for various academic and community-based programs. I particularly enjoy mentoring fellow first-generation students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology. Since moving to Toronto for graduate school, I spend most of my spare time exploring different markets around the city while sipping overpriced iced lattes or bubble tea. I enjoy strength training, yoga (specifically vinyasa or bikram), and taking walks along the harbourfront. When visiting home on Vancouver Island, I spend all my time swimming, paddle-boarding, or laying on the beach.
Graduate Student
Sally Zheng
Degree in Progress
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Degrees
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology and Minor in Ethics, Western University
Research Interests
Broadly, I am interested in examining the various barriers and facilitators to accessing effective obesity and mental health interventions among individuals living with obesity. My doctoral research focuses on the specific challenges faced by certain communities (e.g., BIPOC individuals) in accessing bariatric surgery, in addition to variables that maximize success for these individuals in psychosocial interventions following their surgery. My previous research interests prior to joining the HEAL Lab include the role of the self and self-related constructs (e.g., self-schema) in generating vulnerability to chronic worry in the context of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Research Support
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Doctoral Award
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Clinical Interests
My clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) in the context of co-occurring physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer). In clinical practice, I am interested in how psychological and physical factors intersect to impact an individual’s quality of life and how cognitive behavioural interventions and third-wave therapies can assist in alleviating not only psychological distress in this context, but also physical distress through improving adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours. I have completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network. I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients, as well as to individuals with social anxiety engaging in substance use and HIV risk-related behaviours. I am completing my psychology residency at the Toronto Area Residency Consortium, splitting my time between the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program and Oncology Program.
Additional Interests
I value a healthy work-life balance that consists of engaging with and relying on my cherished community of friends and family, regular exercise (I have been loving a balance of walking and Pilates), cooking, traveling, and exploring Toronto. I am also an avid reader and host a monthly book club. I also very much value creativity and am constantly trying to find mediums to nourish my “creative brain” such as writing, drawing, painting, and sculpting.
Graduate Student
Dr. Molly Atwood
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
Research Interests
Molly’s research interests broadly include the exploration of psychological factors that maintain disordered eating behaviours, as well as the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. Her Master’s thesis investigated the clinical correlates and antecedents of subjective binge eating (i.e., experiencing a sense of loss of control while eating, although the amount of food consumed is not unusually large). Specifically, she investigated the relationship between problematic cognitions and the subjective appraisal of loss of control over eating, as well as the cognitive and emotional factors that precipitate subjective binge eating, in order to identify targets for treatment. Her doctoral dissertation examined a tool developed at the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program called the Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale (BIPASS) and found that it predicted binge eating, quality of life, and weight regain following surgery.
Research Support
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Clinical Interests
Molly is interested in providing cognitive-behavioural treatment to individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, insomnia, and eating disorders. She completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, and the Eating Disorders Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also provided telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy to individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery at Toronto Western Hospital. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at the Halifax Residency Program.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Atwood completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences). She is currently a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.
Graduate Student
Dr. Lauren Flavelle
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen’s University
Research Interests
Lauren conducted psychosocial research on eating pathology across the weight spectrum. Her research interests broadly include the investigation of psychosocial factors, such as readiness for change, that predict positive outcomes for bariatric surgery patients, as well as the effectiveness of psychological interventions designed to improve outcomes for this patient population. Her Master’s thesis investigated the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing (MI) for improving motivation and self-efficacy for change for bariatric patients experiencing difficulties adhering to the post-operative dietary guidelines. Her doctoral dissertation investigated the efficacy of various strategies, including self-compassion, for improving significant body image disturbances in individuals with excess weight.
Research Support
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Master’s Award
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Doctoral Award
Clinical Interests
Lauren has worked as a study therapist in numerous research settings, including clinical trials examining the efficacy of telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for bariatric surgery patients in the HEAL lab and a trial examining the comparative efficacy of CBT versus MI for facilitating rapid treatment response in patients with bulimia nervosa. She also conducted MI with post-operative bariatric surgery patients for her Master’s thesis, and she provided skills training in self-compassion and cognitive restructuring for her dissertation. Lauren completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Eating Disorders Program at University Health Network, and the Adult Mental Health Program at Humber River Regional Hospital. Lauren completed her psychology residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Flavelle completed a postdoctoral fellowship at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. She is currently a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and the Regional Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health. She also launched a group private practice called Grenadier Psychotherapy.
Graduate Student
Dr. Aliza Friedman
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen’s University
Research Interests
Aliza’s research focused on the effects of weight-based stigma and discrimination on disordered eating for individuals across the weight spectrum, as well as mechanisms that explain this relationship. Her Master’s thesis investigated the effects of various facets of weight-based stigma and discrimination on eating behaviours in both female undergraduate students and bariatric surgery patients. Her dissertation examined brief interventions that may reduce internalized weight-based stigma, as well as how these interventions can be utilized to improve outcomes for the treatment of disordered eating.
Research Support
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Clinical Interests
Aliza is interested in cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of eating, mood, and anxiety disorders. She completed clinical practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, and the Eating Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Friedman worked as a Registered Clinical Psychologist at the Forest Hill Centre for CBT and Fairmarc Psychology before launching her own private psychology practice.
Graduate Student
Dr. Vincent Santiago
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BSc. (Honours) in Psychology and Biology, University of Toronto
Research Interests
Vincent’s research interests broadly include eating behaviours, body image, and bariatric surgery. Vincent’s doctoral dissertation was a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of a brief intervention combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy on food addiction (the concept that individuals can be addicted to foods, particularly highly processed foods). Vincent’s Master’s thesis explored psychosocial factors (i.e., adult attachment style, emotion regulation, and psychopathology) related to cigarette smoking following bariatric surgery. For his undergraduate thesis, he studied the influence of video messages on healthier eating among students who engaged in restrained and unrestrained eating.
Research Support
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Clinical Interests
Vincent’s clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various of mental health issues, including eating disorders, anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Vincent completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Intensive Residential and Day Treatment Program for OCD at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Eating Disorder Program at University Health Network. Vincent also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients, as well as in other lab providing CBT for social anxiety disorder, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behaviour. He completed his psychology residency at the London Clinical Psychology Consortium Program.
Current Position
Upon completion of his PhD, Dr. Santiago began working as a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist at the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program.
Graduate Student
Dr. Vanessa Montemarano
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen’s University
Research interests
Vanessa’s research interests include the development of weight stigma reduction strategies and interventions and reducing body image dissatisfaction. Her doctoral dissertation examined the use of cognitive dissonance to reduce weight stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs towards individuals living in larger bodies. She also has a broader interest in understanding the relationship between trauma and disordered eating.
Research Support
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Doctoral Award
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Clinical Interests
Vanessa is interested in emotion-focused and cognitive behavioural interventions for eating-related difficulties, including eating disorders, ultra-processed food addiction, and body image. She completed clinical practica the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, as well as the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and Eating Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at the Toronto Area Residency Consortium, splitting her time between the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program and Oncology Program.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Montemarano began a clinical postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School / McLean Hospital within the Klarman Eating Disorders Centre.
Graduate Student
Dr. Bethany Roorda
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology, University of Waterloo
Research Interests
Bethany is broadly interested in the fields of eating disorder, weight, and body-image research. Her research focused on factors related to negative body image and means by which we can improve individuals’ perceptions of their own bodies. Her doctoral dissertation examined the impact of diet-related social media on women’s body dissatisfaction (study 1) and social media interventions that may ameliorate these negative effects (study 2).
Research Support
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Doctoral Award
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – Master’s Award
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Clinical Interests
Bethany uses cognitive behavioural therapy and third-wave therapies, such as mindfulness-based CBT, in treating psychological disorders. She has completed practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Adult Eating Disorder Day Program North York General Hospital. She has also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at Transforming Emotions and Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Roorda began working at Transforming Emotions and Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Dr. Kathleen Lyons
Research Interests
Kathleen completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. Her thesis examined body image in post-operative bariatric surgery patients using focus groups, and it resulted in a first-authored publication. She was particularly interested in learning how patients adjust to the drastic bodily changes that occur following bariatric surgery, including the development of excess skin.
Current Position
Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Kathleen attended graduate school at the University of California San Diego and Western University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Western University.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Aiden Mehak
Research Interests
Aiden completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL lab. Her thesis investigated sociocultural influences on disordered eating in young women, and it resulted in a first-authored publication. She also co-authored a book chapter on virtual care for individuals with obesity. Her research interests include the phenomenon of ‘feeling fat’ among individuals with eating disorders.
Current Position
Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Aiden started the graduate program in Clinical Psychology at McGill University.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Karman Kua
Research Interests
Karman completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. Her thesis examined the impact of gender and ultra-processed food addiction on weight-based stigma.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Saba Salemi
Research Interests
Saba completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. Her thesis examined the effects of self-compassion and positive thinking on body-image.
Current Position
Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Saba completed the training required to become a Registered Psychotherapist.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Elisha Starick
Research Interests
Elisha completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. Her thesis explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image, coping behaviours, problem-solving orientation, affect, and general self-efficacy, and it resulted in a first-authored publication.
Current Position
Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Elisha worked in several research positions before starting the graduate program in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Matthew Lewis
Research Interests
Matthew completed his undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. His thesis examined the impact of a brief intervention combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy on food consumption among individuals who report feeling addicted to ultra processed, highly palatable foods.
Undergrad Thesis Student
Meg Molnar
Research Interests
Meg completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL lab. Her thesis compared stigma towards binge eating disorder and ultra-processed food addiction, and it resulted in a first-authored publication.
Current Position
Meg continues to work as a research assistant in the HEAL lab and several other labs. She aims to pursue graduate studies in psychology in the future to become a clinical psychologist.
Research Coordinator
Samantha Leung
Research Interests
Samantha is broadly interested in obesity, eating behaviours, mental health, and patient care. Her work as a research coordinator and analyst with the HEAL Lab and the University Health Network Bariatric Centre of Excellence focused on developing interventions and stepped care approaches for pre- and post-operative bariatric surgery patients. She was the research coordinator for several multi-site, randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy.
Study Therapist
Dr. Iris Antonopoulos
Degrees
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology, York University
Research Interests
Iris worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She also conducted qualitative research on interpersonal relationships and body image in bariatric surgery patients. She is particularly interested in the overlap between disordered eating and trauma.
Current Position
Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Antonopoulos worked as a Registered Clinical Psychologist at Remedy Institute and Grenadier Psychotherapy. She also launched her own private psychology practice.
Study Therapist
Kaitlin McGarragle
Degree in Progress
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Degrees
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
MSc in Medical Science, University of Toronto
BA (Honours) in Psychology, York University
Research Interests
I am interested in qualitative research that centers underserved populations and allows people to share their experiences in their own words. I have conducted research exploring how couples jointly cope with multiple sclerosis and how individuals navigate cancer. My dissertation is examining the relationship between binge eating and emotion regulation using online posts from Reddit.
Clinical Interests
Through the HEAL lab, I work as a therapist providing cognitive behavioural therapy to bariatric surgery patients. I have completed practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Eating Disorders Program at University Health Network. I am particularly interested in how feelings such as shame and existential concerns such as death and identity impact mental health. I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients.
Additional Interests
I enjoy live music, stand-up comedy, listening to podcasts, reading, and learning about people.
Study Therapist
Kristen Hernandez
Degree in Progress
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Degrees
MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
BA (Honours) in Psychology and minor in Child and Family Studies, University of Guelph
Research Interests
My research interests involve moderators of disorder specific couples interventions outcomes (e.g., mental health predictors of Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy for PTSD outcomes). I am also interested in treatment outcomes for individuals with co-morbid PTSD and eating disorders.
Clinical Interests
I am dedicated to supporting individuals seeking therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, trauma, and PTSD. I seek for my clinical work to be trauma-informed and evidence-based. My therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to tailor to the unique needs and preferences of my clients. I strive to provide a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment with an anti-racist, harm reduction and fat liberation approach.
I have completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and Toronto Psychology and Wellness Group. I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients.
Additional Interests
I enjoy trying out new restaurants or workout classes with friends (e.g., spin, Pilates), bargain hunting, watching reality TV, cuddling my Bengal cats and spending time in nature.