Therapeutic Approach

Dr. O’Connor’s areas of expertise include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma (e.g., abuse, loss)
• Stress
• Relationship issues (individual and couples therapy)
• Life transitions and changes
• Self-esteem problems
• Anger control problems

The above is not an exhaustive list. If you are experiencing a difficulty that is not covered in the list, please feel free to contact Dr. O’Connor and she will assess whether her areas of expertise cover your issue of concern. If she feels you may be better served by seeing a different professional, she will help you locate someone suited to your needs.

Important Note: Dr. O’Connor has accepted a position as Director of Psychology for The Sanctuary Vancouver Island and due to its “mobilize on demand” model of service she is not able to accept therapy referrals where she feels it is in the client's best interest to have a longer-term consistent level of contact. This includes clients under the age of 16, and those involved in disability, litigation, Worksafe, ICBC, or Crime Victim Assistance situations. If you fall into any of these categories you may wish to find an alternative Registered Psychologist at the BC Psychological Association website: http://www.psychologists.bc.ca/find_psychologist_full or by phoning them at 1-800-730-0522.

ADHD Assessments

An ADHD assessment involves the steps outlined below and is based on my hourly rate:

• Completion of a pdf form detailing background information and symptoms (emailed to you upon booking and completed prior to your appointment)
• A one-hour office visit to complete a brief inventory, 15 minutes of computerized attention testing, and clinical interview
• A detailed report outlining diagnosis and recommendations (2 hours)
• A follow-up one hour appointment to review the report outlining results and recommendations

Please do not ingest caffeine for 4 hours prior to your first appointment. If a trial of medication is considered appropriate by a medical doctor it is possible to repeat the attention testing and review symptom improvement once the medication has been started. A “Progressive Analysis” will determine whether there is a statistically significant improvement in attentional capacity while on medication versus off medication. This information can be part of the decision to help decide whether to continue with the medication.