Our Clinic
Scientifically proven therapy, real results
We provide state-of-the-art psychological therapy, personalized for your unique needs, in a manner that is supportive, compassionate and kind.
Established in 2005, the Centre for CBT is a team of registered psychologists, psychotherapists and Masters of Psychology graduates who believe the best mental health therapy is grounded in science. That means our treatments are guided by the most advanced clinical research available and are backed by extensive empirical evidence.
But meaningful therapy is never one size fits all. You have your own unique history, values and preferences. That’s why we work with each patient to create a custom treatment plan that is not only scientifically validated, but is also tailored just for you.
Excellent credentials, extensive training
Our team of practitioners are selected for their expertise and clinical training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), widely considered the highest standard of care in mental health therapy today.
The Centre for CBT is now a well established private practice in the Ontario medical community and in the private health insurance industry. Our top 2 sources of new patients is by referral from current patients and from family physicians who trust our clinic with their friend’s/family’s and patients’ health care, respectively.
Please take your time to explore our website and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Team
Dr. David Direnfeld, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. David Direnfeld, Clinical Director of the Centre for CBT, is a registered psychologist with over 30 years experience using CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for the treatment of psychological disorders. Since 1992 he has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, university-based psychiatric research units and private clinics.
Dr. Direnfeld obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology at York University and began his clinical training in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH, formerly the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry). He earned his Masters and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo and completed his residency training at the University of British Columbia, where he worked in the Anxiety Disorders Unit and in the Health Psychology Clinic at UBC Hospital.
Dr. Direnfeld previously held a staff psychologist position in the Anxiety Disorders Unit at the McMaster University Medical Centre, as well as a faculty position at McMaster University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences.
Dr. Direnfeld’s extensive research activities have focused on the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in these areas, and has presented his findings at various international conferences. Dr. Direnfeld has been qualified by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice as an expert witness in his area of practice and has provided opinions for both plaintiff and defence counsel at trial.
Dr. Direnfeld has been featured as a guest psychologist on the television show Newlywed Nearly Dead, and he was also selected to provide psychological treatment to guests on the Dr. Phil Show and Hoarders.
Dr. Lynne Lamarche, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lamarche is a registered clinical psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for the treatment of psychological disorders. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has been researching and treating psychological disorders since 2003 in a range of clinical settings, including general and psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, detention centers and private clinics.
Dr. Lamarche received undergraduate training in general psychology at Queen’s University, earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Ottawa, and completed her residency training at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, and at the Centre for Psychological Services in Ottawa.. Her research activities have focused on sleep problems, specifically among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, and among women with severe premenstrual symptoms.
Dr. Lamarche offers services in English and French.
Dr. Denise Ma, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ma is a clinical psychologist with diverse experiences working with individuals across the lifespan. She utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, to treat a wide range of psychological disorders. She has worked previously in general and psychiatric hospital settings, university counseling centres, and community clinics.
Dr. Ma received her undergraduate training in psychology and philosophy at McGill University. She also completed her Master’s degree in psychiatry at McGill University. Dr. Ma received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Concordia University, and completed her residency training at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Her research interests have focused on the developmental psychobiology of anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.
Dr. Ma is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario to assess and treat children, adolescents and adults. She works with individuals 12 years of age and older.
Marina Mazer, M.Psy., Registered Psychotherapist
Ms. Mazer is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience, both in and out of Canada. She holds a Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School in addition to a post-graduate degree in Behavior Analysis.
Ms. Mazer has worked in mental healthcare in various settings and is experienced in a range of evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her experience practising across cultures has enabled her to develop a better understanding of complex and challenging contexts that individuals, couples and families experience throughout life.
Ms. Mazer is a Professional Member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counselors, Psychometrics and Psychotherapists (OACPP) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Alec Toller, M.Psy., Psychological Associate (Supervised Practice)
Alec has had extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Training over the past 15 years. He holds a Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and is on the temporary registration list with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a Psychological Associate (Supervised Practice). Alec has experience treating depression, anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, insomnia, relationship conflict, low self-esteem, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other mental health problems. He completed a specialized practicum in the treatment of severe OCD at the Sunnybrook Hospital Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre. His background is in the arts and his master's thesis explored worry and anxiety among artists.
Alec integrates a CBT framework with a variety of other approaches, including mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. He aims to foster curiosity and resilience in clients to strengthen new ways of thinking about life's difficulties and practice new skills in response to stressors. He works in a compassionate, engaged, and spirited interpersonal style, collaborating with clients to individually tailor evidence-based treatments to their specific issues and preferences.
Roja Vivekanand, M.Psy., Registered Psychotherapist
Roja Vivekanand is a Registered Psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience working in organizational, educational, community, and private practice settings. Roja is an integrative therapist whose training and experience includes working with adults from diverse backgrounds. She provides treatment using interventions that include evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques to build self-awareness and help manage interpersonal challenges.
Roja obtained her Master of Clinical Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. She is also an affiliate member of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology and has presented papers and research at their international conferences.
Roja is Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and offers services in English, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.
Deborah Tsagris, Ed.D., Registered Psychotherapist
Deborah Tsagris is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. She has diverse experience working with individuals across the lifespan. She has provided psychotherapy to individuals in both educational and private practice settings. Deborah obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto, a Master of Education degree in Human Development at OISE, University of Toronto and a Doctor of Education degree at the University of Calgary. Deborah has extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, including a professional certificate program with the world famous Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. For the past 10-years, Deborah’s focus has been treating individuals with anxiety and mood disorders using a CBT framework combined with mindfulness and strength-based approaches.
Regan Palmerio, M.Psy., Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Regan is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has over four years of experience working in various settings within the field of psychology. She recently graduated with a Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and is a professional member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Practitioners (OAMHP).
Regan primarily uses a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) framework while integrating other modalities to tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs. She brings authenticity and honesty to her work, fostering a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and supported. Regan has experience treating depression, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD), trauma, difficulties with communication and assertiveness, and other mental health problems.
Lindsay Chard, B.A. (Hons)., Office Administrator
Ms. Lindsay Chard is a graduate of Brock University, where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with PTSD, major depressive disorder, various anxiety disorders, and behavioral challenges. Additionally, Lindsay has volunteer experience working with youth who have a variety of emotional and behavioural challenges. Lindsay has used her background in mental health to contribute to research, notably at Brock University’s Social Cognition, Relationships, and Methods Lab. Currently, she is advancing her education by pursuing a Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. Lindsay is dedicated to delivering compassionate and informed care, ensuring that clients feel secure and engaged in their treatment plans. While working towards her Master of Psychology, Lindsay will be assisting Dr. David Direnfeld with managing the Centre for CBT.