Deborah Birkett MA

Treating adult individuals with OCD is at least 35% of my current practice and on the increase. I have a particular focus on religious and moral OCD (scrupulosity) and existential OCD. Treatment of OCD is a primary professional interest for me.

Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders:

Religious trauma/spiritual abuse
Identity challenges
Spiritual transitions

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Treatment for
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intensive Workshop (Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania)

CBT for OCD (ECHO Ontario/CAMH/Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre/Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre)

OCD: Foundations for Primary Care Providers (ECHO Ontario/CAMH/Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre/Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre)

CBT Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University)

Diversity Statement:

I am experienced in working with clients from a wide range of religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. I have particular expertise in supporting the mental health needs of those who identify as Jewish, Christian, and Muslim, and have also worked successfully with clients who identify as Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, agnostic, and atheist.

I am trauma-certified, and have had training in intercultural effectiveness. I have a multifaceted background in religious and cultural studies, and substantial experience in interfaith and interreligious encounters. I am deeply committed to combining evidence-based treatment with culturally and spiritually sensitive psychotherapy.