Dr. Colleen Allison

Associate, Registered Psychologist

Dr. Allison received her Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology at Simon Fraser University. She is passionate about providing treatment to late teens AND emerging adults (those aged 17-29) and other adults whose problems in living include anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, gender identity issues, relationship difficulties, and some substance use. Her approach to understanding and treating client struggles is client centred and integrative, strongly influenced by her research in attachment patterns that reflect cognitive, behavioural, and emotional tendencies in close relationships. The psychotherapeutic treatments Dr. Allison integrates in her practice include Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dynamic Attachment Repatterning (DARe), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Dr. Allison is also Certified in Trauma Stabilization Treatment (TIST), and holds a certificate in Dynamic Attachment Repatterning (DARe). She loves nothing more than seeing clients develop an acceptance of themselves that allows them to make positive changes in their lives. In her interactions with clients she is genuine, thoughtful, and compassionate.

Dr. Allison is a member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation, the Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood, the Canadian Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis – US division. Dr. Allison is currently seeking certification by theWorld Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Dr. Allison was formerly the Clinical Lead of Psychotherapy at VGH Outpatient Psychiatry. Prior to that, she worked as a Psychologist both at the Provincial Youth Concurrent Disorders Program at BC Children’s Hospital, and at Tertiary Mental Health at Willow Pavilion, Vancouver Hospital. Dr. Allison is registered with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (Registration #2151).