Dr. Olga Oulanova, PhD, C.Psych. Psychologist
Dr. Olga Oulanova is a registered clinical and rehabilitation psychologist. She provides assessment and treatment for individuals with depressive, anxiety, trauma and stress-related disorders, insomnia, problems in relationships, perinatal issues, life transitions, and grief. As a rehabilitation psychologist she also helps individuals adapt to and cope with chronic medical illnesses, injury, disability, and/or chronic pain and assists with making healthy lifestyle changes and goals.
Dr. Oulanova’s primary therapeutic orientation is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and she incorporates other evidence-based interventions (e.g., mindfulness, motivational interviewing) as needed to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs and goals. She also trained in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and may use this approach in relation to interpersonal conflicts, transitions, or loss. Her training in the areas of clinical, health and rehabilitation psychology and her research on the integration of alternative healing practices with psychotherapy has enhanced her appreciation of the complex interaction between mental and physical health.
Dr. Oulanova has a calm, grounded therapeutic presence and provides a safe and respectful space where clients feel understood and valued. She approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership in which therapy goals and individualized treatment plans are mutually developed and where attention is given to personal strengths. In her work with clients, Dr. Oulanova focuses on providing practical skills that enhance clients’ sense of control and purpose in life.
Dr. Oulanova completed her Ph.D. in Clinical/Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She has worked in private practice, hospital, and university settings. Dr. Oulanova completed her residency in health and rehabilitation psychology at Ottawa Hospital and Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre where she provided assessment services and individual and group psychotherapy (CBT and IPT) within an interdisciplinary team. Dr. Oulanova completed rotations in the Chronic Pain Management, Infectious Diseases (Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS), Acquired Brain Injury, and Perinatal Mental Health programs. In these rotations, she provided treatment for depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Dr. Oulanova’s training emphasized the process of coping with chronic illnesses, disabilities, pain, and stigma, modifying health behaviours, preparing for medical treatments, and, in the perinatal mental health program, adjusting to the transition(s) of pregnancy and motherhood. Dr. Oulanova previously completed clinical placements at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and the Atkinson Counselling and Supervision Centre at York University. While in graduate school she also worked in a private practice for three years providing assessment and psychotherapy to individuals who had sustained motor vehicle accidents. She continued providing services in this area following the completion of her doctoral degree.
Dr. Oulanova’s research and publications have focused on posttraumatic growth though exploration of the healing process following suicide bereavement, the integration of alternative and complementary healing practices with psychotherapy, and medical education. Dr. Oulanova teaches part-time at OISE/University of Toronto and has provided supervision to masters and doctoral interns in psychology. Dr. Oulanova is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association.
Dr. Oulanova provides psychological services in English and Russian.
Online therapy available