Psychologist (Adults) - St. Catharines & Online
Dr. Birchwood is a clinical psychologist providing counselling and assessment to adults at Brookside Psychologists‘ St. Catharines and Burlington offices. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology at the Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California. His primary area of research pertains to psychological resilience, the ability to thrive despite severe life difficulties. He has over 28 years of experience in community mental health, including the role of clinical specialist. Dr. Birchwood has held clinical positions at the Canadian Mental Health Association,the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Forensic Psychological Services, Correctional Services Canada, Health Sciences Centre, and St. Boniface General Hospital.
Dr. Birchwood carefully tailors his approach to serve the needs of his clients. His interventions involve the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), augmented by client-centred and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approaches. In all interventions, he emphasizes the strengths each individual brings to resolving life problems. He provides assessments and treatment for various conditions, including personality disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, (ADD/ADHD), hoarding disorder, anger issues, depression, anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic attacks, worry, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma (PTSD), sexual compulsions, and co-occurring addiction disorders.
Birchwood, C. & Southworth, K. “Flourishing While Caring: Beyond Vicarious Trauma.” Collaborative Mental Health Care, 11th Canadian Conference. Winnipeg. Oct 2010.
Birchwood, C. & Coogan, L. “The STAR Approach to Immigrants’ & Refugees’ Mental Health.” World Federation for Mental Health, Transcultural Mental Health in a Changing World: Building a Global Response. Minneapolis. Oct. 2007.
Birchwood, C. & Coogan, L. “Immigration Trauma.” Psychosocial Rehabilitation Manitoba [Conference]. Winnipeg. 2006
Birchwood, C, Forrest, H., & Bertrand, J. “Advanced Recovery Skills for Practitioners” Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada, National Conference. Winnipeg. 2003.
Birchwood, C. “Improving Motivation.” Psychosocial Rehabilitation Manitoba: Cultivating Motivation: Working in partnership with adults with mental illness. Winnipeg. 29 September 2010.
Birchwood, C. “How can Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Inform Recovery?” Psychosocial Rehabilitation Manitoba: Annual General Meeting. [Keynote Address]. Winnipeg. 15 November 2010.