Registered Psychologist

Dr. Christopher Cardoso

Registered Psychologist

If you’re tired of suffering alone and feeling misunderstood, finding the right therapist is a great place to start. I have spent nearly a decade helping people face overwhelming challenges and beat the odds. You will find an overview of my experiences and areas of competence in the paragraphs that follow. I hope to have the opportunity to watch you grow in our work together.

I see individuals who suffer from mood disorders and related conditions (i.e. ADHD, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, substance use disorders, personality disorders) using a framework that integrates biological, psychological, and social explanations of mental health. From a psychological and social perspective, people who suffer from mental health conditions may experience long, enduring periods of wellness under normal circumstances. In the face of overwhelming challenges, however, these individuals may develop mental health symptoms that interfere with daily life. Such difficult circumstances often include social conflict or isolation, role transitions, grief or trauma, lack of structure, loss of self-confidence, as well as crises of identity and purpose. From a biological perspective, individuals may also develop mental health symptoms in the face of significant biological transitions, which occur most frequently in the perinatal and postpartum period in women, and in some individuals adjusting to chronic medical conditions. I also see couples that struggle with issues related to conflict, attachment, intimacy, and sexual dysfunction. Finally, I also provide psychoeducational assessments for youth struggling with motivation, mood, and learning challenges in school.

My approach to treatment is informed by rigorous training in diagnostic assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment (i.e. CBT, ACT, IPT) integrated with process-oriented approaches. This approach is couched in a psychological, social, and biological framework that is client-centered and strengths-based. My relationship with my clients is based on a shared vision for progress in therapy, non-judgment, and mutual respect. I generously use humour and metaphor in my work, and I encourage my clients to control the pace of therapy to suit their needs and values best.

I am the co-founder of Bloom Psychology Clinic in North Vancouver. Prior to this appointment, I worked in major hospitals in Canada and in the United States in association with McGill University and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I have conducted multiple Randomized Controlled Trials for the treatment of mood disorders and related conditions using CBT, IPT, and IPSRT. I have also published nearly 20 peer-reviewed articles on the neurobiology of stress, social bonding, and mood disorders in humans. This research has been featured widely in international media and has informed my approach to the treatment of mental health issues.

I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of British Columbia and the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Dr. Danielle Kingdon

Registered Psychologist

I provide psychological services (i.e. assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioural and learning problems, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), selective mutism, OCD, tics/Tourette’s, body-focused repetitive behaviours (e.g., trichotillomania), pediatric health conditions (e.g. somatization, encopresis, eating and sleep problems), interpersonal problems, and difficulties adjusting to divorce, loss or life changes. I also conduct psycho-educational and ASD diagnostic assessments. I regularly provide consultation to parents and teachers on parenting and behaviour management strategies.

In my work, I strive to understand each child and family from an integrative approach, taking into account the impact of the child’s temperament and psychobiological factors, parent-child relationships, family dynamics, social factors, and potential stressors on the family.  I use a strength-based approach to help children and their families achieve their maximum potential. I provide assessment and treatment services that are comprehensive and driven by the latest research and best practice guidelines. In therapy, I primarily work from a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, while incorporating elements of other empirically supported treatments (e.g., DBT, mindfulness, interpersonal therapy and family systems) to understand the client and to find practical solutions for presenting problems.

I provide a child-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Office appointments, telehealth appointments, as well as some school and in-home consultations are offered.

I am the co-founder of Bloom Psychology Clinic in North Vancouver. I am a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia and Ontario. I am originally from Vancouver, BC and completed my B.A. (Honours) in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. I moved to Montreal, QC to complete both my M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University. I have trained in a variety of inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (where I completed my 1 year pre-doctoral residency), BC Children’s Hospital/Sunny Hill, the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and the Autism Clinic at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. After obtaining my Ph.D., I worked as a psychologist in private practice in Ottawa, Ontario for several years before moving back to my hometown of Vancouver, BC. I am pleased to now be able to provide services in the beautiful North Shore.

I am passionate about working with children and youth and I keep up to date on current developments in the field by regularly attending child-focused educational workshops and lectures. I have also published nearly a dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on child and adolescent development, with a focus on parenting, child mental health, developmental disabilities, executive functioning and academic success.

Dr. Jaime Semchuk

Registered Psychologist

Here at Bloom Psychology Clinic, I offer psychological assessment and treatment services for children, youth, and their families with a range of presenting concerns. I have experience assessing and treating developmental, social, emotional, and behavioural issues, including: anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, exploration of gender identity, intellectual disability, learning and behavioural concerns, relational and interpersonal problems, sexual behaviour concerns, and trauma. My goal is to work collaboratively with clients and their families to deliver evidence-based, individualized services that take into account clients’ unique strengths. I aim to offer practical strategies and coping skills that can be incorporated into everyday life and support clients in meeting their full potential.

My clinical services are grounded in establishing a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental environment. In therapy, I work primarily from a cognitive behavioural approach, and incorporate components of motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioural therapy to develop individualized treatment plans focused on the needs and strengths of each client. I am also available to provide consultation to schools and families, to enhance supports for children’s mental health and behavioural functioning.

In addition to therapy, I am experienced in providing comprehensive psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents. The goal of assessment is to identify clients’ strengths and challenges to inform the development of targeted recommendations for supports in home, school and community environments. Referral questions may include ADHD, ASD, giftedness, intellectual disability, and learning disabilities.

I have practiced and trained in a variety of hospital, community, and educational settings in Canada and the USA. I obtained my Ph.D. in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of British Columbia and completed my pre-doctoral residency in Clinical Psychology at the the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry in Baltimore, Maryland. During residency, I completed rotations providing psychological assessment for children in a hospital outpatient clinic, offering comprehensive school-based mental health treatment and consultation services in a Baltimore City High School, and contributing to research and program development for the National Center for School Mental Health. In addition to my work at Bloom Psychology Clinic, I work for the Ministry of Child and Family Development’s Child and Youth Mental Health services, as a clinician in the Adolescent Sexual Health Program. I am registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Dr. Angela Fu

Doctorate of Psychology

I take an open and non-judgemental approach in therapy to attune to each individual’s unique needs. My theoretical approach to treatment is integrative and informed primarily by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based practices. I use evidence-based and person-centered approaches to create a warm, supportive, and individualized therapeutic environment.

I provide psychological services (i.e., assessment and treatment) to individuals experiencing diverse issues, such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, life changes, and cultural adjustment difficulties. In addition to therapy and interventions, I am also trained in a wide range of assessments. I provide psychoeducational assessments, diagnostic assessments, and personality assessments to adults, adolescents, and children. I grew up moving between the United States and China and came to Vancouver in 2013. I offer services in both English and Mandarin.

I hold a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology and am practicing under the supervision of Dr. Cardoso and Dr. Kingdon here at Bloom Psychology Clinic. I have trained in various settings within British Columbia, including the Regional Treatment Centre at Pacific Institution with Corrections Services Canada (CSC), Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH), Encompass Community Services Society, and WorkBC Pacific Community Resource Society. I completed my one-year residency of pre-doctoral internship in Los Angeles, California, at the Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services (IMCES), a community-based clinic. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and with individuals experiencing various issues and facing different life challenges. My background and training allow me to recognize cross-cultural and various other diversity issues and their impact on individuals’ mental health and overall wellbeing.

Katherine McKay

Doctoral Candidate

I offer therapy and assessment services for adults and adolescents (16-19) experiencing a broad range of concerns. I primarily work with folks reporting issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, identity, self-harm, suicidal behaviours, 2SLGBTQI+, and executive functioning. Whether I’m providing therapy or assessment, I approach my work with compassion and collaboration. My aim is to work with you to gain insight into your concerns, set goals, and improve the quality of your life.

Therapeutically, I integrate various evidence-based techniques that are best suited to my clients’ needs and preferences. I am trained in modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, trauma-informed and body-based approaches. When it comes to assessment, I work with those who are seeking clarification on their mental health symptoms, wondering about diagnoses or personality traits, or experiencing challenges with learning or executive functioning (e.g., focus, attention).

Over the course of my clinical training, I have assessed and treated adults and youth with diverse backgrounds in various settings including the YWCA Edmonton, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Child and Youth Mental Health, and Corrections Services Canada. As a sixth-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at Adler University, I am in the final stage of my degree. I have completed all of the required clinical training and I am working to complete my capstone research project, the doctoral dissertation, which is a research study on the assessment of defense and coping mechanisms. Currently, I deliver services under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Cardoso and Dr. Danielle Kingdon.

Danial Asadolahi

Doctoral Candidate

My goal as a mental health professional is to help individuals overcome their psychological difficulties and live healthier, happier lives. At Bloom Psychology Clinic, I provide psychotherapeutic and psychological assessment services to adults and adolescents (ages 16-19). In the area of psychotherapy, I am happy to work with individuals experiencing low mood, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, and relationship problems, among other difficulties. In the area of psychological assessment, I can offer psychoeducational, diagnostic, and personality assessment services.

To provide further information on my psychotherapeutic and assessment approaches, I would describe these approaches as evidence-based (informed by scientific research), strengths-based (mindful of clients’ areas of strength and guiding clients to utilize these strengths), person-centered (focused on the person as a whole, not just their difficulties), and humanistic (based on the belief that every person has an inherent capacity to heal and grow).

The therapeutic perspective from which I work is called Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. According to this perspective, all human beings have beliefs and thoughts that shape their perception of themselves, other people, and life/the world. We acquire these beliefs and thoughts in a number of ways, including from our caregivers during development and by forming these beliefs and thoughts ourselves through our life experiences. Some of these thoughts and beliefs are helpful to our psychological well-being and achieving our goals in life; others are not, and it is this latter group of thoughts and beliefs that can contribute to various mental health difficulties. One’s mental health is not only positively and negatively affected by thoughts and beliefs (psychological factors), but also by biological and social factors. In therapy sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to a) uncover and change their unhelpful beliefs and thoughts, b) provide them with behavioural and problem-solving strategies for addressing problems related to psychological, biological, and social factors, and c) help clients access and use any personal strengths and relevant community resources.

With regards to my education and training, my Bachelor’s and Master’s-level work was in psychology, and I am currently working towards obtaining my doctoral degree in clinical psychology as a student in the PsyD program at Adler University (Vancouver Campus). As part of my clinical psychological training experiences thus far, I have completed multiple practicums in the areas of psychotherapy and psychological assessment. I have also researched and written several psychological articles that have been published in BC Psychologist, the peer-reviewed journal of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA).

Buse Bedir

PhD Candidate

I am a senior level PhD student in Clinical Psychology, and I am currently completing a practicum at Bloom Psychology Clinic. I provide psychological services (i.e. assessment and treatment) to children, adolescents, families and adults under the supervision of Dr. Cardoso and Dr. Kingdon. I have experience providing psychological services to individuals who have anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, FASD, and executive functioning difficulties.

I take a client-centered and developmentally informed approach in my interactions with clients and aim to create a personalized therapeutic experience for each client. I incorporate well-researched treatment methods like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Therapy, and Play-Based Therapies. I take a warm and emphatic approach that is strengths-based to allow clients to explore and address their challenges.

I have extensive training in Neuropsychology, which is study of the brain-behaviour relationship. I completed my B.A. (Honours) and M.Sc. at University of Victoria. I am currently completing practicum to finish my PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology. Prior to this experience, I have provided psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments, and provided therapy services at the University of Victoria Psychology Clinic. I am committed to providing a safe and non-judgemental space for all clients. I am passionate about the work that I do, and I am looking forward to meeting new clients.

Alicja Dobrzanski

Doctoral Candidate

It takes a lot of courage to recognize that something in your life (e.g., how you feel, your relationships, your career) is not the way you wish it would be; it takes even more courage to decide that it might be time to reach out to a psychologist. As a psychologist-in-training, I place a lot of value on being authentic, transparent, and collaborative with my clients. I frequently use humour, validation, and metaphor in sessions. My goal is to equip you with the skills that will empower you to make the changes you want to see in your life.

I am in the fifth year of my Doctor of Psychology degree and am writing my dissertation on suicide risk prediction. I am practicing psychology under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Cardoso, who is a registered psychologist that is practicing here at Bloom Psychology Clinic. Over the course of my doctoral degree, I have amassed a wealth of experience from having trained in diverse settings with adults from a variety of backgrounds.

My psychotherapy experience began on the Downtown Eastside. There, my work primarily consisted of brief interventions for grief, anger management, and medication adherence. I then transitioned to a community mental health clinic, wherein I mainly treated individuals with PTSD, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), and Borderline Personality Disorder. This work often included helping my clients get in touch with their emotions and manage them safely, improve their depressed mood, manage their anxiety, process their grief, and become skilled at communicating and asserting their needs. In my experience, these clients also tended to walk away with a richer understanding of their past and a deepened sense of self-compassion. Finally, I completed my most recent training in a transitional housing facility for young men in recovery from addiction. There, I had the opportunity to design and facilitate a skills-based mindfulness and emotion regulation group to help with craving management.

In addition to psychotherapy, I have also been trained in providing diagnostic and personality assessments. I have experience in conducting such assessments for individuals walking through my door and as part of WorkSafe BC proceedings. I look forward to expanding my training to include psychoeducational assessments and well.

Laura Obdeyn

Doctoral Candidate

My approach to therapy is strength-based and collaborative. Each client that walks through my door brings a unique story, perspective on life, and set of skills, and my goal is to work within that unique framework to bring about positive change.

I am a senior level Doctoral Candidate, and I am completing a practicum placement at Bloom Psychology Clinic as part of my doctorate training in clinical psychology. Under the supervision of Dr. Cardoso and Dr. Kingdon, I provide therapy and assessment services for adults and older adolescents.

I completed my B.Sc. in psychology at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, ON. In Ontario, I worked in multiple research labs studying self-compassion, disordered eating and body image, social anxiety, and the impact of work stress on mental health. I am currently in the 5th year of doctoral training at Adler University here in BC. Since beginning my doctorate degree, I have provided psychological assessments and therapy in both private and community practice settings, and I have worked with clients with head injuries, anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace bullying/harassment, OCD, agoraphobia, and somatic symptom disorder.