Dr. Deanna Klymkiw
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST IN SUPERVISED PRACTICE
Oh, hello!
I am a Psychologist in Supervised Practice registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I conduct psychotherapy with teens and adults, as well as forensic assessments.
Let’s be real
I am a first generation Canadian who comes from a working-class family. Pursuing a PhD wasn’t exactly on my radar growing up. In fact, my interest in human behaviour, thought, and emotion initially expressed itself through art rather than academics. Although I had some success in the arts, I was most fulfilled learning about human development and using that knowledge to help others. So, I switched my focus to psychology. I am particularly interested in working with youth (people in their teens and under 30), because it’s a time where sh*it can hit the fan, and a lot of us are making important decisions. Been there, done that. Let me support you on that journey.
What I do
My therapy is cognitive-behavioural and trauma-informed, with a strong consideration of multisystemic influences. That means I target your thoughts and behaviour to make changes you want to see, and am keenly aware of how past traumatic experiences can impact those thoughts and behaviour. I also think about how the environment you are in (your family, school, work, city, country, greater society) can work for you and against you. I treat depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and difficulty managing emotions.
Who I see
The focus of my training has been with BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ teens and adults. I do not shy away from acknowledging the privilege that I hold as a white female cisgender graduate, and any other differences that may exist between myself and my client. I have found that a candid and genuine approach is appreciated and fosters a safe environment for clients to discuss their unique lived experiences. You’re the expert of your own experience. I promise honesty, safety, and validation.
Other important stuff
I completed my graduate training at Toronto Metropolitan University. My Master’s thesis used brain-based measures to examine how anxiety impacts attention and impulse control in adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. My PhD explored the mental health and addiction service preferences of justice-involved youth and their caregivers across Ontario, which aligns with my interest in applied research that informs public policy. I have a range of assessment and therapy training from clinical placements at hospitals and secure-custody settings. I completed my residency training at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, with rotations in the forensic inpatient program, and at the Youth Wellness Centre.