Dr. Kelly Ann Cartwright, PsyD
Psychologist, Certified CBIT Therapist, Practice Owner
(she/her/elle)
I strive to create a warm environment that is free of judgment. I am client-centered, authentic, LGBTQ positive and I embrace all forms of diversity. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, worry, OCD, relationship issues, trauma or emotional anguish, I will help guide you toward greater peace of mind and a more meaningful, satisfactory life. I can also help with the management of tics, psychosis or fluctuating mood symptoms – yours, or those of someone you love.
My approach draws mainly from client-centered, humanistic and cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapies, and, when helpful, I integrate elements from other types of therapy such as acceptance and commitment (ACT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing and dialectical behavioral therapy.
I believe strongly in collaborating with my clients and I will adapt your therapy to you as a person and to the areas you would like to improve. I will also work with you to reduce any self-judgment or stigma you may feel about your difficulties. With this approach, psychotherapy can help you to restore your sense of calm and control, develop skills to manage life’s ups and downs, and experience a greater feeling of well-being in your day-to-day life.
In a nutshell
Non-judgmental
Authentic
Collaborative
LGBTQ-affirming
Neurodiversity-affirming
Destigmatizing
Tics and Tourette Disorder
Anxiety, worry, stress, panic
Emotional Dependency, Relationship Issues
Adjustment difficulties
Accompaniment of neurodivergent persons
Obsessive compulsive disorder/OCD
Trichotillomania/hair pulling
Skin picking/excoriation
Supportive therapy
Client-Centered
Humanistic
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/CBT
CBIT for tics
Integration of other therapeutic approaches as helpful
My Journey as a Therapist
I received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from the University of Montreal. My clinical Residency and early career took place in a hospital setting, where I worked with persons from ages 14 through 64 at all stages of severe mental illness, helping them to manage symptoms while moving toward life goals and an improved quality of life. There, I gained extensive experience working with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and other difficulties.
I decided to also specialize in tics and Tourette disorder a few years later, when a friend was unable to find services locally for her child. As an adult who grew up with tics myself, my ability to provide services for people with tic disorders is both professionally satisfying and personally meaningful.
Prior to this, I had a first career helping youths and adults in the related fields of career counseling and work rehabilitation. I worked closely with young entrepreneurs during the start‐up phases of their businesses, with adults rehabilitating from a workplace injury, and with women looking to reenter or reorient their careers after starting a family.
Qualifications & Current Activities
- Licensed psychologist with the Order of Psychologists of Québec
- Doctor in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Université de Montréal
- Private practice at Lakeshore Psychology & Wellness Centre, a multidisciplinary center of excellence located in the heart of the West Island of Montreal
- Certified CBIT therapist with Tourette Syndrome Behavioral Therapy Institute of the Tourette Association of America
- Member of Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my dog, as well as travelling, making soap, reading/watching science fiction & fantasy and going to concerts.