Dr. Tina Dadgostari
CLINICAL AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST
Reluctant to be here or excited to dive in? You may have met your match.
I am a registered Psychologist with The College of Psychologists of Ontario. My primary area of practice is adult and adolescent psychological assessment and treatment.
Relationship oriented
Deciding to work with a Psychologist to make changes to your life can feel overwhelming. My style is warm yet straightforward and practical. Together, we will build a relationship based on trust and collaboration. In therapy, we will work in a partnership to create a plan with realistic and measurable goals. I will meet you where you are while also pushing you to make changes for the real world. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and have specialized training in trauma-focused therapies including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
Unapologetically authentic
It is important to me that I provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you do not feel ashamed to be open and unapologetically authentic. I invite you to communicate however it feels natural to you. You are free to swear and use humour, and I will often do the same. I believe that your progress in therapy is directly related to our therapeutic relationship. Unlike other relationships in your life, you will be the main focus in ours. I respect and value your autonomy and resilience as an individual.
Here to help
My approach to working with you is holistic and strengths-based. I work with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder using evidence-based strategies. As a first generation Canadian, I appreciate diversity and I work towards providing culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive assessment and treatment. I have a background supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, including working with first responders and treating issues related to racial injustice and discrimination. I also often work within the intersection of psychology and the law. I’m here to help.
The nitty gritty
I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. I have taught university-level courses in Psychology and am a recipient of the Teacher-Scholar Doctoral Fellowship. My academic research examined grief, bereavement, and trauma discourse. I have since worked primarily with complex mental health presentations in psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and in private practice.
In my role as a Forensic Psychologist, I work with youth detained in secure custody under the Youth Criminal Justice Act at a facility in the Greater Toronto Area. I also routinely conduct court-ordered assessment for adolescents in conflict with the law.