Dr. Myfanwy Bakker
Dr. Myfanwy Bakker is a therapist who is in the process of applying for registration with the College of Psychologists of BC. She has a particular interest in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties in adults. She provides evidence-based treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias (e.g., fear of needles), health anxiety, social anxiety disorder, stress-related problems, and depression. Dr. Bakker has specialized training in providing psychological services for first responders.
Dr. Bakker aims to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients. Her clinical style is warm, genuine, and compassionate. Her treatment approach is collaborative and action-oriented, and she works with her clients to set meaningful goals for therapy based on what is most important to them. Dr. Bakker endeavours to help her clients gain a better understanding of their problems, develop skills and strategies to navigate difficult thoughts and feelings, and engage in meaningful behavioural change.
Dr. Bakker is committed to providing treatments that are well-supported by evidence from scientific research. She works from a cognitive behavioural approach, and utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as its specialized forms such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Dr. Bakker has advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which is an evidence-based treatment protocol for PTSD. She has expertise in mindfulness and compassion-based approaches, and she integrates these based on client interest and presentation.
Dr. Bakker has nearly two decades of experience as a health care provider. She previously practiced as a Registered Nurse prior to pursuing advanced training in psychology. Dr. Bakker received her M.A. in Counselling Psychology from UBC Vancouver and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UBC Okanagan Campus. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority with rotations at the BC Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Mental Health and Substance Use Outpatient Services, St. Paul’s Heart Centre, and the Provincial Adult Tertiary Specialized Eating Disorders program. Dr. Bakker has conducted research in the areas of mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, emotion regulation, depression, pain, and post-traumatic stress. She has sought extensive personal and professional training in mindfulness and meditation practices.
In addition to her private practice at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, Dr. Bakker works at the BC Operational Stress Injury Clinic where she provides psychological assessment and treatment to Veterans and serving Canadian Forces and RCMP members.
Dr. Bakker was born and raised in Vancouver. Outside of work, she can be found exploring the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
