Dr Thordarson has a special interest in therapy for adults with OCD, PTSD, and anxiety, drawing on her expertise in CBT and ACT.
Focus in Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and Perinatal Mental Health
Dr. Dana Thordarson is a Licensed Psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and is certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies. In her private practice, she focuses on the treatment of anxiety (including perinatal anxiety), OCD, post-traumatic stress, habit disorders, stress, and depression in adults. Dr. Thordarson takes a practical and active approach, helping clients learn to manage difficult thoughts and feelings effectively while building richer, more meaningful lives.
She employs evidence-informed approaches, including CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and is open to short-term consultations as well as longer courses of therapy.
Educational Background
Dr. Thordarson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2000. Her doctoral research focused on OCD and other anxiety disorders. She completed her predoctoral internship at UBC Hospital, primarily working in the Anxiety Disorders Unit and the Health Psychology Clinic.
Clinical and Academic Roles
Dr. Thordarson has extensive experience in both clinical practice and academia. Her past roles include:
- Postdoctoral fellow in the UBC Dept of Psychiatry, serving as a primary therapist for a randomized trial of psychotherapies for PTSD, and the development of a telephone-based treatment for OCD.
- Psychologist at the Heart Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital, supporting individuals with chronic illness. Research Associate in behavioural genetics in the UBC Dept of Psychiatry.
- Sessional Lecturer in the UBC Dept of Psychology.
- Instructor in the UBC Midwifery Program, teaching evidence-based medicine and supervising student research.
- Scientific Committee member and contributor to resources on perinatal anxiety for Anxiety Canada.
- Associate Chair of the UBC Behavioural Research Ethics Board
Dr. Thordarson has previously practiced at Boreal Wellness Centre and TELUS Health Care Centre, further broadening her expertise in adult mental health care.
Ongoing Practice and Professional Contributions
In addition to her private practice at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic (NSSAC), Dr. Thordarson works out of Equilibrium Behavioural Health in downtown Vancouver. She is a volunteer member of the UBC Behavioural Research Ethics Board, reviewing research projects with direct relevance to ethical research and practice in mental health. She continues to collaborate with UBC faculty members on research into perinatal OCD.
Personal Life
As the mother of three teenagers, Dr. Thordarson brings a compassionate and practical perspective to her work, combining professional expertise with personal understanding.
Dr. Thordarson’s dedication to evidence-based care and her commitment to improving clients’ lives make her a trusted and respected clinician in her field.
