Dr. Macar compassionately supports youth, adults, and couples with a range of mental health challenges through evidence-informed, culturally-sensitive, and collaborative care.
Expert in Individual and Couple Therapy
Dr. Ivana Macar is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in assessment and therapy. She has particular expertise in treating mood and anxiety disorders, stress-related difficulties, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), relationship conflict and ambivalence, grief and loss, disordered eating, and health-related challenges, such as chronic pain. Dr. Macar is passionate about helping individuals recognize problematic patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating, in an effort to make space for growth and an opportunity to live a more meaningful life.
Evidence-Based and Tailored Treatment
Dr. Macar’s approach to therapy is grounded in research-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Certified in CBT by the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT-ACTCC), Dr. Macar integrates the latest research findings with clinical expertise to deliver empathic, client-centered care tailored to each person’s unique experience.
Research and Academic Contributions
Dr. Macar’s research explores relationship dynamics, including how our ways of relating to others influence our happiness and relationship longevity. She has also studied how symptoms of depression may influence the ways in which we communicate in relationships. Her scholarly work has deepened the understanding of how individuals navigate relational challenges and improve connection.
As an adjunct clinical supervisor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Psychology Clinic, Dr. Macar trains graduate students in evidence-based treatment. She has also taught Abnormal Psychology at UBC, showcasing her dedication to advancing psychological education and practice.
Clinical Roles and Specialized Assessments
Dr. Macar has worked on the Child and Youth Mental Health team for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. In this role, she provided assessments for children, adolescents, and families, focusing on reducing suffering and enhancing mental health. She has lead group consultations and advised professionals on effective therapeutic interventions for children and their families.
Comprehensive Training and Multicultural Expertise
Dr. Macar completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Waterloo and her accredited pre-doctoral residency with the Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Residency Program. During her training, she worked in diverse settings, including inpatient and outpatient services, addressing conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, severe personality pathology, chronic pain, infectious diseases, autism, youth addictions, and psychosis. Dr. Macar also gained experience at the Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, and the Inpatient Specialized Mental Health Unit in Ontario.
Fluent in English and Serbian-Croatian, Dr. Macar offers culturally sensitive services to clients from diverse backgrounds, enriching her practice with an inclusive perspective.
Committed to Growth and Well-Being
Dr. Macar’s collaborative and evidence-informed approach empowers her clients to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships.
