Dr. Giannelli specializes in the treatment of anxiety (including OCD), depressed mood, behavioral struggles (including ADHD) and parenting challenges in youth 6-18yrs.
Specialist in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Dr. Janine Giannelli is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents (ages 6–18). She also supports younger children (ages 4–13) and their families with parenting challenges and behavioral concerns. Her areas of expertise include addressing anxiety disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Specific Phobias. Additionally, Dr. Giannelli provides care for issues related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, body image, disordered eating, social skill difficulties, sleep challenges, chronic pain, stress, anger, and family conflict.
Evidence-Based and Collaborative Therapy
Dr. Giannelli utilizes evidence-based techniques, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and behavioral interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her personalized, client-centered approach may also incorporate features of emotion-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing. For younger children, Dr. Giannelli often works with both the child and their parents to provide comprehensive care and practical strategies for behavioral and emotional improvement.
Educational Background and Research Contributions
Dr. Giannelli completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a focus on child clinical psychology. Her dissertation explored the needs of families coping with pediatric cancer and the role of positive thinking styles in emotional adjustment. She has been involved in research at UBC, BC Cancer Agency, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and BC Children’s Hospital, contributing to studies in behavioral cardiology, psycho-oncology, neuropsychology, and eating disorders. Her research has been published in scholarly journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Clinical Training and Experience
Dr. Giannelli gained extensive clinical experience during her graduate training, working at institutions such as:
- BC Children’s Hospital: Oncology-Neuropsychology
- The Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre: A provincial tertiary care facility for troubled youth
- St. Paul’s Hospital: Chronic Pain Clinic
- Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia. UBC Psychology Clinic
She completed her pre-doctoral residency at McMaster Children’s Hospital/Hamilton Health Sciences, with major rotations in child and family outpatient services, eating disorders, and adolescent medicine, and minor rotations in inpatient and emergency psychiatry, pediatric oncology-neuropsychology, and specialized developmental and behavioral services.
Commitment to Empowering Families
Dr. Giannelli’s compassionate and evidence-based approach ensures that children, adolescents, and their families receive effective, personalized care. Whether addressing anxiety, behavioral challenges, or educational concerns, she works collaboratively to empower her clients and help them achieve their full potential. Dr. Giannelli’s comprehensive expertise, dedication to evidence-based care, and passion for helping families make her a trusted professional for navigating child and adolescent mental health challenges.
