Dr. Quistberg specializes in evidence-based treatment of anxiety, mood, trauma and behavioural concerns in children, youth and young adults
Dr. Kirsten Quistberg is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, and behavioral challenges in children, teens, and young adults. She has expertise in treating generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias (e.g., fear of vomiting), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder/complex trauma. Additionally, she works with externalizing behaviors, including symptoms related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavioral challenges, as well as Tics/Tourette’s Disorder. She is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals, including individuals with autism, and is dedicated to providing accessible and effective mental health care.
Compassionate, Family-Centered Approach
Dr. Quistberg offers a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. She takes a collaborative, family-centered approach that focuses on helping clients meet their goals, enhance daily functioning, and improve overall wellbeing. She prioritizes creating a safe space for clients to explore and work through difficult emotions and life challenges. Dr. Quistberg emphasizes the importance of recognizing how sociocultural factors, neurodiversity, gender and gender expression intersect with and impact mental health to ensure care that is both equitable and effective.
Evidence-Based Techniques
Dr. Quistberg primarily uses cognitive behavioral approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its specialized forms, such as modified-CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is actively pursuing certification as a TF-CBT Certified Clinician to further enhance her expertise in trauma-focused care.
Education and Clinical Training
Dr. Quistberg earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Victoria. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at BC Children’s Hospital, gaining experience across rotations in Child Protective Services, the OCD Clinic, the Neuropsychiatry Clinic, the Gender Clinic, and the Inpatient/Outpatient Medical Psychology program. She also completed a rotation at the Sunny Hill Health Centre, completing in neurodevelopmental assessments.
Professional Roles and Personal Interests
In addition to her practice at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, Dr. Quistberg works with the Inpatient Child Psychiatry Program at BC Children’s Hospital, providing psychological assessments and brief intervention for children with complex mental health concerns.
Outside of work, Dr. Quistberg enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, baking, and snowboarding.
