Dr. Bakker is passionate about providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD, posttraumatic stress, and depression in adults. She has specialized training in working with first responders.
Specialist in Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, and Depression
Dr. Myfanwy Bakker is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, trauma and stressor-related difficulties, and depression in adults. Her expertise includes treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias (e.g., needle phobia), health anxiety, social anxiety disorder, stress-related challenges, and depression. Dr. Bakker has specialized training in providing psychological services for first responders and public safety personnel. She is a registered provider for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Compassionate and Collaborative Approach
Dr. Bakker is known for her warm, genuine, and compassionate clinical style. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients and takes a collaborative, action-oriented approach to therapy. By setting meaningful goals based on what matters most to her clients, she helps them better understand their challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and engage in positive behavioural change.
Evidence-Based and Tailored Treatment
Dr. Bakker employs evidence-based treatments grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and its specialized forms, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She has advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, which are trauma-focused therapies that are well-supported by research. She also integrates mindfulness and compassion-based approaches based on her clients’ needs and preferences.
Extensive Healthcare Experience
With nearly two decades of experience as a healthcare provider, Dr. Bakker began her career as a Registered Nurse before pursuing advanced training in psychology. She earned her M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UBC Okanagan. Her pre-doctoral residency at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority included rotations at:
- BC Operational Stress Injury Clinic
- Mental Health and Substance Use Outpatient Services
- St. Paul’s Heart Centre
- Provincial Adult TertiarySpecialized Eating Disorders Program
Research and Professional Contributions
Dr. Bakker has conducted research in mindfulness and meditation practices, self-compassion, posttraumatic stress, emotion regulation, depression, and pain. She has pursued extensive personal and professional training in mindfulness and meditation practices, integrating these approaches into her work to help clients cultivate resilience and emotional regulation.
Additional Roles and Interests
In addition to her private practice at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, Dr. Bakker works at the BC Operational Stress Injury Clinic, providing psychological assessment and treatment for Veterans, serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members.
A lifelong Vancouverite, Dr. Bakker enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors and connecting with family and friends.
Her dedication to evidence-based care, compassionate approach, and commitment to her clients’ well-being make her a trusted expert in her field.
