Yastika Kamboj

“Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.” – Baruch Spinoza

Our lives may be marked by unpredictability, pain, and hardships. Consequently, it is only human to avoid pain – cutting off from our pain may even have helped us to survive! Unfortunately, this avoidance may also have had the unintended consequence of increasing or prolonging our suffering. However, our challenges do not need to burden us forever. Whatever brought you to seek psychotherapy or psychological services – you have taken a brave step towards change. I would like to affirm your well-being and growth.
I understand that beginning therapy can be intimidating. Being mindful of how hard it can be to begin a process of change and transformation, I offer a safe, compassionate and judgement free space in which to explore and grow.  I understand that you are unique and you deserve services carefully tailored to your needs. Psychotherapy work with me is always collaborative and is guided by the principles of client-centred care.

I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from McGill University. I have clinical experience in private practice, college mental health and university counselling centre settings. My work is strongly influenced by contextual behavioural science and compassion-based approaches including but not limited to: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. My clinical focus at this time include generalised anxiety, dysthymia/low mood/depression, relationship to self including self compassion and self-esteem, relationship and interpersonal challenges, phase of life and career concerns, relationship to body, food and weight, self criticism and self harm. I also provide psychological assessments.

Imagine having to carry a heavy backpack up a hill, in scorching heat: in your work with me you are invited to explore the contents of your unique backpack of human burdens. Together we will explore which burdens you might want to lay down and even discover who you are when you are not burdened! We can approach all of our burdens and challenges with an open heart and a growth mindset. I look forward to developing a genuinely caring relationship with you, one that builds your self-compassion and that supports you in taking steps to move towards goals that give your life vitality and meaning.

Yastika’s Supervisor: Dr. Kimberly Sogge, C.Psych., Founder & Lead Doctoral-level Clinician, Registered Psychologist

Dr. Kimberly Sogge C.Psych., is the Founder of Ottawa River Psychology Group and is fully registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a doctoral level psychologist in autonomous practice (Certificate #4531) with dual registration to serve children/adolescents and adults in three specialties: clinical, counselling and health psychology.  She has extensive training in CBT, ACT, CFT, Maudsley FBT (Family Based Treatment) for eating disorders in adolescents, ED recovery, mindful eating, and body image.  Supervisor contact information: info@ottawariverintegrative.com.