
Dr. Joshua Peters, Psy.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice) – Director, Clinical Training Programs
Life is a dynamic journey with both ‘high’ and ‘low’ moments. When we are in the ‘highs,’ we can often appreciate these experiences; however, it can be harder to cope with the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that sometimes accompany the ‘low’ moments. This process can feel even more difficult if you are alone or feel unsupported. In seeking help you have taken an important and admirable first step towards healing and growth. I offer you a warm welcome on your journey towards better mental health.
In my clinical practice that spans more than a decade I work with individual and couple clients who are experiencing a diverse range of emotional and relational struggles. Specifically, I am interested in and have experience working with clients who are struggling with distress related to stress, anger, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, trauma, a personality disorder diagnosis, sexual functioning, sexuality, and gender. I also specialize in providing longer-term therapy – though I open my practice to all types of clients.
During your first appointment, I will work collaboratively with you to create an environment that fosters personal growth and self-actualization. This will include conducting a comprehensive assessment derived from cutting-edge psychological research. As an integrative clinician, I will utilize empirically supported developmental, emotional/affective, and neurological research to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns. In undertaking this process with you, I strive to create lasting change that strengthens relationships and promotes a stronger and more resilient self.
In psychotherapy practice, I primarily work through a long-term therapy lens that incorporates Psychodynamic, Emotion Focused, Relational, Liberation, and Cognitive Behavioural therapeutic approaches to explore your cognitive, emotional, and relational distress. I also have additional specialized training in narrative, attachment-based, dialectical behavioural, acceptance and commitment, trauma-informed, and object-relations therapies. Incorporating these different treatment modalities allows me to work with a diverse range of clients and foster an environment of respect, trust, and safety.
In assessment practice, I provide comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to adolescents and adults. Psychoeducational assessments are the primary means by which clinicians assess and diagnose learning difficulties (e.g., ADHD, Learning Disabilities). I also provide mental health (i.e., psychodiagnostic) assessments to adults. These assessments can be helpful for treatment planning, academic accommodations, as well as to develop a better understanding of your mental health or learning style. During the assessment process, I use a trauma-informed approach, which strives to understand how systemic factors (social-economic status, racism, homophobia, etc.) may impact a client’s ability to function in their day-to-day life.
In my clinical work I draw from a rich background in the mental health field that spans over a decade and includes both clinical and research positions. Prior to my doctoral training, I worked as a Crisis Line Specialist serving Canada’s Capital Region. I also spent time at the University of Ottawa’s Couples Research Laboratory, aiding in research on LGBTQ couples and intimate partner violence.
While completing my master’s degree, I participated in a 2-year clinical internship at Saint Paul University and an external placement at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR). After completing my master’s degree, I began my private practice at CFIR and held several positions, including Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Manager, Head of the Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity Service, and Director of Clinician Training Programs over the past decade.
During my doctoral training, I completed placements at UPEI’s Psychology Training Clinic, the Immigration and Refugee Service Association (IRSA) and Provincial Geriatrics, where I gained competency in providing assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy to these unique populations. These training opportunities provided me with the experience, skills, and theoretical foundation to provide psychotherapy and assessment to a diverse range of clients.
I am currently completing my postdoctoral year of supervised practice as a Clinical Psychologist under the supervision of Dr. Dino Zuccarini, C.Psych. and Dr. Jean Kim, C.Psych. I have completed a specialization in Psychology at the University of Ottawa (2014), a Master of Arts in Counselling at Saint Paul University (2016), and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island (2024).
Treatments
- Anger & Emotion Regulation
- Anxiety & Stress
- Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges
- Couples Therapy
- Depression, Mood & Grief
- Family Psychology
- Forensic
- Health Psychology
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Multicultural
- Obsessive-Compulsive
- Personality
- Self-Growth & Self-Esteem
- Sex Therapy
- Sexual Addiction
- Sexuality, Gender & Relationship Diversity
- Trauma Psychology & PTSD
Assessment
Therapies
- Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Emotion(ally)-Focused Therapy (EFT, EFFT)
- Existential-Humanistic Therapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies (E.G., MBSR, MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI, MET)
- Psychodynamic/Analytic
- Relational Therapy
- Systemic Therapy