ABOUT DR. MONTGOMERY-GRAHAM
Clinical Psychologist Practicing Online anywhere in Ontario
Meet Dr. Montgomery-Graham
I work with adults and couples with a view to helping them live calmer, happier and more psychologically balanced lives.
I came to psychology as a second career after practicing law for ten years in Toronto and London. My work as a lawyer representing Indigenous Canadians in the Residential Schools matter changed my life and how I wanted to spend my career. As my legal work brought me into contact with clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals, I found the work of clinical psychology to be more resonant with what I sought to accomplish professionally. I changed direction and returned to graduate school to complete my Master of Science and my PhD in Clinical Science and Psychopathology. Combined, these professional experiences have taught me to approach many clinical issues in a non-judgmental, open-minded way.
My Training
I am a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in Ontario. I completed my Master of Science and PhD at Western University in London, Ontario, where my course work focused on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of couples and individuals. During my PhD, I trained in diagnostic assessment at several clinics within St. Joseph’s Health Care, Victoria Hospital, Children and Parent Resource Institute, and private practices. My doctoral research focused on human sexuality with a particular emphasis on hypersexuality in men.
Following my training at Western, I completed my residency at London Health Sciences Centre assessing, diagnosing and providing treatment for adult out-patients. During my doctoral clinical preparation, I trained for five years with Clinical Director and Founder of Old North Psychology, Dr. Lisa Destun, C.Psych., in couples assessment and psychotherapy.
My Approach
I approach all patients from a client-centered perspective, meaning I do my best to understand the individual’s world from their point of view. I value the dignity and worth of the individual or couple before me and take a non-judgmental approach to assessment and psychotherapy. The specific therapeutic approach I recommend will depend upon the nature and complexity of issues being addressed, and the personality and preferences of the individual or couple. With some issues I recommend a shorter-term, structured, evidence-based approach, and in other cases, where appropriate, I employ longer-term, less structured and more insight-oriented therapy without a set end date. I use evidence based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Gottman Method, and Emotion Focused Therapy.