Dr. Gabriela Ionita, Registered Psychologist

Gabriela holds a PhD from McGill University and has over 15 years of experience providing counselling to children, youth, adults, and their families. Although she is effective at helping clients manage a number of issues, she specializes in the areas of Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tics, Body Focused Repetitive Disorder, Depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
 
As a mother herself, Dr. Ionita deeply appreciates the complexities of family life. Having raised two wonderful and spirited children, one of whom has ADHD, she understands the unique difficulties that families can face. This personal experience has given her an added layer of insight and compassion, empowering her to connect with her clients on a more personal level.
 
Dr. Ionita has a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients, she approaches counseling with empathy, understanding, and a focus on the strengths that each individual and family possess. Her warm and caring nature creates a safe space where clients can openly share their concerns and work towards gaining the skills and strategies to manage her children's mental health issues.

Gabriela can also speak Romanian.

Background

Education

  • ​Ph.D. Counselling Psychology; McGill University
  • M.A. Counselling Psychology; Simon Fraser University
  • B.A. (Psychology): First Class Honours; Simon Fraser University​​

Clinical Experience

  • Leap Clinic (Vancouver)
  • Hamber House Adolescent Psychiatric Day Treatment Program (Vancouver)
  • Saanich Child and Youth Mental Health (Pre-doctoral internship)
  • Douglas Mental Health Institute (Adolescent Depressive Disorder Program & Dialectical Behavioural Therapy program; Montreal)
  • The Emotional Health Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Clinic (Montreal)
  • Options: Services to Communities (Family Strengthening and Intervention Program; Surrey)
  • Cameray Child and Family Services (New Westminster)​

Teaching (Graduate and Undergraduate Level)

  • Douglas College
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • Adler University
  • McGill University​

Publications

  • ​Ionita, G., Ciquier, G., Fitzpatrick, M. (2020). Barriers and facilitators to the use of progress monitoring measures in psychotherapy. Canadian Psychology.
  • Ionita, G., Fitzpatrick, M., Tomaro, J., Chen, V., & Overington, L. (2016) Challenges of using progress monitoring measures: Insights from practicing clinicians. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(2), 173.
  • Ionita, G., & Fitzpatrick (2014). Bringing science to clinical practice: A Canadian survey of psychological practice and usage of progress monitoring measures. Canadian Psychology, 55(3), 187-196. Won Best Paper of the Year Award from Canadian Psychology
  • Full list available here
Recent Continuing Education
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris
  • Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
  • Supporting Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Expanded - ARFID & Failure to Launch
  • ​Selective Mutism
  • Teletherapy 
  • Tourette Association of America: Behavior Therapy Institute's - CBIT Training
  • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Pediatric BTTI Intensive Training in OCD
  • Behavioural Tech Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Training
  • Cutting Edge Strategies to Improve Executive Function Skills with Sarah Ward
  • Working with LGBTQ Clients - Vancouver Coastal Health

​Memberships
  • International OCD Foundation
  • BC Psychological Association
  • Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance​
Nova Mental Health