Meagan Yarmey, Ph.D. Social-Personality Psychology, Registered Social Worker

Therapy Areas: anxiety, stress, depression and other mood issues, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, identity and personality issues, adjustment disorders, academic/school concerns, vocational/career exploration and issues, performance anxiety

My professional experience is extensive and diverse as I have worked as a clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant in applied psychology and wellbeing.

I hold a Ph.D. in Social-Personality Psychology from York University (2003), M.S.W. in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (2013), and M.A. in Community Psychology from the University of Toronto (1995). 

In addition to my training in Western psychology, I have extensive experience in Eastern meditative and philosophical disciplines and am a certified Zen Shiatsu Practitioner.

I have worked in private practice, as well as in community and university-based settings helping adults, adolescents, couples, families, and groups. Using an evidence-based, integrated approach, my clinical practice incorporates cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and solution-focused techniques that are customized to fit my client’s specific needs. I have experience working with a variety of concerns including anxiety, low mood, grief, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, trauma, concerns with school or work performance, and coping with chronic stress. My knowledge of both individualized interventions and systemic thinking, ability to build on social and performance psychology, and form meaningful therapeutic relationships, with care and compassion, have proven effective across a wide range of client groups and presenting issues.

At the University of Waterloo, I worked within Counseling Services and

1. Provided crisis, single session, individual and group psychotherapy to undergraduate and graduate students.

2. Led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) groups for Depression and Anxiety.

3. Provided clinical supervision to interns facilitating group therapy.

4. Provided mental health literacy training for the Waterloo campus community.

5. Collaborated with the Health Promotion Department, developing content for the Mental Health Literacy Certificate Program.

6. Provided EAP counseling and coaching for faculty and staff.

I have also been an Adjunct Faculty member at several universities in Southern Ontario. I have taught both graduate and undergraduate psychology courses including Communication and Counselling Skills, Community Mental Health, Research Methods, Adolescent Development, and Introductory Psychology.

I was the inaugural Director of Wellbeing at Havergal College where I elevated the school’s awareness and understanding of wellbeing and positive mental health. I designed and rolled out evidence-informed health promotion and prevention-based education programming, penned the school’s first-of-its-kind comprehensive Wellbeing Framework, and provided clinical supervision, consultation, and mentorship.

I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and with the Ontario Association of Social Workers and have a passion for helping people deal with unexpected challenges in their life.