Dr. Elisabeth Hallam, Psychological Consultation & Psychotherapy Inc.
I obtained my Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Vienna, Austria, in collaboration with Cornell University, New York Hospital, Institute of Personality Disorders, under the mentorship of Dr. Otto Kernberg. I received my training in Psychoanalysis from the Western Canada Psychoanalytic Society and Institute (WCPSI).
I have been registered as a psychologist with the College of Psychology of B.C. since 1999. In addition to my private practice, I also work for Island Health in Victoria, B.C., providing individual and group therapy in the urgent psychotherapy clinic. I have extensive knowledge and experience in providing psychotherapy for a variety of mental health and personal issues for individuals 16 years of age and older.
I am extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
I hold an adjunct clinical faculty appointment with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and the Department of Psychology at the University of Victoria. I am also a member of the Canadian and International Psychoanalytic Society.
I believe that individuals can benefit from psychotherapy, whether they are struggling with general unhappiness or presenting with complex personality traits. Difficult personal circumstances and psychological stressors can impact our ability to function well in work, relationships, and leisure activities. Psychological issues can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including symptoms of anxiety or depression, disturbances in mood, and low self-esteem.
At times, these difficulties can overwhelm and frighten us, leaving us feeling we are unable to cope. During these periods, we are often unaware of the many factors that determine our emotions and behaviours. Psychotherapy creates a space to observe and think about these challenges, within a therapeutic framework and relationship. The goal of psychotherapy is to increase our ability to understand ourselves, and offers the potential to constructively live the life we want.
I offer short term psychotherapy for symptom relief by increasing coping and problem-solving skills for individuals 16 years and older, using Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
For a more in-depth exploration of how our personality and upbringing shape us to navigate our lives, I prefer to use psychoanalytic therapy. Psychoanalytic treatment helps to bring the unconscious meanings of our lived experience to the surface, by linking current patterns of behaviours and beliefs to their historical origins. Often, historical patterns are repeated in the therapeutic relationship; these patterns can then can be observed and thought about in the context of therapy, in order to create new lived experiences.
Continuity of treatment is essential to develop the closeness required for psychoanalytic treatment, as the intimate partnership of therapist and client provides a safe environment for self-revelation.
“People typically come to analytic therapy because they want to get at the attitudes and feelings that underlie their vulnerabilities to particular symptoms. … not just to get control over a troublesome tendency but to outgrow or master the strivings that are causing such a battle over control”
Nancy McWilliams, 1999
The initial consultation can take 1-3 50 minutes session, after which treatment recommendations and goals of treatment can be discussed and agreed upon. These sessions are billed at $235 each.
Payment is due after each session if not otherwise agreed upon, by cash, cheque or e-transfer. I will issue a receipt with my College of Psychology of BC registration number after each payment.
The Medical Services Plan in B.C. does not cover psychological services.
Extended health plans often offer reimbursement of $500 to $2000 annually.
Insurance Companies might be willing to fund treatment when receiving long term or short term disability benefits.
202-648 Herald Street
Victoria, BC, V8W 1S7
by appointment only