Dr. Rachel Vella Zarb
Registered Psychologist | James Bay
Areas of Expertise:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), OCD, anxiety disorders, perinatal anxiety and OCD, body focused repetitive behaviours (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling)
I’m a registered psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and I’ve been working in clinical practice for over a decade. I specialize in evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for OCD and anxiety disorders, with a particular passion for supporting people navigating OCD and those in the perinatal period.
In addition to my private practice, I’m a Clinical Instructor in the Faculty of Medicine at University of British Columbia and a psychologist at the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Being involved in teaching and specialized clinic work helps me stay current and connected to the latest research and treatment approaches.
My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership: you’re the expert on your own experience, and I bring expertise in evidence-based strategies that can help. I aim to create a space that feels supportive and practical — somewhere you can feel understood while we work together to make meaningful, lasting change.
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I specialize in evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, generalized anxiety (excessive worry), social anxiety, and specific phobias. I also support individuals experiencing related concerns such as body-focused repetitive behaviours (e.g., skin picking and hair pulling), perfectionism, life stressors, and body image difficulties. Treating OCD is a particular area of passion in my clinical work.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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PhD Clinical Psychology
Registered psychologist (RPsych)
Clinical member of the International OCD foundation (IOCDF), Canadian ASsociation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (CACBT), and the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA)
Book with Dr. Rachel Vella-Zarb
Call: (250) 995-0067
Email: jamesbay@talltreehealth.ca
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