DR. ANNABELLE TORSEIN, PH.D., C. PSYCH. 

(She/Her)

Dr. Annabelle Torsein completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She completed her residency training at Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, where she gained experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Annabelle’s practicum placements were at Sunnybrook Hospital in the Frederic W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, and at St. Michael’s Hospital in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. During her training she has gained experience working with people with a wide range of psychological issues, including mood disorders (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder), and anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, perfectionism). She has been trained in emotion-focused therapy for couples and helps couples improve their communication and their emotion connection with each other. In addition, she helps couples in conflict resolve emotional injuries.  Annabelle also completed training in the assessment and treatment of those with physical health concerns that impact on psychological health at the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Ryerson University, and through a third practicum placement at Toronto General Hospital where her time was split between the Transitional Pain Clinic and GoodHope Ehlers-Danlos Clinic.

Annabelle is very interested in the intersection of psychological and physical health, and is fortunate to have had the chance through these training experiences to work with individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, individuals experiencing transitional pain following surgery, and individuals experiencing insomnia. Additionally, Annabelle has experience working with issues, such as bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, assertive communication, stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to life transitions, and relationship issues. 

Annabelle strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment, where she and her client can work together collaboratively to establish the client’s specific treatment goals. She approaches sessions with emotional attunement and empathy, which she considers to be very important for understanding the client’s journey. She uses evidenced-based therapies within the context of client-centered care. She is trained in delivering individual and group-based interventions in the following modalities, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), CBT for insomnia (CBT-I), emotional focused therapy (EFT) for individual and couples therapy (EFT and EFT-C), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. 

Annabelle’s research interests are in the area of community psychology, program evaluation, and online programs or interventions. Her dissertation project involved a program evaluation of a therapeutic writing program offered by a Toronto-based charitable organization that was transitioned online, due to COVID-19. The program is aimed at helping marginalized individuals to become empowered and to strengthen their voice. Her earlier research evaluated an online program to help young adults to improve their sleep. Annabelle is drawn to program evaluation and research at the community level, because it allows her to see the impact of changes made, and to expand her own sense of community. 

Being marginalized or stigmatized can negatively impact mental health and access to services. Providing a safe space, therefore, is of utmost importance to Annabelle. She is actively working toward allyship by reaching out, and educating herself through reading, and attending workshops. She wants to ensure that everyone has a voice, and can access care where they are safe to express themselves.  

Annabelle is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and Ontario Psychological Association.

Please note that our associates work with many presenting issues, some of which are not listed in this biography. Please speak to our intake team at 647-496-0457 for more information.