Dr. Jan van der Tempel received his PhD in clinical and counselling psychology from the University of Toronto. He completed his predoctoral internship at the University of British Columbia, where he provided evidence-based psychotherapy for young adults with a range of mood, anxiety, and trauma-related concerns. Prior to that, he completed clinical training in Toronto at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health and Sunnybrook Hospital, specializing in the assessment and treatment of complex mental illness and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He previously worked in private practice in Toronto with a focus on treating OCD and anxiety.
At the Vancouver CBT Centre, Dr. van der Tempel primarily provides treatment for OCD and select anxiety disorders. He employs an evidence-based approach grounded in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), along with elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). Trained as a scientist-practitioner, Dr. van der Tempel’s work is guided by biopsychosocial, multicultural, and humanist perspectives. He works closely with clients to clarify the nature of their problems, identify meaningful treatment goals, and create personalized treatment plans. Through openness and collaboration, he strives to help clients of all backgrounds and beliefs feel understood and empowered.
Dr. van der Tempel has been practicing since 2016 and recently applied for registration with the College of Psychologists of BC. In addition to working at Vancouver CBT, he holds psychologist positions with Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities, where he works in early psychosis prevention and provincial program development for the Ministry of Health. As a researcher, he has investigated psychotic-like experiences, as well as mindfulness and addictions, and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. His graduate research was awarded funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and received the Canadian Psychological Association’s Certificate of Academic Excellence.