Dr. Rachael Neal received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Concordia University in Montreal. She completed her predoctoral residency with Vancouver Coastal Health, working with individuals with health conditions or injuries who experience anxiety, mood, or trauma-related difficulties, as well as individuals with severe mental health conditions.
Dr. Neal has specialized training and extensive experience in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety. Prior to her predoctoral residency, Dr. Neal trained for several years at the CBT Unit of the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal, QC conducting short-term CBT with individuals presenting with OCD, anxiety, mood, and trauma and stressor-related disorders, amongst others. She conducted research examining how we can better measure and intervene to reduce compulsive reassurance seeking in CBT for OCD. In addition, she authored several journal articles and chapters on compulsive behaviour in OCD, and presented findings at conferences nationally and internationally.
In addition to her work with the Vancouver CBT Centre, Dr. Neal works part-time at the St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Centre, providing assessment and therapy to patients with end-stage heart failure. She previously spent several years as a Psychologist at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre providing therapy to individuals with spinal cord injuries in areas including adjustment, anxiety, mood, and trauma.
Dr. Neal believes in creating a non-judgmental, validating, and collaborative environment for therapy. She is committed to evidence-based practice and primarily uses a CBT approach, integrating other strategies (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational enhancement) to tailor therapy to the client’s unique goals. Her aim is to help clients develop tools to flexibly manage obstacles and improve overall quality of life.
Schedule at the Vancouver CBT Centre: Dr. Neal is available for appointments between 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and offers virtual or in-person sessions.
