Dr. Jan van der Tempel is a registered psychologist with a focus on assessing and treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety concerns. He specializes in helping adults navigate intrusive thoughts—ranging from superstitious and ‘just right’ feelings to contamination, harm, and sex-related fears, among others—as well as managing excessive checking, avoidance, and other associated behaviors. In addition, Dr. van der Tempel has expertise in addressing psychosis, including bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. He offers support for those struggling with voices, distressing beliefs, suspiciousness, and other challenging experiences, as well as related difficulties with stigma, identity, and existential concerns.
Dr. van der Tempel’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and incorporates exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). He works from a trauma-informed lens and is dedicated to fostering a respectful, empathic environment where clients of all backgrounds and beliefs can feel understood and empowered.
Dr. van der Tempel grew up in a bicultural family in Canada, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Chile, and the US, and worked as a musician until his own mental health experiences inspired him to pursue psychology. He earned his PhD in clinical and counseling psychology from the University of Toronto, where he researched the impact of spiritual/religious experiences on mental health. His clinical training was completed at the Sunnybrook Hospital Anxiety Disorders Centre, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Schizophrenia Program, and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Dr. van der Tempel has also held research positions at CAMH and Vancouver Coastal Health, and currently works part-time in the Early Psychosis Intervention Program at Fraser Health. Additionally, he serves on the clinical faculty of the UBC Department of Psychiatry. At the Vancouver CBT Centre, he offers in-person appointments on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
