Understanding identity & personality

Improving responsiveness in psychotherapy

The Identity and Psychotherapy Process Lab is situated within the Psychotherapy Program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia.  Led by Associate Professor David Kealy, the lab’s research is broadly aimed at (1) understanding identity and personality––including emotional, interpersonal, and identity-related difficulties––and (2) investigating the effects and mechanisms of psychotherapy.  By focusing on these objectives, we hope to contribute to enhanced therapeutic responsiveness and emotional wellbeing.

New and notable

  • "It felt like I was being tailored to the treatment..."

    Article published in Psychotherapy Research on experiences in psychotherapy

  • Narcissistic vulnerability and loneliness

    Article published in Personality and Mental Health on personality functioning in loneliness

  • Upcoming presentations: June 25-28, 2025

    Annual conference, Society for Psychotherapy Research; Krakow, Poland

  • Failure to evaluate and modify a case formulation

    Article published in Journal of Psychotherapy Integration on personalized psychotherapy

  • "The therapist responded to my coaching"

    Article published in Counselling Psychology Quarterly on patients coaching their therapist

  • Clinical workshop, Project Air: November 2, 2025

    Treatment of Personality Disorders conference, University of Wollongong, Australia