About

Our research on identity-related issues is aimed at understanding the development of positive identity, healthy relatedness with others, and a sense of personal meaning––as well as concerns such as identity distress, trauma-related emotional problems, and personality dysfunction.  Our focus on psychotherapy includes the study of therapies aimed at addressing these issues. 

 

We are also interested in the broader questions of how psychotherapy works and how its effectiveness can be improved.  This includes personalizing psychotherapy: by understanding individuals’ identity-related concerns, emotional needs, and contextual issues we hope to enhance therapists’ responsiveness and contribute to better therapy outcomes. 

Awards & Recognition

  • Enrico E. Jones Award for Research in Psychotherapy, Western Psychological Association, 2019

  • Marvin R. Goldfried New Researcher Award, Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, 2019

Research Funding

  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

  • Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia

Our research

The Identity and Psychotherapy Process Lab employs a range of methods in investigating identity- and personality-related issues and the effects and mechanisms of psychotherapy.  These include cross-sectional, prospective, and randomized trial study designs, as well as qualitative approaches. Recent projects include:

  • Randomized trial of brief psychotherapy for young adults with identity distress

  • Qualitative investigation into clients’ efforts to ‘coach’ their therapists

  • Investigation regarding loneliness in pathological narcissism

  • Survey regarding perceptions of personality in the general population

  • Prospective study regarding identity diffusion and mental pain & hopelessness

Because our work spans basic research, applied practice, and conceptual development, we publish in a range of journals across various readerships.  To date more than 200 peer-reviewed publications are available, reflecting many valued collaborative efforts.

We embrace theory as both a necessary anchor and a foundation to build upon.  Frameworks of particular interest include control-mastery theory, attachment theory, and interpersonal and object relations theories.  Our perspective is that theories are at their best when (1) explanatory, logical, and relatively parsimonious; (2) supportable and supported by empirical evidence; and (3) useful to clinicians in guiding practice.  Ultimately we hope to inform thoughtful and integrative approaches to mental health care and psychotherapy practice, aimed at optimal responsiveness to individuals’ psychological, social, and contextual differences.

Students and trainees in the lab are encouraged to pursue their ideas toward meaningful research contributions.  We also work with valued collaborators from around the world who share similar objectives.  Please contact us if you are interested in getting involved with the lab.

Major Collaborator Groups

  • San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group

    Link

  • Control-Mastery Theory - Italian Group

    Link

  • UBC Men's Health Research Program

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