Dr. Villeena Villantheran, Licensed Psychologist 

Hi, I’m Villeena. I am a Licensed Psychologist here at North Shore CBT Centre and I work with youth (7+) and adults who are navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, insomnia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, trauma, and managing life transitions. I provide in-person and online sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

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I believe we are capable of living meaningful, fulfilling lives, but when our thoughts and emotions feel intense, repetitive, or overwhelming, it can become hard to see a way forward. You might find yourself stuck in cycles of self-criticism, avoidance, or overthinking. Maybe you are exhausted from trying to manage everything on your own. When this happens, everything may start to feel heavy, and we may begin to question whether anything will change. You may also notice that you have begun to do less of what brings you joy and peace. 

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In our work together, we will slow things down and make sense of what is happening internally and externally. I aim to create a space where you can speak openly about the thoughts and emotions that you have trouble saying out loud. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and practical. We will identify your values and goals, explore patterns, and build skills. The work can feel uncomfortable at times but that is all part of the process. But therapy does not have to be heavy all the time, there is also room for humour and ease along the way.

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Originally from Malaysia, I moved to British Columbia in 2017 to pursue my doctoral studies. My multicultural background has shaped the way I practice in that I value intersectionality and bring a culturally responsive lens to the therapeutic process. I understand how systems, identity, and family dynamics can affect mental health, and I strive to honour the complexity of my clients’ lived experiences.

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The evidence-based therapeutic approaches that I primarily work from are: 

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

• CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)

• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

• CBT for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy 

• Person Centered Therapy 

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches 

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When I am not in the therapy room, you will find me tending to my plants, foraging for mushrooms, breathing through the poses in a yoga class, struggling through a wheel throwing ceramics session, biking or hiking through the outdoors, or on the hunt for my next hobby. ​​​​​​​​​

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CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 

BC Children's Hospital
Private Practice

Adler Community Health Services 

Child and Youth Mental Health

Pacific Community Resource Society 

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EDUCATION 

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Adler University

Dissertation: Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in Anorexia Nervosa: 

A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

 

Bachelors (Honours) in Psychology, HELP University (Malaysia) 

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MEMBERSHIPS

College of Health and Care Professionals of BC

Canadian Psychological Association