Dr. Philip Desormeau, C.Psych.

Dr. Philip Desormeau is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. His area of specialization is adult mental health, and his therapeutic style is one of warmth, compassion, and genuineness. He operates from the belief that clients are experts on their own experiences, and that a collaborative working relationship is essential for best addressing the unique needs and goals of each client.

Dr. Desormeau strikes a balance between guiding clients in finding validation from within during difficult life circumstances and emboldening them to create transformative personal change. He aims to create a therapeutic environment wherein clients can more deeply understand and appreciate their inner experiences; identify the core problems driving negative life patterns, as well as individual strengths and cherished values; and challenge these core problems while experimenting with new ways of operating in the world. He believes that with this balance, clients are better able to explore and cope with intense emotions and past traumas, to manage current life stressors and interpersonal challenges, and to work towards self-discovery, personal meaning, and living more fully in the present.

Dr. Desormeau addresses a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, substance use, psychosis, family and relationship difficulties, and major life adjustments. He also works with clients who come to therapy seeking a safe space for inner exploration, self-understanding, and personal growth. He follows an integrative therapeutic approach informed by multiple evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

Dr. Desormeau completed his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto, and has been providing psychological services since 2015. He has worked and trained in a variety of clinical settings including: the Complex Care and Recovery Program and the Work, Stress and Health Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management at the Toronto General Hospital; the Health and Wellness Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough; and he previously worked at two other Toronto-based private practices before joining the team at Laksman Doell Psychology.

Dr. Desormeau has been involved in psychological research and program development and evaluation, believing that the reciprocal relationship between clinical practice and research is crucial for enhancing psychotherapy. He has conducted research on mindfulness training and emotion regulation, presented his work at national and international conferences, and has published in the areas of intervention and affective science. He has also been involved in the development of therapy protocols for treating social anxiety, neuropathic pain, and psychosis, as well as evaluating the efficacy of training programs designed to increase the therapy skill set of clinicians.

Dr. Desormeau continues to engage in regular professional development activities and is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.