WHO WE ARE

 

We get it — anxiety sucks. OCD is exhausting. Stress can feel like it’s running your whole life. That’s why we’re here.

At Vancouver Anxiety, our psychologists combine decades of experience with a down-to-earth, human approach. We use evidence-based therapy (CBT, ERP, and more) to help teens and adults with anxiety, OCD, and stress find real relief — not just “try to relax” advice you can Google.

We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Some sessions will be serious, some will bring a little laughter, but all are designed to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more in control of your life.

Meet Dr. Christine Korol, R.Psych.(BC, Alberta & Yukon), Clinic Director

CBT for anxiety, OCD, and stress in adults and children.

Hi! I’m Christine.
She/her.

  • Tech nerd. Love gadgets. Once worked in a digital health start-up, so I get the pressure-cooker stress of that world.

  • I love making art and it is one of my favourite ways to meditate.
    Reality TV = my not-so-guilty pleasure.

  • Coffee enthusiast. I worked at Starbucks when I was a student just so I could learn how to make a good latte at home!

  • OCD runs in my family (me included), so I truly understand what it’s like to wrestle with intrusive thoughts.

  • Mom to young adult kids who also inherited my OCD (it’s genetic) so yes — I get the family side of it too.

  • Adjunct Professor in Psychology at UBC, and a CACBT-certified CBT therapist with over 20 years of experience. Previously worked at BC Children’s Hospital, VGH, Alberta Children’s Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre.

I know what it’s like to live with anxiety and OCD. Panic attacks, racing thoughts, sleepless nights — I’ve been there. That’s why I take a compassionate, practical approach to therapy. Clients tell me they feel safe with me because I “get it” — and because I believe humor and warmth belong in therapy as much as clinical expertise.

If you’re tired of anxiety running the show, I’d love to help you find relief and a little more peace along the way.

Meet Dr. Colleen Cannon, R.Psych (BC, Alberta & Saskatchewan)

Supporting clients with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, health challenges, and relationships.

Hi, I’m Colleen.
She/her.

  • West Coast at heart — happiest in the ocean swimming, on the ocean paddling, or anywhere outdoors.

  • Nature reminds me that even on tough days, moments of peace and beauty are possible.

  • Psychologist for 20+ years, with a love for blending evidence-based theory with practical skills.

  • Health entrepreneur. Co-founder of Craving Change Inc., a program for healthier relationships with food running successfully for almost 20 years, taught to 100 000 people by 3000 health care professionals we trained!

    How I help

    • Untangling anxiety, depression, health, grief, trauma, and family-of-origin struggles.

    • Finding what’s already working — and building on it.

    • Teaching new skills so life feels less overwhelming.

    • Offering tools you can use right away, not just insights.

    Health psychology background

    • Extensive experience over 25 years working with clients facing new diagnoses and chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, and pain.

    • Just as vital: knowledge about the impact health conditions have on family and loved ones. How to build and sustain support over years: boundaries, self-care, and complicated emotions.

    • Twenty years in the public health sector, from Ottawa General Hospital, to the Yukon, the Diabetes Hypertension and Cholesterol Centre in Calgary, the Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary, and the Heart Transplantation team at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver.

Meet Dr. Theo DeGagne, Registered Psychologist (BC)

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Helping clients with anxiety, depression, and chronic health challenges.

Hi, I’m Theo.
He/him.

  • My first career was in music — I played piano and sang with pop, jazz, and R&B bands before trading the stage for the therapy chair

  • In grad school, I was “Mr. Nice Guy” — anxious, overbooked, and always trying to please everyone. (Spoiler: it didn’t work.)

  • With time and CBT, I learned how to quiet my fears, set boundaries, and build deeper, healthier relationships — skills I now help my clients discover too.
    Psychologist since 1995 with experience in hospitals, leadership roles, teaching, and private practice.

  • Known for sarcasm, warmth, and always having coffee in hand.

How I work

  • Anxiety relief for people who worry too much, overcommit, or feel “never good enough.”

  • Support for depression, stress, and relationship challenges.

  • Expertise in chronic health conditions and the emotional toll of pain.

  • Blending decades of clinical expertise with humor and practical tools that actually work.

Career highlights

  • 20+ years as a psychologist in Calgary & Vancouver hospitals.

  • 7 years as Head of Psychology, Vancouver Coastal Health.

  • Psychologist at St. Paul’s Hospital & Clinical Associate Professor at UBC.

  • Certified in CBT & founding member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT).

PLEASE NOTE that Dr. DeGagne manages his schedule on a separate online booking system. To schedule an appointment with Dr. DeGagne please visit https://drtheo.janeapp.com


Doctoral-Level Supervised Therapists

Our new graduates are in the final stage of becoming registered psychologists in British Columbia. This stage, called supervised practice, is part of the College of Health and Care Providers of BC’s registration process. While in supervised practice, clinicians meet regularly with Dr. Christine Korol, who reviews their cases, provides guidance, and ensures that clients receive high-quality care.

Brittney Russell, Ph.D., R.Psych. (Nova Scotia) (Pending Registration in BC)

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Meet Dr. Brittney Russell! Brittney recently earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and is currently practicing under the supervision of Dr. Christine Korol while completing her registration process. Brittney is passionate about helping preteens, teens, and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

With a strong background in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experience in treating various psychological concerns, Brittney provides a warm, supportive, and professional environment tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. She is excited to offer therapy sessions specifically for preteens and teens who are struggling with anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, and related concerns.

Brittney is committed to empowering young clients to achieve their mental health goals and develop resilience, coping skills, and confidence to face life’s challenges. If you are looking for expert guidance in managing anxiety or other mental health issues, Dr. Brittney Russell is here to help.

Meet Dr. Dana Cochrane (pending registration)

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Hi! I’m Dana.

She/her.

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University — currently in the process of becoming a registered psychologist in BC.

  • Equal parts fascinated by true crime podcasts and swoony romance novels. Basically, I live for love stories and murder mysteries.

  • On a lifelong mission to find the spiciest food in Vancouver — and I have the hot sauce collection to back it up.

  • I love the idea of outdoor workouts in beautiful Vancouver… I’m still just trying to find one that doesn’t feel like, well, a workout. Open to suggestions!

I work with preteens, teens, and adults who are navigating OCD, anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, or just trying to figure themselves out. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and take a client-centered, collaborative approach, which means we’ll focus on your goals and work at your pace. My job is to offer tools, structure, and support. Your job is to show up as you are - and I’ll meet you there.

I believe deeply in creating a space that is safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental, no matter what you’re bringing into the room. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I think humour absolutely has a place in therapy. Whether laughing or crying - I’ll be fully present with you.

Meet Dr. Rajan Hayre (pending registration)

Hi! I’m Raj.

He/him.

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University — currently in the process of becoming a registered psychologist in BC.

  • Big soccer fan with an even bigger jersey collection (60+ and counting). If you spot a new kit, yes — it probably just came in the mail.

  • Console gamer at heart. Love games like Hollow Knight, and always open to new ones — consoles are the best. Period. Convince me otherwise!

  • Staying active (gym, sports, whatever gets me moving) helps me stay balanced — and I encourage clients to explore what works for them, too.

  • Firm believer that pizza is a perfectly valid food group. Nuff said.

I work with preteens, teens, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, stress, OCD, or just feeling overwhelmed by life. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a client-centered approach — which means we focus on what matters most to you, and we will work together to figure out what’s getting in the way and what can help.

Building a strong connection with my clients is a big part of how I work. I believe in collaborative empiricism — you're the expert on your life, and therapy is a space where we combine your lived experience with tools and strategies that can actually make a difference.

I’ve supported clients through tough topics like trauma, self-harm, and the impact of racism and social injustice. Whatever you’re bringing into the room, I’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment.

Therapy doesn’t have to feel robotic or cold — it can feel real, supportive, and even a little lighter when you need it to.

STUDENT THERAPISTS

Vancouver Anxiety is pleased to offer training to graduate students in the CPA-Accredited Clinical Psychology programs at SFU, UBC and University of Victoria. All students are supervised closely by Dr. Korol and meet regularly to discuss clients and plan sessions , but at 1/3 of the cost of a session with Dr. Korol. You still get great care but at a much more affordable price. Even better, most extended health plans will reimburse sessions supervised by a registered psychologist (you use Dr. Korol’s registration number in your claim form). Double check with your provider today.


FAITH JABS, M.A., UBC DOCTORAL STUDENT, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Faith completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UBC. Under the supervision of Dr. Christine Korol, she will be offering therapy services to adults struggling with anxiety and related concerns.

Faith’s research focusses on distressing sexual concerns, particularly for women and genderdiverse individuals. Faith is committed to providing a safe, non-judgemental, and inclusive space for all her clients. Her goal is to make you comfortable with a collaborative and supportive therapeutic process.

Faith has experience providing diagnostic assessments for adults. She also has experience providing cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression, OCD, insomnia, anxiety, and other anxiety-related concerns.