Meet Marissa Williams (MSc, MC)
Registered Psychologist in Alberta and Ontario
My Background
Hi, my name is Marissa (she/her). I was born and raised in the East Coast and, over the years, have lived and worked in Ontario and now call Alberta home. I have completed 13 years of post-secondary education and training working in research, hospital, and private practice settings. I’m an OCD and Anxiety Disorder specialist with years of experience treating OCD and anxiety disorders using the gold standard (or you could say “best evidence based”) treatments for these disorders, exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). I’m warm, direct, and very enthusiastic about treating OCD and anxiety disorders. I work from a clinical framework and value evidence-based practice so you can expect to get the first line treatment for your concern. If there isn't an evidence-based treatment for your concern, I'll be transparent about that and we can discuss what approach might be helpful for you. You deserve a therapeutic space that feels attuned, intentional, and effective so that is what I strive for with each one of my clients.
Training & Education
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and subsequently obtained my Master of Science degree with specialization in Clinical and Health Neuroscience from McMaster University. Following this, I earned my Master of Counselling degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University. I have worked at major teaching research hospitals, including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and ADHD and OCD private practices. I completed my 500 hours clinical practicum at Turning Point Psychological Services, an OCD and Anxiety clinic in Toronto, ON, under the supervision of Anna Prudovski. I completed an additional 1600 hours of clinical training at Brown Psychological Services, an OCD and Anxiety specialty practice in Edmonton, AB, under the supervision of Crys Brown. I am a Registered Psychologist in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO).
If you want to see a list of all my credentials, click here.
My clients and previous expert mentors and clinical supervisors have been my best teachers. I stay current on the latest research and knowledge about OCD and anxiety disorders and their treatment. I also regularly consult with fellow expert OCD and anxiety disorder treatment providers to further develop my clinical skills in treating OCD with complex comorbidities.
Professional Memberships
I am a professional member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), and the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO).
WHO I WORK WITH
I work with all different kinds of people, including:
Adults (18+) located in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
Busy millennial professionals who work from home or do hybrid work
BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+
Neurodivergent people (ADHDers, ASD, AuDHD)
We will likely be a great fit to work together if you are looking for:
A psychologist who is warm and enthusiastic with a straightforward communication style
A direct, research- and clinical-based approach to therapy
Goal/action-oriented therapy (and are willing to practice therapy skills outside of session)
Featured on: Emetophobia Help podcast
Featured on: Emetophobia Help podcast
I was recently a guest on the Emetophobia Help with Anna Christie podcast to discuss the worry continuum, OCD vs GAD, emetophobia, its similarities to OCD, and treatment (including exposure statements)!