Dr. Adri Khalis

Approach to Therapy

My primary aim in therapy is to help guide and empower clients to enact meaningful changes in their lives. My approach is collaborative and non-judgemental, with a focus on understanding together how the way we think, behave, or relate to others can sometimes interfere with living a full and meaningful life. I strive to bring my authenticity, humour, and curiosity into my work. I am committed to maintaining a culturally-responsive approach to the work that I do, and welcome clients from racialized and historically marginalized backgrounds.

With an integrative approach that primarily emphasizes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), I also incorporate other evidenced-based therapeutic modalities, tailored towards the individual needs of my clients. This includes aspects of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), when helpful. 

Areas of Expertise

I provide individual therapy to individuals struggling with depression/low mood, emotion dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, excessive worry, OCD, social anxiety, phobias, panic, perfectionism, or stress related to daily living. I also have experience in working with sexual dysfunction, and functional or unexplained somatic symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, chronic muscle tension and pain, gastrointestinal problems). In addition, I have a strong interest in the intersection of culture, race, and mental health in people’s lives. I am fluent in Malay, and can work with Malay-speaking clients.

My Background

I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia and I completed my CPA-accredited psychology residency at the Nova Scotia Health Authority in Halifax. I am a registered psychologist with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology and the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. 

About Me

I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and moved to Canada to complete my bachelor’s degree and subsequently graduate training in psychology. Outside of work I enjoy cooking (and eating!), reading, and going to music events.