Dr Anne Howson
Registered Psychologist
My areas of expertise
Dr. Howson specializes in individual cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for the management of adjustment, depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders, as well as an adjunct treatment for psychosis. An additional area of interest is habit change; either stopping undesirable habits or starting more helpful health behaviours. Principles of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as well as elements of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills training are used to support change.
My approach to therapy
Within a collaborative self-management model, she works with clients to achieve treatment goals they have set. Clients come to understand the factors that contribute to their difficulties (i.e. unhelpful attitudes, thoughts, communication styles, and coping behaviours) and then learn new skills and strategies to develop more helpful ways of being in the world. By identifying and building on their personal strengths and values, clients are able to create lasting, positive changes in their lives.
My background
After a BA in Psychology at McGill University, and an MBA at Concordia University, she spent a few years in England in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to Canada, and then completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Howson trained at UBC Hospital’s Anxiety Disorders Unit and Health Psychology Clinic, and has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient hospital settings in the lower mainland over the past 22 years. She has been with Changeways Clinic since it opened in 2003, and recently retired from St. Paul’s Hospital’s Heart Transplant Team.
Professional affiliations include registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (#1539), BCPA, and CPA. She's also a founding member of the CACBT (Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies), and a Clinical Instructor with the Department of Psychiatry at the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
About me
Dr. Howson enjoys working with people from all walks of life and cultures, including the LGBTQ community, and continues to be optimistic about increased public access to evidence-based psychological treatment in BC and Canada.
For that ever important work-life balance, she enjoys film, book clubs, hiking, yoga, mindfulness practice, nature, and playing the ukulele!