Dr Adri Khalis
Registered Psychologist
Approach to therapy
My primary aim in therapy is to guide and empower clients to enact meaningful changes in their lives with the ultimate goal of reducing suffering and improving quality of life. 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 Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, when appropriate or helpful.
Areas of expertise
I provide individual therapy to individuals struggling with depression/low mood, emotion dysregulation, 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, with a research focus on the impacts of social media use and technology on well-being. My graduate training involved supervised practica focused on the assessment and treatment of anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and sexual dysfunction. I completed my CPA-accredited psychology residency at the Nova Scotia Health Authority in Halifax. There, I completed rotations in the assessment and treatment of BPD, medically unexplained somatic symptoms, and a range of anxiety and mood disorders.
I am a registered psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia.
About me
I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and moved to Canada to complete my bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University. I then moved across the city to complete my graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. Outside of work I enjoy cooking (and eating!), reading, going to music events, and annoying my cat, Kapri.