Dr. Vanessa Kurdi is a clinical psychologist and a member of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec. She completed her doctoral studies at the Université de Montréal in the Child and Adolescent division. Vanessa’s research expertise centres around parenting and teaching practices that support the motivation and psychological well-being of children and adolescents. After completing her Ph.D., she worked on these topics as a research fellow at the University of Reading (UK) and Doshisha University (Japan).
Vanessa first developed her clinical experience through her training at the Université de Montréal’s psychology clinic and the Marguerite-Bourgeoys elementary school. She then specialized through internships at the Jewish General Hospital in the Neonatal Follow-up Clinic and the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic. She was also trained to lead workshops to improve communication and relationships between parents and their children, which she has led in Canada and the UK.
Vanessa collaborates with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families to help with a range of psychological, relational, and parenting difficulties. Vanessa can help individuals with low motivation, depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. She can also help couples and families with difficult dynamics or parenting difficulties, as well as help them support children and adolescents with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
In therapy, Vanessa strives to build warm and trusting relationships so clients feel seen and understood. She supports clients in the development of a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the systems they live in (e.g., family, workplace, society). She also encourages clients to make choices and changes that are in line with their own needs, values, and beliefs, and empowers them through the development of social and emotional skills. In her work, Vanessa integrates humanistic, systemic, emotion-focused, and attachment-based approaches.
On a personal note, Vanessa is an avid traveller who loves to learn about the world. Curious, she loves to read and listen to shows on a variety of topics from veganism to feminism. At home, she enjoys cooking and baking, dancing, and watching comedy shows with her loved ones.
