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Dedicated Virtual Therapy for
OCD and Anxiety across Alberta

Evidence-based therapy for adults who want to break the cycle of intrusive thoughts, urges, and repetitive patterns.

Hi, I’m Dr. Sasha Shifrin

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I am a PhD-level Registered Psychologist in Alberta. I am passionate about helping adults navigate OCD and related concerns, including hair pulling, skin picking, appearance anxiety, and all kinds of intrusive thoughts. My approach is rooted in evidence-based treatments, focusing on helping you develop practical, skills-based strategies to get back to living your life.

I am currently accepting new clients.

Book Your First Appointment

Services

My practice focuses on treating adults with OCD and related concerns using research-supported, skill-based methods.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Structured therapy for intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and anxiety, tailored to your specific OCD theme using “gold-standard” treatment.

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Intrusive Thoughts
& Anxiety

Therapy to reduce appearance-related distress and checking behaviours while building more flexibility in your life.

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Support for distressing “what if” thoughts, rumination, overthinking, and mental loops – even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis.

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Body-Focused Repetitive
Behaviours (BFRBs)

Practical strategies for hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation), and other repetitive habits.

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My Approach

Skills for Long-Term Change

My work is structured, collaborative, and focused on the present. Instead of just talking about the past, we focus on building a practical toolkit you can use to manage symptoms daily.

What Treatments Do I Use?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

The “gold-standard” tool for facing fears without rituals, tailored to your unique triggers and anxiety levels.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Building up your toolkit with practical skills to be able to identify and shift “thought traps” that keep you stuck.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Learning to live a meaningful life, even when difficult thoughts show up.

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) & Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB)

Designing a plan to manage urges to pick or pull, while figuring out the "why" so we can prevent it from reoccurring.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Developing the awareness to notice an urge without being “hooked” by it.

Learn More Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions before booking your first appointment? Here are answers to some of the most common questions I receive about ERP therapy, my practice, and how I help adults with OCD across Alberta.

For more FAQs, click here.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective, evidence-based therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In ERP therapy, we gently face the thoughts or situations that trigger your anxiety without doing the compulsions that keep you stuck. Over time, this trains your brain that you are safe and reduces your OCD symptoms.

  • Yes, absolutely. "Pure O" OCD means your compulsions happen entirely inside your head instead of physically. I focus on helping clients break free from these exhausting mental habits, such as chronic overthinking, mentally reviewing past conversations, and constantly seeking self-reassurance.

  • Skin picking and hair pulling are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), not bad habits you can fix with willpower. To treat BFRBs, I use Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and the ComB model. Together, we figure out the exact sensory and emotional triggers for your urges and build a personalized toolkit to help you stop the cycle.

  • Low self-esteem involves general insecurity, while Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe condition closely related to OCD. People with BDD experience extreme, daily distress over a perceived physical flaw. This distress drives exhausting compulsions like obsessive mirror checking, elaborate camouflaging with makeup or clothes, and avoiding social events.

  • Yes! As a Registered Psychologist, I provide secure virtual therapy for adults living anywhere in Alberta. Whether you are looking for an OCD therapist in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, or a surrounding community, we can work together online from the comfort of your home.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reclaiming your life from OCD and anxiety starts with a simple message. I am happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

Please note. Messages sent through this form are for information purposes only and are not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For 24/7 support in Alberta, you can contact the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.