Dr. Owen Garrett
My journey as a Clinical Psychologist began in 1992 after earning my Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Two years later, I relocated to British Columbia, where I practiced as a Registered Psychologist until retiring in December 2024.
Over the decades, I provided therapy to thousands of individuals navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic illnesses, including pain and diabetes. While the majority of my work took place in private practice, I also collaborated with several pain management and rehabilitation clinics across Vancouver. I had the privilege of serving as the Senior Psychologist for Division E of the RCMP, supporting personnel across British Columbia and the Yukon. Throughout my career, I was trained in various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Meditation.
Yet, the greatest lessons came not from training but from the people I worked with. I learned that truly connecting with someone requires listening beyond symptoms to their story. With time, I recognized that each person holds the potential for their own healing. My role became that of a guide and coach, helping individuals discover and embrace self-understanding and empowerment. Although I retired from clinical practice in 2024, my passion for helping others remains strong. Today, I focus on providing education and training in mindfulness meditation, a powerful tool for fostering awareness, connection, and well-being. I aim to create a welcoming space where people can explore these practices, enriching their lives through meaningful reflection and mindful living.
Dr. Sundeep Thinda
My work in psychology spans more than two decades and began in Calgary, Alberta, where I completed undergraduate training and developed a strong foundation in mental health.
I later earned both my Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology degrees in Clinical Psychology while living in Missouri, a formative chapter that shaped the trajectory of my career. Early on, I focused on clinical and forensic psychology, gaining experience with diagnostic work and treatment across a range of complex presentations. Over time, my interest shifted toward clinical rehabilitation psychology, where I supported individuals coping with serious injury, chronic pain, and psychological adjustment. I worked closely with people navigating workplace trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and the emotional toll of sudden life changes.
Those years led me to a pivotal realization: while therapy and clinical insight are important, long-term health, both mental and physical, is driven by lifestyle. Behavioural choices, self-awareness, daily structure, and mindset play a foundational role in shaping resilience and overall well-being. I became a proponent of proactive, positive psychology, not just managing distress, but cultivating strength, meaning, and adaptability. In 2011, I transitioned into full-time independent private practice, where I focused on assessment, treatment, supervision, and teaching (Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University).
​
I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations, mentoring graduate students, and training professionals on trauma, rehabilitation, and culturally responsive care. My approach has always blended rigorous clinical knowledge with a clear-eyed, practical view of how people can improve their lives in ways that are sustainable and real. Of course, once my clinic-partner and colleague retired from therapy (Dr. Garrett), I couldn't just let him have all the fun. In December 2024, I also formally retired from therapy-based practice and teaching and shifted my focus to medical-legal assessment and consultation. Call it a coincidence... or a well-timed case of professional inspiration. I look forward to doing group educational classes.​