Lisa Bourque, C. Psych.she/her
Psychologist
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Also available by telehealth: Ontario
CBT-based therapy for anxiety, mood, pain, trauma and life's harder chapters, delivered with warmth and a bit of humor.
About
I’m a psychologist and the founder of Dr. Lisa Bourque & Associates, a psychology practice in Hamilton, Ontario specializing in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I have more than 20 years of experience helping people with concerns ranging from everyday life stressors to more complex and longstanding difficulties.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, panic, OCD, depression and other mood difficulties, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain and illness, stress, self-esteem concerns, and significant life transitions.
I have extensive experience working with first responders, veterans, and front-line professionals, particularly with trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, and difficulties related to stressful or traumatic workplace experiences. I also provide psychological treatment for individuals receiving support through WSIB and short- and long-term disability (STD/LTD) programs, including support with recovery and return to work. First Nations and Inuit Health Benefits (FNIB) are also accepted.
I also provide couples and family counselling, including support with relationship and parenting concerns, co-parenting, blended families, separation, and divorce.
CBT is at the core of my approach because it is practical, collaborative, and strongly supported by research. Together, we look at the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical strategies you can use in everyday life. This may include tools such as thought records, graded exposure, behavioural experiments, assertiveness skills, and mindfulness strategies, depending on what you’re working on. I also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma-informed approaches.
My style is warm, direct, and down-to-earth. I’ll validate what’s hard while also gently challenging the patterns that may be getting in your way. There may even be some humour along the way. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation rather than a lecture, and I want you to understand not only what we’re working on, but why.
If you’re looking for practical, evidence-based therapy that helps you better understand what’s happening and make meaningful changes, I’d be happy to work with you. Dr. Lisa Bourque & Associates is conveniently located on the main floor at 219 Main Street West in Hamilton.
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Chronic pain & illness
- Sleep issues
- Trauma & PTSD
- Stress management
- Grief & loss
- Relationship issues
- Life transitions
- Burnout
- Couples therapy
- Family conflict
- Parenting
- Self-esteem
- Perinatal & postpartum
- ADHD
Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness-based
- Solution-focused
- Somatic / body-based
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Works with
- Adults
- Couples
- Families
- Veterans / first responders
- Students
- Working professionals
- Older adults
Sessions
Logistics
- Fees
CA$225per session
Psychological services are not covered by OHIP. Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for services provided by a Registered Psychologist. Coverage varies by plan, so please check with your insurance provider regarding your available benefits.
- Insurance
Accepts: Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Equitable Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Great-West Life, Desjardins Insurance, First Nations, WSIB
Receipts provided
- Office locations
- Main Office: 219 Main Street West (Main Floor), Hamilton, ON L8P 1J41 (905) 730-6289
Licensed or authorized in
Frequently asked questions
- What can I expect at my therapy appointment?
- Your first appointment is an opportunity to talk about what brings you to therapy and what you would like help with. We’ll review relevant background information, discuss your current concerns, and begin identifying your goals for treatment. We’ll also talk about what therapy may look like, including the recommended approach, frequency of sessions, and next steps. Therapy is collaborative, so you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and make sure the approach feels like a good fit for you.
- 2. Do you offer individual, couples, and family counselling?
- Yes. I work with adults individually and also provide couples and family counselling. Couples and family work may address relationship difficulties, parenting and co-parenting concerns, blended-family challenges, and issues related to separation and divorce. The format of therapy will depend on your concerns and goals, and we can discuss what makes the most sense for your situation.
- 3. Do I need a doctor's referral, and will my insurance cover therapy?
- You do not need a doctor's referral to contact us or begin psychological services. However, some extended health insurance plans require a physician's referral before they will reimburse psychological services. Psychological services are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health benefit plans provide coverage. Because plans vary, it's a good idea to check your individual policy for the amount of psychology coverage available and whether a referral is required.
Credentials
- Dr. Lisa Bourque, C. Psych., Clinical Psychologist, 2004