Meet Dr. Peter Joy, Ph.D., C. Psych. (CHCPBC Reg. #1003)

Professional Background

I have worked as a psychologist in British Columbia for over 30 years. I began my career as a consulting psychologist at the Thorson Pain Rehabilitation Clinic (1991–1992), followed by seven years as a psychologist with WorkSafeBC. During my time at WorkSafeBC, I conducted psychological-legal assessments of injured workers for medical, claims, rehabilitation, pension, and Board of Review purposes. I was also involved in research and worked within the PACE Program, WorkSafeBC’s interdisciplinary pain program.

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Since 1999, I have maintained a full-time private practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of individuals with acute and chronic pain, related disability, and co-existing psychological conditions.

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Areas of Clinical Focus

My practice addresses a wide range of concerns, including:

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• Anxiety disorders (GAD, social anxiety, health anxiety)

• Depression

• Sleep disorders and insomnia

• Trauma and stressor-related disorders, including PTSD

• Fears and phobias

• Panic attacks

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Anger management

• Grief and bereavement

• Substance use and misuse

• Chronic illness and chronic pain

• Workplace issues and disability

• Couples and family relationship challenges

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I also routinely assess and treat RCMP members and other First Responders experiencing workplace-related traumatic exposure.

Over the past five years, my work has been primarily treatment-focused, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of psychological and health-related concerns.

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Treatment Approach

My work is informed by a bio-psycho-social understanding of physical and psychological health, which guides both assessment and treatment.

Primary treatment modalities include:

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

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I am also well-versed in couples and marital therapy, as well as Family Systems Theory.

My approach is highly collaborative and individualized. Treatment is tailored to each client’s strengths, needs, and preferences. In-session work is often supplemented with curated self-help and educational online resources. I provide services in individual, couple, family, and group formats.

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Professional Involvement

I am a long-standing member of:

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• British Columbia Psychological Association

• Canadian Psychological Association

• Canadian Pain Society

• American Pain Society

• International Association for the Study of Pain

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More recently, I have served as the psychological representative on the PainBC Project ECHO for Chronic Pain. I have also worked as a psychological consultant with the Canadian Pain Regenerative Institute (CPRI Health) and Restore Sports Medicine.

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Expert Witness & Scholarly Work

I have presented and published widely in my areas of expertise. Over the course of 34 years, I have been qualified on numerous occasions as an expert in psychology in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta.