Marlene Taube-Schiff (she/her)

Ph.D., C. Psych., L. Psych., R. Psych.

Director, Founder, and Psychologist

Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff is the Founder and Director of Forward Thinking Psychological Services® and has been a registered psychologist for over 20 years. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec in 2005, followed by her residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Dr. Taube-Schiff subsequently held positions in various academic teaching hospitals in Ontario, working with a wide variety of individuals in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.

Dr. Taube-Schiff is one of the founding professionals of the Sunnybrook Intensive Services Program for OCD, Canada’s first residential treatment program for individuals with OCD. She remains affiliated with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and is involved in research initiatives.

Her clinical work focuses on the delivery of scientifically supported treatments for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and relational concerns. Dr. Taube-Schiff works with adolescents and adults and tailors treatment to each individual’s needs and goals.

Her clinical approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), while integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-informed skills, and Motivational Interviewing. She also provides Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) as a treatment option for individuals with OCD and engages in ongoing learning and consultation in I-CBT.

Dr. Taube-Schiff has experience adapting therapy for neurodivergent individuals, including adolescents and adults with ADHD and autism. She provides CBT, ERP, and I-CBT in ways that are neuroaffirming and tailored to the individual. She is also involved in the supervision of adult ADHD and autism assessments at FTPS.

Dr. Taube-Schiff also works with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. She uses Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce avoidance, and may also integrate ACT-focused approaches when working with trauma and trauma-related stressors. Learn more about trauma therapy at FTPS.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Taube-Schiff is actively involved in research, teaching, supervision, and professional training. Her research has included OCD and treatment effectiveness, quality of care, and enhancing motivation for change during treatment. She has authored or co-authored more than 25 scientific publications and book chapters and has presented numerous workshops and symposia nationally and internationally.

Dr. Taube-Schiff is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and holds an Adjunct Faculty position at York University. She provides teaching and training in evidence-based psychological treatment, particularly in the areas of OCD and anxiety, and offers consultation to clinicians learning to deliver I-CBT for OCD.

Dr. Taube-Schiff is also actively involved in the training and supervision of future psychologists. At Forward Thinking Psychological Services®, she supervises practicum students, psychology residents, advanced doctoral students, psychologists completing supervised practice, and other associates in evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment. She is also Co-Director of Clinical Training for the Toronto Area Residency Consortium (TARC), an accredited psychology residency consortium providing advanced clinical training to doctoral-level psychology residents.

Dr. Taube-Schiff is the current President of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT), Past President and current Board Director of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), and has held a number of additional leadership roles within the profession. She was also a member of Anxiety Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee for over 10 years and continues to advocate for increased awareness and access to evidence-based education and treatment for anxiety and OCD across Canada.

Through Forward Thinking Psychological Services®, Dr. Taube-Schiff is committed to helping individuals develop skills and tools that can help them move forward in their lives. She is equally committed to ensuring that FTPS provides an affirming, inclusive, and collaborative therapeutic environment. Her goal is for individuals of all identities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, to feel seen, supported, and valued.

When not working, Dr. Taube-Schiff enjoys skiing, biking, swimming, baking, and spending time with her family.