Dr. Joseph (Jake) Shenker, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
“Psychotherapy is about learning to look inwards. Most people come to therapy because they are suffering. They are sad, scared, angry, unfulfilled, or lost. They want to feel better, to live a more comfortable or satisfying life. This is where we begin, with one question: “What’s the matter?” Therapy usually starts with a focus on what brought you in and an exploration of the associated thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours.”
Expertise
Dr. Shenker specializes in:
- Anxiety disorders
- Coping with major life changes and stressors
- Depression
- Emotion regulation disorders
- Improving assertiveness and communication skills
- Improving family communication
- Improving parent/child relationships
- Increasing self-confidence and self-worth
- Managing relationship stress
- Personality disorders
- Self-harm
- Social anxiety disorder
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Trauma-related disorders
Dr. Shenker can also help with:
- Body-focused repetitive behaviours (for example, hair pulling, skin picking)
- Chronic pain
- Navigating grief and loss
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Perfectionism
- Performance anxiety
- Personal growth
- Stress management
- Young adults
- Adults
Learn More About Dr. Shenker
Education & Credentials
Dr. Joseph Shenker holds a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from McGill University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University. He is a licensed member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) and has completed extensive training in multiple therapeutic approaches at public institutions across Montreal.
Training & Experiences
Dr. Shenker trained in diverse clinical settings, gaining experience in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological issues. His integrative, patient-driven approach draws upon evidence-based interventions and is informed by a commitment to ongoing professional development across theoretical schools.
Current Work
Dr. Shenker currently maintains a private clinical practice and supervises senior graduate students at Elevate Psychotherapy and Wellness Clinic. He also works as part of the Personality Disorders Program at the Jewish General Hospital, where he assesses and treats individuals facing complex personality disorders and related challenges.
In his clinical work, Dr. Shenker provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults dealing with concerns spanning daily stressors, relationship difficulties, persistent depression, and personality disorders. He believes in meeting each client as a unique individual, working collaboratively to decipher the complex interplay of motivations, thoughts, emotions, and experiences that shape their lives. Dr. Shenker’s aim is to help clients understand themselves more fully and guide them toward meaningful change.
