Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Ulrike (Rike) Koechling and I am a registrant of the College of Psychologists of BC. I have been assisting clients in Sidney and Victoria for more than 15 years, offering psychological services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have been in practice since 1993 and practiced in the province of Quebec and Sweden prior to my move to Saanich.
I am competent in a variety of clinical areas and my therapeutic orientation is in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Establishing a good rapport with my clients in order to form a trusting and meaningful therapeutic relationship is most important to our work together. My approach is generally short-term and I will assist you with acquiring strategies in order for you to learn to cope independently with your psychological concerns, which will also assist in the prevention of future relapse.
I received my Ph.D. from Concordia University. I have held a variety of positions:
- Visiting Professor at the world-renowned Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden,
- Senior Psychologist at the Montreal General Hospital,
- Psychologist at the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic at the Lakeshore Hospital,
- Lecturer in Psychology at Concordia University and the University of Victoria
- Consult for the Clinical Research at the Karolinska Institute.
I have been a workshop leader and a guest speaker at various international conferences lecturing on diverse topics ranging from pain/stress management to addiction.
For the last 22 years, I am been working in the areas of pain and stress management, depression, anxiety disorders, prescription, and non-prescription drug dependence, and gambling addiction.
Recently on March 18, 2023 I am also a certified a Mental Health Professional through the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness.
I am a registered provider for the following organizations
- ICBC
- Veterans’ Affairs
- RCMP
- First Nations Health Authority
- EAP Providers (various)
- Insurance Companies (various)
Areas of Competence:
- Mood Disorders and Depression
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders, Panic and Specific Phobias
- Insomnia
- Stress Management
- Pain Management & Disability
- Alcohol and Drug Dependence
- Women’s Health Concerns
- Indian Residential School Syndrome
- Prescription Drug Dependence
- Gambling and Other Impulse-Control-Related-Disorders