Dr. Farena Pinnock

Psychologist and Neuropsychologist
Populations seen: Adults and Older Adults

Offers virtual services only

As a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, Dr. Pinnock works with adults and older adults with neurological, medical, and/or psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Pinnock has specialty training in and is passionate about psychological and neuropsychological assessment and intervention. She provides evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation and clinical intervention, in collaboration with her clients, to meet their needs and circumstances.

With respect to neuropsychology, her assessments help inform diagnoses of cognitive impairment or deficits due to, but not limited to, concussion, stroke, cancer, dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, primary progressive aphasia, cerebrovascular disease), movement disorders, diabetes, and psychiatric illnesses. She is also knowledgeable about normal age-related changes and has provided cognitive intervention to individuals with various cognitive concerns (e.g., attention, memory, and higher order or executive thinking skills such as planning).

Regarding psychotherapy, Dr. Pinnock provides assessment and treatment for a range of conditions such as:

-       Depression

-       Anxiety

-       Adjustment/role transitions

-       Relationship difficulty

-       Psychological symptoms due to neurological conditions

She places a strong emphasis on a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment while highlighting clients’ strengths, to help clients explore emotions and ambiguity, increase their sense of agency and insight, and enhance their feelings of self-worth. Together with the client, they will work towards the client’s desired goals. Her flexible therapeutic approach is informed by emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and motivational interviewing. She collaborates with clients to appropriately match the therapeutic technique with their beliefs, concerns, and stage in the therapy process.

Dr. Pinnock obtained her doctoral degree from the CPA-accredited clinical psychology and neuropsychology programs at York University. She completed her internship at The Ottawa Hospital. She has also gained valuable clinical and/or research experience working at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto Western Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and in private practice.

Professional memberships:

  • Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

  • Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

  • International Neuropsychological Society (INS)

  • Schizophrenia Society of Ontario