Marlene Taube-Schiff
Ph.D., C. Psych., R. Psych.
Director, Founder, and Psychologist
Dr. Taube-Schiff completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec in 2005. She then completed her residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario and her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Taube-Schiff then held positions in various academic teaching hospitals in Ontario, working with a wide variety of individuals in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings. She is one of the founding professionals of the Sunnybrook Intensive Services Program for OCD. This is the only residential treatment program for individuals with OCD in all of Canada. She currently remains on staff at Sunnybrook and is involved in research initiatives.
Dr. Taube-Schiff has been a Registered Psychologist for close to 20 years and her clinical work has focused on the delivery of scientifically-supported treatments for obsessive compulsive and related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, as well as a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Her approach is grounded in the delivery of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), while integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing. She also uses Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) as one of her approaches when working with individuals with OCD. Dr. Taube-Schiff ensures every individual she sees receives treatment that is tailored to their individual needs. She works with adolescents, teens and adults throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Dr. Taube-Schiff also works with adolescents, teens and adults who have experienced trauma. She uses Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in order to help individuals process their trauma and reduce avoidance behaviours within their lives.
Dr. Taube-Schiff is also involved in research on OCD and treatment effectiveness, quality of care issues and enhancing people’s motivation to make changes when undergoing treatment. She has over 25 scientific publications, including book chapters, and has presented numerous workshops and symposiums both nationally and internationally. Dr. Taube-Schiff is currently an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and holds Adjunct Faculty positions at York University and previously at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Taube-Schiff is also engaged in a variety of teaching opportunities for OCD for clinicians across Ontario. She is also a consultant for I-CBT for OCD and enjoys helping other professionals learn more about this approach for individuals with OCD.
Dr. Taube-Schiff’s practice, Forward Thinking Psychological Services™, provides clients with the skills and tools they need to move ahead in their lives and achieve their goals, despite any distress they may experience. In doing so, individuals are able to move forward and get back the life they want to live.
Dr. Taube-Schiff is actively engaged in supervising associates at Forward Thinking Psychological Services™. She supervises practicum students, psychology residents, advanced doctoral students as well as individuals completing their year of supervised practice. She is extremely passionate about teaching and always welcomes the opportunity to supervise interested therapists.
Dr. Taube-Schiff is also a member of the Anxiety Canada Scientific Advisory Committee and works with others to advocate for anxiety awareness and dissemination of education regarding anxiety and OCD across Canada.
Dr. Taube-Schiff is currently the President of the Ontario Psychological Association.
When not working, Dr. Taube-Schiff enjoys skiing, biking, swimming, baking and spending time with her family.
Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s practice includes the following services:
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Recent Scientific Publications
Taube-Schiff, M., Rector, N. A., Young, R., Larkin, P. & Richter, M. A. (2020).
Filling the gap for obsessive compulsive disorder services in Canada: Implementing an intensive care program. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 208, 38-47.
Taube-Schiff, M., Rector, N. A., Larkin, P., Mehak, A. & Richter, M. A. (2020).
Effectiveness of intensive services for obsessive compulsive disorder: outcomes from the first Canadian residential treatment program. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 24, 59-67.
Taube-Schiff, M., Mehak, A., Marangos, S., Kalim, A. & Ungar, T. (2019).
Advancing care within an adult mental health day hospital: Program re-design and evaluation. Journal of Behavioural Health Services & Research, 46, 15-28.
Taube-Schiff, M. Mehak, A., Ferreira, N., Kalim, A., Ungar, T. & Mills, J.S. (2018).
Treatment within an adult mental health day program: Examining psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000847.[Epub ahead of print]
Taube-Schiff, M., El Morr, C., Counsell, A., Mehak, A. & Gollan J. (2017).
The Checklist of Unit Behaviours (CUB): Validation within a Canadian Outpatient Day Hospital Program. Journal of Psychiatr Mentric Health Nursing. 2017 Dec 28. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12451. [Epub ahead of print]
Taube-Schiff, M., Ruhig, M., Mehak, A., Deathe van Dyk, M., Cassn, S. E., Ungar, T., & Sockalingam, S. (2017).
Staff perspectives: What is the function of adult mental health day hospital programs. Journal of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. 24(8):580-588. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12405. Epub 2017 Aug 24.
Taube-Schiff, M., Yufe, S., Kastanias, P., Weiland, M., & Sockalingam S. (2017).
A Qualitative Study of Young Adult Experiences in the Bariatric Healthcare System: Psychosocial Challenges and Developmental Difficulties. Canadian Journal of Diabetes.;41(4):344-350. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.01.002. Epub 2017 May 2.
Sockalingam, S., Tehrani, H., Taube-Schiff, M., Van Exan, J. Santiago, V. & Hawa, R. (2017).
The relationship between eating psychopathology and obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery candidates: A retrospective study. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2017 Jul;50(7):801-807. doi: 10.1002/eat.22701. Epub 2017 Mar 23.
Taube-Schiff, M., Yufe, S., McLeod, J., Skorzewska, A., Carroll, A., Waddell, A., Kahn, Y. & Flogen, S. (2017l).
Creating change: implementation of an inpatient behavioural activation programme on a psychiatric intensive care unit. Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care, 13 (1) 17-25.
In the News
Back-to-school anxiety: What to do about it (August 31, 2023), CTV news
Could your teen refusing to go to school be a sign of mental health disability? (February 21, 2023), The Toronto Star.
Got Money Anxiety? How to Tame it and Make it Work for you (December 15, 2022). Royal Bank of Canada, Inspired Investor
The World is Going to Open Up Again-Are you Ready? (March 17, 2021). The Globe and Mail.
Recent Presentations, Workshops, and Training Events
Taube-Schiff, M. (February, 2024). Inference-Based CBT for OCD: What it is and why you will want to learn more! Invited Presentation for the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA).
Taube-Schiff, M. (November 2023). Building A Wellness Toolbox: Coping Skills to Enhance Mental Health. Invited Presentation for the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (RMTAO).
Action Anxiety Day, Youth Network Roundtable (June 10, 2022)
Taube-Schiff, M. (March, 2022). Anxiety: Impact and Coping Strategies, Invited Presentation to McGill University, on behalf of Anxiety Canada
Taube-Schiff, M. (March 2021). Evidence-based treatment of OCD: Up close and virtual in ever changing times. Invited Clinical Rounds, Psychology Graduate Program, York University
Taube-Schiff, M. (November 2021). Evidence-based treatment of OCD: Up close and virtual in ever changing times. Invited Clinical Area Rounds, Psychology Graduate Program, Toronto Metropolitan University
Taube-Schiff, M. (October, 2021) Introduction to Anxiety, Invited Presentation at the McGill University Virtual Health Fair, McGill University, on behalf of Anxiety Canada
Taube-Schiff, M. (October 2021) Coping in the face of uncertainty: Acceptance and Value-Based Skills, Invited Presentation at the Managing Mental Health in the Workplace During Covid-19, A Conference hosted by the Ontario Psychological Association in partnership with the City of Toronto.
Greenwood, L., Salonia, C. Kieffer, M-L., Taube-Schiff, M., Richter, P. (2021, September) The growing role of peer support in OCD recovery: An evaluation for individuals awaiting treatment. Paper presentation at the annual International OCD Foundation conference.
Taube-Schiff, M. (October 2020). Living According to Your Values, Sunnybrook Speaker Series, Maintaining Wellness When Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Young, R., Taube-Schiff, M., Rector, N., Larkin, P. & Richter, M. A. (2019, July). Examining Canada’s First Intensive OCD Treatment Program: Impact on Symptoms, Functionality and Quality of Life. Poster presented at the annual International OCD Foundation conference.
Taube-Schiff, M. (October 2019). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for OCD, Sunnybrook Speaker Series, Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: New Options and How They Work? Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Taube-Schiff, M. (October 2018). Treatment Options for OCD: What is New and Upcoming, Sunnybrook Speaker Series, New Community Options for Obsessive Compulsive and Hoarding Disorders. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Podcast
#OurAnxietyStories – The Anxiety Canada Podcast: Group Therapy Really Works with Pegah Mollahajian & Dr. Taube-Schiff
Fearless Practice Podcast – Owning a Successful Online Group Private Practice with Julia Smith and Dr. Marlene Taube Schiff
Recent Professional Development
Comprehensive I-CBT Training: In-Depth Training. (2023); 5-hour online course. Led by Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW and Katie Marrotte, LCSW. OCD Training School.
I-CBT for OCD course (2023); 9-week training course to learn the theory and application of I-CBT. Led by Kate Goldhouse.
Act for Perfectionism and People Pleasing (2023). 6-week online course. Led by Dr. Russ Harris. Psychwire.
I-CBT Training for OCD; live virtual 8-week course. Led by Brittany Goff, LCSW-C & Gina Abbondante, LCSW.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD (2022); 2 day live virtual workshop. Led by Dr. Philippe Schnaider, C. Psych. CPT for PTSD.
ACT from the Inside Out (2021). 10-week experiential course. Led by Dr. Sheri Turrell, Erin Lipsitt & Sara Kohut
ACT for Trauma (2019); 6-week online course. Led by Dr. Russ Harris. Psychwire
Behaviour Therapy Training Institute (2016); 3 day live in-person advanced OCD training institute. Overseen by leading OCD expert, Dr. Alec Pollard. International OCD Foundation Training Institute.