Nov 2, 2023
Vincent Santiago is a Ph.D.
student in clinical psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University
(TMU) in Toronto, Canada. His research interests include eating
disorders, food addiction, body image, bariatric surgery, health
psychology, anxiety disorders, LGBTQ+ health, cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.
In this episode, Vincent describes his doctoral dissertation project, a randomized controlled trial that explored the use of an intervention for food addiction (the concept that individuals can be addicted to foods, particularly highly processed foods). This intervention combined Adapted Motivational Interviewing, a person-centered counseling approach, and CBT skills for eating-related issues, with a focus on harm reduction and moderation.
Vincent’s master’s thesis explored psychosocial factors, such as attachment style and emotion regulation, related to cigarette smoking following bariatric surgery. For his undergraduate thesis, he studied the influence of video messages on healthier eating among students who engaged in restrained and unrestrained eating.
Clinical Interests
Vincent’s clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various mental health issues, including eating disorders, anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is particularly interested in using approaches from CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Vincent completed his predoctoral
internship at the London Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium
in London, Ontario, and practicum placements at: (1) the Psychology
Training Clinic within the Department of Family and Community
Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital; (2) the Intensive Residential
and Day Treatment Program for OCD at Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Centre; and (3) the Eating Disorders Program at Toronto General
Hospital, where he currently works as a Mental Health
Clinician. Vincent was also
involved as a study therapist at TMU in clinical trials providing
CBT related to post-bariatric surgery issues, as well as social
anxiety disorder, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior.
Professional and Community Involvement
Vincent is committed to fostering the growth of psychology and those interested in the field. He is involved in mentorship programs with undergraduates, graduate students, and early career psychologists as part of the TMU Psychology Graduate Students’ Association, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and the American Psychological Association (APA). He served a 2-year term as a Student Representative in the Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres section of the CPA.
Professional and Community Involvement
Vincent is committed to fostering the growth of psychology and those interested in the field. He is involved in mentorship programs with undergraduates, graduate students, and early career psychologists as part of the TMU Psychology Graduate Students’ Association, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and the American Psychological Association (APA). He served a 2-year term as a Student Representative in the Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres section of the CPA.
Vincent co-organized the
inaugural "Diversifying Psychology Recruitment Event" at TMU in
2020. The goal of this event was to provide more information about
applying to graduate school for students from traditionally
underrepresented groups, particularly students identifying as
Black, Indigenous, and a Person of Colour. Vincent previously volunteered in LGBTQ+
organizations that offer peer support, workshops, and social
activities in the community.
The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.