My goal is to provide comprehensive assessments, therapeutic interventions, and parenting supports to help nurture your child’s strengths and support areas of challenge.
A better understanding of your child will help them thrive at home, at school and in life. I bring to my work an understanding of typical childhood development and the important role of attachment and connection. My expertise in trauma guides my approach to how best to support children who have experienced adversity.
I acknowledge with respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən People on whose traditional territory my workplace is located and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
I strive to create a safe and positive space, that is welcoming for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or orientation. There is zero-tolerance policy for sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism.
About Dr. Van Bruggen
B.C. Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1944)
Dr. Lisa Van Bruggen has been working with children, youth and their families in Victoria for over 15 years, specializing in assessments, short-term therapeutic interventions and parenting supports. She is an expert in child and youth mental health and the impact of trauma on children’s development.
After obtaining her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Queen’s University (1995 to 1999), Dr. Van Bruggen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Victoria's Canadian/American Psychology Association (CPA/APA) accredited program (1999 to 2009), including a one year APA accredited internship in Clinical Psychology at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of BC.
In 2009, Dr. Van Bruggen began her clinical practice working for the Vancouver Island Health Authority at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health, Ledger House. While serving in that position for 11 years as part of a multi-disciplinary team, she supported and helped hundreds of children and their families.
In 2012, Dr. Van Bruggen accepted a position of adjunct professor with the University of Victoria's Department of Psychology, and assumed the role of Chief Practicum Supervisor at the University of Victoria Psychology Clinic, an office that trains the next generation of clinical psychologists. She is honored to have coached and supervised dozens of students in delivering over 150 psycho-educational child and youth assessments. Dr. Van Bruggen occasionally teaches graduate level psychology courses and has acted for the Psychology Clinic Director.
Dr. Van Bruggen is a trained leader in the Connect Parent Group and has co-led many Victoria groups. She is also trained in Emotion Focused Family Therapy and has a deep appreciation and understanding of the role of attachment and connection in improving family relationships.
Dr. Van Bruggen was raised in southern Ontario, the daughter of Dutch immigrants. She is married with two children, enjoys reading novels, walking the family dog, camping, and playing cards and board games.
