Psychologist · CHCPBC #1016915

About Dr. Simon Elterman

I am a psychologist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. My practice has two areas: evidence-based therapy and independent psychological assessment in family-law matters. I also accept selected consultation and presentation work related to psychology and family law.

Dr. Simon Elterman in his office

Background

Training in psychology and health

I hold psychology degrees from institutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. My doctoral training included a specialization in health psychology and a focus on interprofessional education.

I have worked in pain, diabetes, primary-care, and internal-medicine settings alongside physicians and other health professionals. That background informs therapy where physical and psychological health intersect.

Clinical practice

Therapy

I see therapy as a way to become more fully yourself. I help people develop practical skills for current problems and understand how longstanding patterns formed.

My primary approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with other evidence-based methods when appropriate. Feeling safe and understood by your therapist matters, so an initial consultation is a chance to decide whether we are a good fit.

Learn about therapy

Evaluative practice

Family-Law Assessment Work

Assessment requires a different role from therapy. I prepare independent family-law reports and psychological assessments, including Section 211 reports, Views of the Child reports, and parenting-capacity assessments.

Following my doctorate, I completed hundreds of hours of family-law-specific training and received mentorship from Dr. Michael Elterman. Since beginning forensic assessments in 2022, I have authored approximately 30 family-law reports and have been qualified to provide expert opinion evidence in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on several occasions.

Learn about assessments

Professional boundaries

Clear professional roles

Clarity about purpose and role is important in psychological practice. Therapy and court-related assessment are kept separate because they involve different responsibilities, relationships, and limits on confidentiality.

Professional contributions

Advocacy and professional leadership

Many people first encounter my work through advocacy and later contact me about therapy or assessment. I have also completed assessments for WorkSafeBC, the Canadian Armed Forces, and immigration matters. In family law, I have consulted with counsel on cross-examination preparation and social-science research, and I have presented to legal and professional audiences.

I previously served as Chair of Advocacy and Vice-President of the British Columbia Psychological Association and helped establish the BC Parenting Assessor Roster Society.

Explore my advocacy work

Detailed background

Curriculum vitae

For information about my education, employment history, publications, presentations, professional involvement, and relevant court-related experience, please see my curriculum vitae.

View Curriculum Vitae

Contact

A brief initial message is enough to identify whether you are asking about therapy, assessment, or another professional matter.

Contact Dr. Elterman