
Dr. Vanessa
Montemarano
PhD, Clinical Psychology
I am a Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow at the Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital and Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MA in Clinical Psychology.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, having worked across inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings with young adults and adults. I am also passionate about my work supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, self-criticism, and coming-of-age dilemmas. My approach is rooted in empowering patients to build confidence in making improvements and changes in their lives.
During my clinical residency at Toronto General Hospital in the Eating Disorder Program, I provided comprehensive assessment and treatment to individuals with eating disorders struggling with eating regularly, body image concerns, emotion regulation difficulties, and the underlying factors contributing to their symptoms. I also completed a rotation in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre where I supported young adults as they navigated cancer-related challenges and broader psychosocial stressors. My previous training at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and Eating Disorders Program further strengthened my skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention.
Drawing from my training in emotion-focused therapy (EFT) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), I create a warm, supportive environment for deeper exploration. My research in weight stigma and eating disorders informs my compassionate, evidence-based approach. I am passionate about supporting individuals through self-discovery, healing, and emotional processing.
Selected Research
Cognitive dissonance for weight stigma reduction: The development and effect of a counter-attitudinal advocacy intervention
Vanessa Montemarano, Lamia Firasta, Jason Deska, Stephanie E. Cassin
Published: May 4, 2025
The effect of a food addiction explanatory model of eating behaviours on weight-based stigma: An experimental investigation
Vanessa Montemarano, Stephanie E. Cassin