Hi,
I am Caitriona
I believe healing and change begin when you feel supported in a safe space to speak openly about your struggles with someone who you trust.
I help children, youth and adults to connect with their strengths, see new possibilities, and develop effective tools that make them feel confident in their ability to navigate challenging times and to create meaningful change in their life, one step at a time.
I also help women who are going through breast cancer treatment, or who have finished treatment and looking for support. As a breast cancer survivor, I recognize that some of the most difficult situations can provide us with a sense of resilience, but also a feeling of isolation. You don't have to navigate the challenges alone.
When you work with me, I will take the time to listen to what is happening for you, and help you to clarify your goal(s) for change. Together, we will explore the impact of the issue, and understand how it prevents you from thriving. By the end of our time together, my goal is for you to feel like you have clarity and confidence in your ability to navigate tough experiences.
I have 11 years experience working as a therapist in different settings: a university, an elementary and high school, a large community youth organization, and with a humanitarian crisis response team. I have always worked with diverse populations in cities, small towns, and remote Indigenous communities.
I have a Master’s Degree in Education (Counselling) from Acadia University, and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the Ontario College of Registered Psychotherapists.
I am a service provider for NIHB and Medavie Blue Cross.
My
Therapeutic Approach
I use a strengths based approach, which means, I am interested in connecting with your strengths and resources related to the issue you bring to therapy to help you achieve your goal(s).
I work from an anti-oppressive framework, meaning, I believe there are systems of discrimination that affect specific populations within our society that impact our lived experiences.
I am curious, warm, open and creative in my conversations with you. I can also be direct when necessary.
I see you as an integrated person, which means, I consider your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
I am Trauma Informed, and refer to Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment Theory, Solution Focused Therapy, Art and Play Therapy Techniques, Somatic Practices, and Self-Regulation Techniques.
I welcome diversity including all races, sexualities, genders, religions, body sizes, and political values.
On a personal note
I was born and raised in a culturally diverse neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. I am first generation Canadian, daughter of Irish immigrant parents. My own struggles and journey of healing and transformation drives me to help others like you. I know for sure that it takes courage to reach out for support, and to face your own struggles. With support, you will have the ability to navigate challenging experiences in your life.
If you're ready to get started on your own transformation I'd love to chat. Book a consultation to see if we're a good fit.
Professional Training
Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice Clinical Training
with Deb Dana, 2024
Service Delivery to Black and Racialized Communities
with Shawnette Thompson, 2022
Youth Suicide Prevention
with Maria Liegghio, 2022
From Covid to Cutting Edge: Virtual Mental Health Care for Children and Youth
Sick Kids, 2020
Redefining Intensive Services on Virtual Platforms: The Covid19 Experience
SickKids, 2020
Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Informed Therapy Master Class
Psychotherapy Networker, 2020
Telehealth For Mental Health Professionals 2-day distance therapy
PESI, Joni Gilbertson, 2020
Mindfulness for Anxiety and Sleep
Udemy, Tara Broch, 2020
Advanced Clinical Trauma Training Radius
Child and Youth Services, 2020
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Online)
Medical University of South Carolina, 2020
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Program Centre for Mindfulness Studies, 2019
Mindfulness Based Wellness Training Program
Centre for Mindfulness Studies, 2019
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for English Speaking Carribean Youth
Dr. Natasha Williams, 2019
Fostering LGBTQ Inclusive Environments
519 Centre, 2019
Advanced Brief Therapy Training
Karen Young, 2016
Trauma Assessment and Treatment Certification
Geraldine Crisci, 2016
Working with Youth: Narrative Approaches to Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Thoughts
Narrative Therapy Centre, Angel Yuen, 2016
Harm Reduction 101 Workshop
Toronto Harm Alliance and Toronto Public Health, 2016
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) Facilitator Training
2016
Expressive Art Therapy
The Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, Carmen Richardson, 2014
RYS 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
YogaSpace, 2015
Mindfulness inside and outside the Therapy Hour
Ron Siegal, 2015
Trauma, Residential Schools & The Criminal Justice System
Seminar, 2014
Expressive Play Therapy Methods to Help Children Who Suffered a Loss
Marie Jose Dhaese, 2014
Expressive Art Therapy
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, Marie Jose Dhaese, 2014
CACPT Play Therapy Level 1
2014
If you are interested in starting therapy, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. During this consultation, we can discuss any questions you have and see if we are a good fit for each other.