Therapists in Toronto, ON
Nat Cooper
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
I believe you know yourself best, and I am here to listen. Connection is important to me, and I believe it can be healing. I aim to support you as best I can through whatever life has thrown at you, offering a judgment-free space filled with empathy, curiosity and patience. I frequently work with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their experience navigating Autism (ASD), chronic illness and other journeys towards emotional wellness. With my flexible, client-centred approach to psychotherapy I hope to support you however is best at the time. Life is hard sometimes, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.
I believe you know yourself best, and I am here to listen. Connection is important to me, and I believe it can be healing. I aim to support you as best I can through whatever life has thrown at you, offering a judgment-free space filled with empathy, curiosity and patience. I frequently work with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their experience navigating Autism (ASD), chronic illness and other journeys towards emotional wellness. With my flexible, client-centred approach to psychotherapy I hope to support you however is best at the time. Life is hard sometimes, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Sahar Eskandari
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
I am also a compassionate advocate for neurodiversity, and have extensive experience with binary and non-binary individuals with Autism and ADHD.
Hello and welcome! Everyone may feel stuck at one point in their life. You may be experiencing difficulty maintaining relationships, attention and focus, or becoming too overwhelmed with everything piling up. I can help you to make sense of your challenges, find possible connections to your earlier experiences, and how they affect your life today. Collaboratively and without judgment, I can help you understand yourself, your desires, fears, and needs so that your thoughts and emotional experiences don’t overwhelm you. My training in several different treatment models includes Cognitive and Behavioral (CBT) and Somatic Therapy.
I am also a compassionate advocate for neurodiversity, and have extensive experience with binary and non-binary individuals with Autism and ADHD.
Hello and welcome! Everyone may feel stuck at one point in their life. You may be experiencing difficulty maintaining relationships, attention and focus, or becoming too overwhelmed with everything piling up. I can help you to make sense of your challenges, find possible connections to your earlier experiences, and how they affect your life today. Collaboratively and without judgment, I can help you understand yourself, your desires, fears, and needs so that your thoughts and emotional experiences don’t overwhelm you. My training in several different treatment models includes Cognitive and Behavioral (CBT) and Somatic Therapy.
Erin Mlotek
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BST, BA, RP(q)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5P
I provide individual and family counselling as well as life skills and parent coaching. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy, consultation, training and support for individuals with neurodiversity’s such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, as well as mental health challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, OCD, trauma, school challenges, life transitions, and relationship issues. I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioral Science.
I provide individual and family counselling as well as life skills and parent coaching. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy, consultation, training and support for individuals with neurodiversity’s such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, as well as mental health challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, OCD, trauma, school challenges, life transitions, and relationship issues. I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioral Science.
Tami Hendel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6A (Online Only)
Or perhaps explore how your ADHD or Autism has impacted your relationships, learning, or employment.
Are you someone who is yearning to become their best selves in a safe, judgement-free environment. Sometimes it is important to feel heard and understood. I provide safety by creating a warm and emotionally engaged relationship where you are valued and respected. When dealing with overwhelming emotions, I want you to feel seen, heard and understood. I want to work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped who you are now. If you want help in leading you to self-discovery, I believe we all have the potential to make something constructive and meaningful with our life.
Or perhaps explore how your ADHD or Autism has impacted your relationships, learning, or employment.
Are you someone who is yearning to become their best selves in a safe, judgement-free environment. Sometimes it is important to feel heard and understood. I provide safety by creating a warm and emotionally engaged relationship where you are valued and respected. When dealing with overwhelming emotions, I want you to feel seen, heard and understood. I want to work with you to discover how past experiences have shaped who you are now. If you want help in leading you to self-discovery, I believe we all have the potential to make something constructive and meaningful with our life.
Ander Negrazis / Holding it Together
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I work exclusively with autistic adults, many of whom are queer & trans, and multiply neurodivergent. I am an autistic, trans & queer, learning disabled trauma therapist. I don't ‘treat’ autism/neurodivergence or gender divergence as 'issues' or problems to be fixed. I treat the trauma caused by neurodisablist worldviews, ways, and conversion - based treatments. Instead of helping you to “fit in” to neurotypical culture, I support you to diverge: to take back space, find your other way, and find your way to others. Together we can turn the tables on disablement & pathologization from the inside out.
I work exclusively with autistic adults, many of whom are queer & trans, and multiply neurodivergent. I am an autistic, trans & queer, learning disabled trauma therapist. I don't ‘treat’ autism/neurodivergence or gender divergence as 'issues' or problems to be fixed. I treat the trauma caused by neurodisablist worldviews, ways, and conversion - based treatments. Instead of helping you to “fit in” to neurotypical culture, I support you to diverge: to take back space, find your other way, and find your way to others. Together we can turn the tables on disablement & pathologization from the inside out.
Armita Hosseini
Psychological Associate, MEd, MA
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5V (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for visiting my profile. I take an evidence-based and integrative approach to psychological treatment and my goal is to create a safe space that empowers my clients, helps them feel understood and supported to challenge life’s difficulties and ultimately thrive. I believe change is possible when relationships are grounded in trust, openness, and strengths are discovered and celebrated. As I learn about your challenges, I hope to work alongside you, your child or family with a compassionate ear. Currently my practice focuses on Adult Autism and ADHD Assessments.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I take an evidence-based and integrative approach to psychological treatment and my goal is to create a safe space that empowers my clients, helps them feel understood and supported to challenge life’s difficulties and ultimately thrive. I believe change is possible when relationships are grounded in trust, openness, and strengths are discovered and celebrated. As I learn about your challenges, I hope to work alongside you, your child or family with a compassionate ear. Currently my practice focuses on Adult Autism and ADHD Assessments.
Sieran Yung
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MEd
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
I’m also a gay, trans, nonbinary (he/him), and neurodivergent person who is an ethnic minority, and I can give support in LGBTQ+ issues, cultural identity, autism, and ADHD.
Do you want to find a way out of the stress, fear, and sadness that you’re going through? Find some peace and comfort? Maybe you feel hopeless and overwhelmed. It can be scary and tiring, an uphill battle, and you feel like you will collapse and shatter at any time. When you face all this fatigue, despair, and frustration, you wish you could confide in a trusted person and get some support. I can be that support person for you, so that you can make sense of your world, find peace, and reclaim control. You don’t have to feel so helpless anymore.
I’m also a gay, trans, nonbinary (he/him), and neurodivergent person who is an ethnic minority, and I can give support in LGBTQ+ issues, cultural identity, autism, and ADHD.
Do you want to find a way out of the stress, fear, and sadness that you’re going through? Find some peace and comfort? Maybe you feel hopeless and overwhelmed. It can be scary and tiring, an uphill battle, and you feel like you will collapse and shatter at any time. When you face all this fatigue, despair, and frustration, you wish you could confide in a trusted person and get some support. I can be that support person for you, so that you can make sense of your world, find peace, and reclaim control. You don’t have to feel so helpless anymore.
James Brown
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS, GIT Dip
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
LGBTQ2S+, Relational Embodied Gestalt, ACT, Spiritually-Integrated, Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), Gender Identity & Expression.
Do you want to try something different which will challenge you and direct your awareness to how you are living your life? Awareness is the first step in making any change. Awareness gives you a choice: do I keep doing what I have been doing or do I want to "try on" a new behaviour and see what changes? Together we will work through issues which are interfering with your ability to live your life fully in the here and now.
LGBTQ2S+, Relational Embodied Gestalt, ACT, Spiritually-Integrated, Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), Gender Identity & Expression.
Do you want to try something different which will challenge you and direct your awareness to how you are living your life? Awareness is the first step in making any change. Awareness gives you a choice: do I keep doing what I have been doing or do I want to "try on" a new behaviour and see what changes? Together we will work through issues which are interfering with your ability to live your life fully in the here and now.
Toni Lui
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4P (Online Only)
I support young people and adults with anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, as well as new and expecting parents, and families with a child diagnosed with autism or other childhood disability.
Life transitions can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. Becoming a new parent, navigating new relationships and family dynamics, receiving a life changing diagnosis, attending a new school, entering a new life stage, career change, relocation, or experiencing loss can bring up many challenging emotions such as loneliness, fear, grief, anxiety, and depression. It can be hard to appreciate life’s finer moments when we are overwhelmed by our emotions, thoughts, and others' perceptions and expectations of us. These feelings can affect the way we live, learn, parent, maintain relationships, and function in our every day lives.
I support young people and adults with anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, as well as new and expecting parents, and families with a child diagnosed with autism or other childhood disability.
Life transitions can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. Becoming a new parent, navigating new relationships and family dynamics, receiving a life changing diagnosis, attending a new school, entering a new life stage, career change, relocation, or experiencing loss can bring up many challenging emotions such as loneliness, fear, grief, anxiety, and depression. It can be hard to appreciate life’s finer moments when we are overwhelmed by our emotions, thoughts, and others' perceptions and expectations of us. These feelings can affect the way we live, learn, parent, maintain relationships, and function in our every day lives.
Aidan Parchelo
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, ASD-IP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5T
I am also a certified ASD-Informed Professional, supporting concerns relating to autism & high sensitivity, burnout & boundary-setting, ADHD, and giftedness.
At the end of the day, therapy is about being listened to, being heard. There may be difficult experiences in your life that you are carrying alone right now. I can assure you, it doesn’t have to be that way. My job as therapist is to make it easy to sit with and explore the difficult stuff. I do this by removing many of the barriers that ever made it hard: by listening attentively without judgement, meeting you wherever you’re at, and showing up with patience, curiosity, and compassion. In this, I support clients to build new habits and change their relationship with themselves and others for the better.
I am also a certified ASD-Informed Professional, supporting concerns relating to autism & high sensitivity, burnout & boundary-setting, ADHD, and giftedness.
At the end of the day, therapy is about being listened to, being heard. There may be difficult experiences in your life that you are carrying alone right now. I can assure you, it doesn’t have to be that way. My job as therapist is to make it easy to sit with and explore the difficult stuff. I do this by removing many of the barriers that ever made it hard: by listening attentively without judgement, meeting you wherever you’re at, and showing up with patience, curiosity, and compassion. In this, I support clients to build new habits and change their relationship with themselves and others for the better.
Arzu Ferguson
Psychologist, MSc, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5C
I conduct diagnostic assessments for Adult Autism, ADHD, ODSP, WSIB claims, and entitlement assessments for VAC.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ontario and Newfoundland with more than 25 years of experience. Connecting with people is the best part of my job. I thrive to provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental environment. I believe change and self-growth is possible at any point in life. Some of the conditions I treat and assess are Depression, Anxiety disorders (Panic attacks, Health Anxiety), Eating disorders, Adult ADHD and Autism. I provide psychological counselling for Grief, postpartum health and workplace stress. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and First Responders.
I conduct diagnostic assessments for Adult Autism, ADHD, ODSP, WSIB claims, and entitlement assessments for VAC.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ontario and Newfoundland with more than 25 years of experience. Connecting with people is the best part of my job. I thrive to provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental environment. I believe change and self-growth is possible at any point in life. Some of the conditions I treat and assess are Depression, Anxiety disorders (Panic attacks, Health Anxiety), Eating disorders, Adult ADHD and Autism. I provide psychological counselling for Grief, postpartum health and workplace stress. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and First Responders.
15 Second Videos
Sahar Eskandari
X T Belcastro
First Step Men's Therapy
Alexander Orr
The Psychotherapy Spot
David Minor
Blue Sky Learning
Shaila Anjum
Carrie R Cardwell
Marlen Iskander
Julien Fortier
Karlie Chalmers
The Heart of Healing Counselling Services
Low Cost Redbird Therapy Centre
Charlotte Pidgeon Psychotherapy
Tammy Marcus
Kelly Kozluk
Carla Barbosa
Melanie Hrymak
Jenny Rajewski Gouin
Meaghan Johnson
Melissa Mulongoy
Sarah Ferland
Zaamilah Balasubramaniam
Naomi Reesor
Strength Counselling Services
Real-Talk Psychotherapy
Mia Arcangeli
Melissa Veerasammy
Lisa Romano-Dwyer
HealthCasa
Cara Tedstone: Parenting Coach And Youth And Family Therapist - Toronto
Karen Lynn Goslin
Heyday Therapy Inc
Birch & Stone Psychotherapy
Ashtyn Ford
Jennifer Pinto
Natasha Sharma
Rachel Wilson
Tharshiga Elankeeran
Kelly Alexander
Stacey Sandrin
NKS Therapy
Erin Hatton
Susie Showers
Farah Memon
Alan Choi
Grace Ann Steen
Serena Leblond
Untwist Your Thinking Therapy
Bria Wannamaker
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3H (Online Only)
I'm accepting new clients for online psychotherapy sessions. Appointments can be made via email. I support parents toward implementing interventions for their children who have been diagnosed with ODD, ADHD, autism, and anxiety/depression. It's important as a parent to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and to learn strategies for co-regulating with your child's big emotions.
I'm accepting new clients for online psychotherapy sessions. Appointments can be made via email. I support parents toward implementing interventions for their children who have been diagnosed with ODD, ADHD, autism, and anxiety/depression. It's important as a parent to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and to learn strategies for co-regulating with your child's big emotions.
Simply Lotus Therapy Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M3M (Online Only)
My area of speciality focuses on supporting ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, and Depression.
Hi there! My name is Krystle, thanks for stopping by. In therapy we often talk about life experiences, how it shapes who we are, and guides the journey we are on. Sometimes in our journeys we are faced with stressors, maybe feeling uncertain about our future, or feeling lost in our thoughts. Sometimes our journey leads us to self-discovery, and new ways of doing things. Perhaps by accepting the uncertainty of tomorrow. Whether you are looking for support to manage anxiety, overwhelming thoughts/emotions, help with school/work, or maybe daily life pressures. Feeling connected and understood is what most of us are searching for.
My area of speciality focuses on supporting ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, and Depression.
Hi there! My name is Krystle, thanks for stopping by. In therapy we often talk about life experiences, how it shapes who we are, and guides the journey we are on. Sometimes in our journeys we are faced with stressors, maybe feeling uncertain about our future, or feeling lost in our thoughts. Sometimes our journey leads us to self-discovery, and new ways of doing things. Perhaps by accepting the uncertainty of tomorrow. Whether you are looking for support to manage anxiety, overwhelming thoughts/emotions, help with school/work, or maybe daily life pressures. Feeling connected and understood is what most of us are searching for.
Attuned Families
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6P
We provide evidence-based therapy for Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, Behavioural Problems, Parenting Support, Behavioural and Emotional challenges.
Prevention, Early Intervention and Innovation. Our commitment is to help parents find peace, families find connection and children thrive. We draw on various research based methods, tailored to your needs. At Attuned Families your comfort is our priority. Call us anytime to ask your questions and find out how we can help.
We provide evidence-based therapy for Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, Behavioural Problems, Parenting Support, Behavioural and Emotional challenges.
Prevention, Early Intervention and Innovation. Our commitment is to help parents find peace, families find connection and children thrive. We draw on various research based methods, tailored to your needs. At Attuned Families your comfort is our priority. Call us anytime to ask your questions and find out how we can help.
Adriana Mancipe
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q) , MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
My experience includes working with individuals who present with anxiety, self-esteem and attachment issues, depression, ADHD, BPD, autism, and matters related to migration and acculturation.
I’m a registered psychotherapist qualifying and I’m passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals who have been impacted by trauma and anxiety learn how to heal consciously. The majority of my practice focuses on helping my clients heal their emotional wounds, recover from trauma, overcome anxiety and depression, develop constructive coping strategies to alleviate distress, and guide and support them in navigating life transitions.
My experience includes working with individuals who present with anxiety, self-esteem and attachment issues, depression, ADHD, BPD, autism, and matters related to migration and acculturation.
I’m a registered psychotherapist qualifying and I’m passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals who have been impacted by trauma and anxiety learn how to heal consciously. The majority of my practice focuses on helping my clients heal their emotional wounds, recover from trauma, overcome anxiety and depression, develop constructive coping strategies to alleviate distress, and guide and support them in navigating life transitions.
Tall Tree Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2N (Online Only)
Our therapists specialize in a number of areas, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, phobias and OCD, depression, trauma, life transitions, anger management, self-esteem, personality disorders, emotion regulation, and more.
Tall Tree Psychotherapy is a team of registered psychotherapists and social workers who aim to provide affordable, effective psychotherapy to individuals across Ontario. Our therapists come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, which allows us to match you with a therapist who would be a best fit for you based on your needs. We are happy to work with individuals of all ages, as well as families and couples.
Our therapists specialize in a number of areas, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, phobias and OCD, depression, trauma, life transitions, anger management, self-esteem, personality disorders, emotion regulation, and more.
Tall Tree Psychotherapy is a team of registered psychotherapists and social workers who aim to provide affordable, effective psychotherapy to individuals across Ontario. Our therapists come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, which allows us to match you with a therapist who would be a best fit for you based on your needs. We are happy to work with individuals of all ages, as well as families and couples.
X T Belcastro
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
First Step Men's Therapy
Registered Social Worker, RSW, Hons BA, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2N (Online Only)
My specialities include: ADHD, anxiety, sports performance, autism, depression, grief, divorce, infidelity, career guidance, behavioural issues, men's issues, parenting, stress, insomnia, life coaching, addiction, chronic pain, and substance use.
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming! The men I see feel stuck, lost, powerless, distracted, disconnected, or broken. Men often struggle with their mental health without seeking help for far too long. I work with men from all walks of life who struggle with managing ADHD and other neurodivergent challenges, career and life transitions, sports performance anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and addiction. In each of these instances, my aim is to help provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic setting for you to learn more about yourself and find healing. Book a free 20-minute consultation by clicking the "website" button now.
My specialities include: ADHD, anxiety, sports performance, autism, depression, grief, divorce, infidelity, career guidance, behavioural issues, men's issues, parenting, stress, insomnia, life coaching, addiction, chronic pain, and substance use.
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming! The men I see feel stuck, lost, powerless, distracted, disconnected, or broken. Men often struggle with their mental health without seeking help for far too long. I work with men from all walks of life who struggle with managing ADHD and other neurodivergent challenges, career and life transitions, sports performance anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and addiction. In each of these instances, my aim is to help provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic setting for you to learn more about yourself and find healing. Book a free 20-minute consultation by clicking the "website" button now.
Barbara Mancini
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4X
Experiencing sadness, worry, or distress? Are past traumas impacting your present? Feeling "different"? Is it hard to navigate the world socially? These are some of the mental health, identity, and social concerns that can impact individuals and their families, impeding wellbeing. I provide psychotherapy and assessments to assist with a range of issues including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, abuse, attachment concerns, anger, autism spectrum disorder, learning/attention issues, addictions, family functioning problems/transitions (e.g., divorce, adoption) etc. I also have unique training and experience supporting gender/sexual identity-related exploration, coming out, and/or transition/surgery readiness assessments.
Experiencing sadness, worry, or distress? Are past traumas impacting your present? Feeling "different"? Is it hard to navigate the world socially? These are some of the mental health, identity, and social concerns that can impact individuals and their families, impeding wellbeing. I provide psychotherapy and assessments to assist with a range of issues including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, abuse, attachment concerns, anger, autism spectrum disorder, learning/attention issues, addictions, family functioning problems/transitions (e.g., divorce, adoption) etc. I also have unique training and experience supporting gender/sexual identity-related exploration, coming out, and/or transition/surgery readiness assessments.
Jennifer Salter
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, ACE-MES, ACE-HC, ACE-PT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S (Online Only)
I have 3 teenagers, including 2 with special needs (autism, ADHD, LD, anxiety), and am in a unique position to understand parenting.
I am passionate about parenting, and how we raise children to be resilient, independent, kind, compassionate, and responsible young adults. I help parents of typical children and those with special needs, by providing evidence-based tools and strategies. I assist with mental health issues that emerge for parents, including issues arising from one's own childhood. I teach you how to communicate, manage conflict, parent as a team, advocate for your children at school, and calmly address parenting issues that trigger anger and frustration. I help you support your children in a loving manner while maintaining boundaries and limits.
I have 3 teenagers, including 2 with special needs (autism, ADHD, LD, anxiety), and am in a unique position to understand parenting.
I am passionate about parenting, and how we raise children to be resilient, independent, kind, compassionate, and responsible young adults. I help parents of typical children and those with special needs, by providing evidence-based tools and strategies. I assist with mental health issues that emerge for parents, including issues arising from one's own childhood. I teach you how to communicate, manage conflict, parent as a team, advocate for your children at school, and calmly address parenting issues that trigger anger and frustration. I help you support your children in a loving manner while maintaining boundaries and limits.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Autism Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- Aurora
- Brampton
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.