About me

Hi there! I’m Maria. I’m a Registered Social Worker, and Psychotherapist (MSW, RSW). I am passionate about helping people to work through difficult emotions and situations, make meaningful changes, and be kinder to themselves.

I have always been a very curious and highly sensitive person. Throughout my own personal growth journey, I have come to see my desire to learn and capacity to feel things deeply as my unique strengths. This appreciation inspired me to make meaningful changes in my life, and ultimately pursue my calling as a social worker, psychotherapist.

I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Toronto in 2014, specializing in Mental Health. I have nearly 15 years of experience working in mental health research, community service, and family health teams. I am committed to life-long learning and love engaging in training that enables me to support my clients to achieve their goals. I have training in several evidence-based therapies (see list below), and draw upon them in an integrative way based on clients' unique needs and goals.

My approach is always client-centered, strengths-based, anti-oppressive and trauma informed. I strive to create an environment where clients will feel comfortable to be themselves. I welcome diversity and am committed to offering inclusive and affirmative care for clients identifying with BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

When I am not working with clients, my favourite self-care practices are to curl up with a book and cup of tea, or to spend time in nature. I believe that personal growth and healing are life-long journeys, and I continue to practice self-compassion by holding myself to a standard of grace not perfection.

authentic

empathic

mindful

Education

  • 2014, Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Toronto 
    Specialization: Mental Health and Health
  • 2010, Honours Bachelors of Science (HBSc), McMaster University
    Major: Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
    ​​

TRAININg​s & approachES to therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) 
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Mindfulness Self-Compassion (MSC)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Yoga Skills for Clinical Practice
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
    ​

Memberships

  • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Registered Member #824343)
  • Ontario Association of Social Workers
  • Canadian Association of Social Workers​

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

-Carl R. Rogers