With over 16 years of experience as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner, I am deeply committed to supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children, youth, and families. My professional journey has taken me through varied settings, including education, youth justice, and mental health agencies, where I have developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed and person-centred practices.

As a Master’s in Social Work student, I provide play therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker, adhering to a rigorous code of ethics and standards of practice to maintain the highest standard of care.

My approach emphasizes relational practice, building trusting relationships, and utilizing the therapeutic power of play to foster self-expression, emotional processing, and resilience in children and youth. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore their feelings through play, guided by evidence-based, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive frameworks.

Driven by core values of equity, respect, and advocacy, I am passionate about empowering young people and their families. By combining my extensive experience with the most recent advancements from my studies, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

With over 16 years of experience as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner, I am deeply committed to... Read More

My interest in helping others started in high school when working at a daycare with a child who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. I started my career as a child and youth worker in an assessment receiving group home for the children’s aid society. I then left the group home setting and worked for the school board. I began as a school-wide behaviour specialist. I strongly feel that all individuals have the potential to be successful, just for some, there are more struggles. I firmly believe that investing time in another individual can leave a lasting impression on them and/or be what they need to see their inner success. I furthered my education by obtaining an honours degree in Psychology. Once I began to learn more about play therapy, I realized it truly placed the child at the centre of the therapy, and focused on their goals and making them successful within themselves. This goes in line with my values and my passion for helping others. We are all capable of success, we have the obstacle of finding out our path and having the strength and support to follow it. All individuals know what they need, but get weighed down by other things in life. Having someone there to support you in expressing what you need is a key to success. Since starting my career in play therapy, I have gone on to receive my Certificate in Clinical Traumatology.

My interest in helping others started in high school when working at a daycare with a child who w... Read More

Sonia’s formal schooling started at Ryerson University achieving a Bachelor of Applied Science in the discipline of Nutrition and Food.

After working in the field of Nutrition for some time, her focus and priority turned to family. Being a new mom in a world filled with advice and skepticism, she decided to attend a parenting seminar. Seeing and experiencing hands-on how Adlerian-based parenting was making a difference in her growing family of now three boys, she decided to become a Certified Parent Educator. Facilitating seminars for parents and teachers along with individual and group sessions, Sonia strives to support families and schools.

Sonia continued her education in the field of Adlerian Therapy and obtained a Master’s Degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy from the Adler Graduate School in Minnesota. Supporting the entire family has been one of Sonia’s primary goals. Obtaining a Diploma from Play Therapy UK/International completes the therapeutic circle, assisting parents, children and teens.

Sonia’s passions do not only reside in supporting families. Combining her array of skills along with the new technology of Neurotrack-X, Sonia champions athlete on and off the court.

Sonia’s formal schooling started at Ryerson University achieving a Bachelor of Applied Science in... Read More

Payal’s passion for working in a helping profession began very early through various volunteer opportunities and school internships. After completing a bachelor’s in Health and Society Payal went on to pursue a diploma in Child and youth work which further solidified her passion for helping others and providing mental health support to children and teens. Payal is now pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She will be completing her practicum at Healing Through Play until April 2023. Payal will be continuing with Healing Through Play once she has completed her practicum hours. She hopes to create meaningful therapeutic relationships during her time here through her compassionate persona and empowering her clients to make a change in their lives.

Through a collaborative approach Payal is interested in supporting individuals who are dealing with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression and self-esteem along with providing support to children and teens during transitional periods of their lives. She provides a wide range of therapies including but not limited to Cognitive-behavioural therapy, Dialectical- behavioural therapy, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, solution focused therapy and culturally sensitive therapy.

Client focus age:

Children (7-10)

Adolescents (11-17)

Payal’s passion for working in a helping profession began very early through various volunteer op... Read More