Autism and Special Needs

Therapy with persons with Autism and Special Needs is my area of interest and expertise. This work stared my career in psychotherapy and it has since been a part of my practice and growth. Before I became a therapist, I was working in a day and residential program with dual-diagnosed adults and youth. That is where I met incredibly talented art and music therapists and I loved their approach to clients’ challenges, they were creative, respectful and gentle. I was so inspired that I decided to study art therapy and got them to be my mentors. Over twenty years has passed since I became an Art Therapist and I evolved through working with children with brain injury at Bloorview Kids Rehab, doing family therapy for 10 years with employee assistance program and finally in my own practice but people with special needs and autism have somehow chosen me… they have been coming up in my practice and on my career path. I feel a lovely connection to them because I feel I can offer something different to them, something special, such as acceptance, joy and trust in addition to my psychotherapy skills. I feel that I am meant to be there for them and their families, perhaps because I feel blessed in life and that way, I feel summoned to offer my best to them, to be supportive and understanding. I find that they teach me a lot too, it is a two-way street always, a little progress, smile and acknowledgment brings me so much happiness. I grew my empathy, compassion and humility too. I know the life with Autism and Special needs can be stressful to a person and their family it is complicated and it does take tremendous strength to do life and to be their support. So, I am here for my special population and their families and friends, we can process the challenges together we can grow and learn.