Life can sometimes feel unfair, especially when it seems like negative experiences keep piling up. But these challenges do not have to define you. I’m here to help you reclaim a sense of agency and rediscover your inner resilience. A difficult day or even a difficult season does not equate to a difficult life.
While beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, my approach is both person-centered and holistic. This means we move at your pace, setting goals together that reflect your needs and values. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment—one where you feel empowered to express yourself openly and explore your thoughts and emotions with care and curiosity.
Experience:
Maria is a Psychotherapist-in-Training, currently specializing in Art Therapy through the Canadian International Institute for Art Therapy. She brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds in crisis in both clinical and academic settings. Maria is also a licensed Paramedic and has served in one of North America’s largest and busiest emergency medical services. Her work in emergency care has given her deep insight into trauma, crisis management, and the unique challenges faced by frontline workers. Prior to her career in emergency services, Maria earned a Master’s degree in Education, focusing on teaching, learning, and development. She worked extensively with at-risk youth and completed a research-based book on Mindfulness as a Therapeutic Intervention for Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders.
Maria’s professional and personal experiences have shaped her passion for supporting children, youth, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and family crises. Her integrative use of art and play therapy provides a creative and accessible pathway to healing, especially for younger clients and families.
As a mother of two, Maria also brings a personal and compassionate understanding to the complexities of motherhood. She is particularly dedicated to supporting women navigating postpartum anxiety, depression, and rage while offering a space where these experiences are heard, validated, and addressed with care.
Additionally, her firsthand experience as a Paramedic informs her specialized work with First Responders. Maria deeply understands the emotional toll of frontline work and is committed to providing therapeutic support that honours the unique challenges and trauma faced by those in high-stress professions.
Client Focus: Families, individuals, children (starting at 3+).
Types of therapy: Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Issues: Trauma, crisis, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, neurodivergence, postpartum, life transitions, emotional regulation, separation/divorce, self-esteem.
More than just my work: In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, exploring nature, and reading fantasy books.
