I'm Judith Pinto, an Occupational Therapist.
I specialize in children's mental health, psychotherapy & parent education.
​I ​help school-aged kids take charge of their attention, emotions, moods and behaviours.

I help school-aged children (and parents of children) who:

• seem anxious and worried.
• have a hard time paying attention.  This can make life at school and home hard!
• have unpredictable  tantrums and melt downs.
• can be moody, irritable and impulsive.
• do things without thinking, especially when frustrated or sad.
• can't leave what they're doing so they can do what needs to be done next (e.g. getting ready for school, bedtime).
• refuse to do things they don't like doing (e.g. homework).
• have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wakes up with nightmares.
• have a hard time separating from parents when dropped off at day care or school.
• become upset when they can't do things "perfectly", or as well as they think they should.
• worry about everything and anything.  They can need more reassurance than you'd expect to have to offer.
• have a hard time making and keeping friends.
• fight with their brothers and sisters.
• have been bullied.
• argue and fight over household rules (e.g. limits to screen time).
• have a hard time attending medical and dental appointments.
• have unusual fears.

​This includes (but is not limited to) children with symptoms associated with:

• Anxiety including panic attacks, separation anxiety, test/performance anxiety, generalized anxiety and OCD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Social Communication Disorder.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
• Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
• Learning Disabilities.
• Sensory Processing Disorder.
• Developmental Coordination Disorder.
• Reactive Attachment Disorder.

​Using a combined approach that integrates direct therapy (including Sandplay Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, play, daily living activities, mindfulness & the Safe & Sound Program) AND parent counselling, consultation and education (including sensory processing, the neurophysiology of stress & anxiety, attachment and functional solutions for daily living) I help children:

• express their feelings and needs.
• see their strengths and use them in their daily lives.
• learn to problem solve and cope with challenges in daily life.
• experience self-acceptance, healing and growth.
• accept the support and encouragement from those who love them.
• deliberately practice important skills.
• make lifestyle changes to help them get the important things done in daily life.
• function at their personal best.

 
Services are available in person and online (using secure, Canadian, encrypted telehealth services).
​
Contact us to book a free, 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs & decide if we are a good fit.

​(c) Copyright Judith Pinto, 2020