Malerie Ann Lipa
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For over a decade, I have partnered with individuals, children and families to work through difficult moments, develop strong coping skills and achieve their goals. I work hard to foster a warm and welcoming environment—to create a space where people feel safe and understood.
I am a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with individuals, children, adolescents and families. I have extensive experience supporting children and youth struggling with mental health concerns including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, loss, family challenges, parent-child conflict and troubles with school. I believe that partnering with caregivers is key to helping young people reach their goals. I have supported many parents in caring for children and teens with difficult behaviours, attachment disruptions, ADHD diagnoses, mood disorders, trauma and big family changes. I work hard to foster a warm and welcoming environment—to create a space where people feel safe and understood.
My work with children, youth and families:
I specialize in working with children and youth, using a combination of play, art, and talk therapy. My work is holistic and body based, using play and movement to help individuals process big feelings and tough memories. My treatment methods are approachable and all stem from evidence based treatment modalities and years of training. Some of these trainings include: Play-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Synergetic Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, Sandtray and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). To provide the best level of clinical care, I have been trained in the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, which is a flexible, components-based intervention developed for children and adolescents, along with their caregiving systems.
My work with adults:
I have supported many adults struggling with the challenges of everyday life. As a therapist who specializes in trauma and attachment, I have seen how difficult past experiences show up in present moments, negatively impacting daily functioning and relationships with others. Utilizing a combination of cognitive and trauma based treatment interventions, I help individuals to be able to reflect, process and let go of negative past experiences, resulting in a more mindful and comfortable way of being.
About me:
I practice from a strengths based, client-centred, trauma informed approach. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McGill University and a Masters of Social Work degree from New York University. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). I have worked in children’s mental health in Toronto, Montreal, New York and Vancouver. I am passionate about supporting clients to make meaningful and lasting change in their lives.