While Paola is not currently taking new clients, you can add yourself to her waiting list by emailing her at paola@torontoemotionalhealth.ca or clicking on the button below.
Paola Ostinelli
Paola is a Registered Social Worker and a Certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner. She has almost 20 years experience in providing strength and evidence-based counselling to children, youth, families, and adults as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner, and 10 years experience as a Registered Social Worker. Paola works from a strength-based integrative and eclectic theoretical framework, and draws from multiple approaches, orientations, and techniques based on relationship building to best support the unique needs of individuals. She offers services in English and Spanish.
Education and Training
Paola earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, specializing in Social Service Administration. Paola also has a Specialized Honours Bachelor Degree in Psychology from York University, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work and an Advanced Certificate in Crisis Intervention and Counselling from Humber College.
Paola has training in the Therapeutic Use of Daily Life Events, Restorative Justice – Restorative Circles, and Restorative Conferences. Paola's practice is informed by her experience working with children, youth, and families in school, community, outpatient hospital, treatment centre, residential, private practice, and community mental health settings.
Theoretical Approach
Paola practices from a culturally responsive and inclusive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered lens. Paola takes the time to establish and maintain effective and sustained therapeutic relationships with the individuals and families she works with by drawing on her ability to be genuine, authentic, respectful, collaborative, person-focused, and non-judgmental. Paola creates a safe space for individuals to explore their concerns and collaboratively work towards their treatment goals, as she strongly believes that individuals are experts in their own lives.
Paola utilizes an eclectic and integrative approach to counselling where she draws from multiple evidence-based theoretical orientations and techniques
Personal Background
Paola is a first-generation Canadian of South American descent. Growing up in two different cultures and supporting family members acclimatizing to North American culture while being in school full time and working part time, Paola has developed a unique ability to interact with marginalized individuals and families of diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ communities.
These experiences shape and inform her therapeutic work. Paola is passionate about helping clients understand themselves better through therapy and feels privileged to be able to join clients in their journeys to self-reflection, self-discovery, and healing.
Languages
English and Spanish
Memberships
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Practitioners (OACYC)
Toronto, ON - Canada
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