About Sunshine OT
Neurodiverse affirming and relational approach
I strongly believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important part of effective therapy. My goal is to ensure we are the right fit so that therapy feels comfortable, supportive, and safe. Much of my approach focuses on building relationships and creating a sense of felt safety in our sessions. I meet clients where they are and work collaboratively to shape therapy around each person’s individual needs, preferences, and capacity in the moment. There is no “right” way to express yourself or participate in therapy, and I strive to make sure that even on difficult days, therapy remains accessible.
I approach therapy from an affirming perspective, exploring strengths, strategies, and challenges while recognizing the importance of accommodations and individualized supports. Society often centres neurotypical research, ideologies, and social expectations. I recognize that life skills and ways of participating in activities look different for everyone.
Rather than promoting neurotypical social skills or play, I respect and support each client’s natural ways of engaging with the world. I recognize the importance of stimming for regulation and self-expression and do not aim to suppress or change these behaviours. Instead, I support clients and their families in understanding their importance and in educating others about them!
I am attentive to different communication styles, including speaking, AAC, gesturing, signing, and other forms of expression. Over the past five years, I have continued learning alongside my clients, expanding my knowledge of sign language, communication devices, and gestalt language processing so that I can better understand how my clients communicate and experience the world.
My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you don’t have to mask or fit into a predetermined mold, but can instead show up as you are. If you have any questions, I would love to chat more!
Paediatric (3-17 years old)
We’ll collaborate to create goals for your child throughout our sessions together! Common goals may include exploring fine & gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, life skills, recreational activities and self confidence/identity (and more). Sessions can be done in home, in a chosen nature based space or in community settings to engage in various recreational activities. For community sessions, OT will meet family at predetermined location and caregivers are required to stay in the area for the duration of the session.
Adults (18+)
Sessions are client led to help meet your goals in whatever way best suits you so that you can engage in what you want to and need to do in your life. Common areas of goals may include education around recent diagnoses, mental health strategies, life skills, work readiness, community comfort, participation in recreation activities, sensory processing skills, and emotional regulation (and more)
Small Group Art Sessions
Book a private group art session to reconnect with your creative side and learn to incorporate process art into your daily life.
Send an email to marchiorikristina@gmail.com with the number of people you’d like to involve for scheduling and pricing.
Explore our services’
Please know that my sessions are based completely on the individual needs of my clients. The descriptions below are just general ideas to allow you to explore what may be the best fit for you before booking with me! We will have a 15 minute free discovery call prior to starting sessions so we can work together to organize what the best approach will be to your sessions!
Socials
