MEET PAULA

Paula Hennessey, she/her

BA (Hons), MEd, CCC, CPT

Approved Site Supervisor - Yorkville University 

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Play Therapist with specialized training in developmental disabilities, grief and loss, trauma and addictions. I am EMDR trained and an EMDR sandtray specialist.  In my counselling and play therapy practice, I work individually with children (preschool, school-age), youth and adults; with families; and in groups. I use an individual approach to counselling and draw upon a number of counselling approaches and intervention that best fits clients needs - client centered, behavioural/applied behaviour analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), client-focused, motivational interviewing, narrative, trauma treatment (EMDR), mindfulness, creative and expressive arts and play therapy. I practice prevention, early intervention and crisis prevention/intervention. I welcome all clients including those that identify as neurodiverse, lgbtq2sia, indigenous, and newcomers to Canada. 

Prior to becoming a counsellor and play therapist, I enjoyed a very rewarding career in the areas of early intervention, early childhood learning and development, and program and policy development within the health, community, social services, and education sectors. I have worked as an early childhood educator, a child management specialist and behaviour management specialist. I have been involved in leadership roles with provincial autism pilot project/ autism services, KinderStart and other transition to school programming, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programming, and play based learning initiatives. 

I am a genuine and caring person who thoroughly enjoys meeting and helping others help themselves through whatever life has to offer.

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, CCPA (# 10003887); Canadian Association of Play Therapy, CAPT (CPT-NL-1629); Canadian Psychological Association, CPA (# 56717). 

Paula can be reached at paula.powercounselling@gmail.com.