Meet Makayla Ciuffreda

Hi, I’m Makayla

I work with children, teens, and young adults who are navigating anxiety, OCD, ADHD, big emotions, self-esteem and relationship challenges, eating concerns, and life transitions. I aim to create a warm, supportive space where young people can feel comfortable being themselves, make sense of what they’re experiencing, and feel genuinely heard and accepted without judgment.

I have always had a natural ability to connect with young people and am especially passionate about helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. Anxiety can feel impossible to turn off. Big emotions can become overwhelming. ADHD or OCD can affect school, relationships, and everyday life. At other times, a young person may be struggling with confidence, relationships, or a significant change and simply not know how to put what they’re feeling into words. Therapy can offer a place to understand these experiences and find practical ways forward.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while also drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Strengths-Based Therapy, and Art and Play Therapy. I tailor therapy to each young person’s age, personality, strengths, interests, and goals rather than expecting them to fit into one way of doing therapy.

For children especially, therapy doesn’t always need to mean sitting in a chair and talking. I believe creativity and play can be powerful ways for children to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to explain with words. Through art, play, and connection, children can communicate in ways that feel more natural and comfortable while developing skills to understand and manage their emotions.

Collaboration is also an important part of my work. I believe children and teens deserve to have a voice in their own therapeutic journey, while also recognizing the important role parents and caregivers can play. When appropriate, I work alongside caregivers to help them better understand what their child is experiencing and feel more confident supporting them outside of therapy.

Outside of therapy, I’m happiest spending time with my loved ones and my dog, Luna, travelling, and finding my way to a beach whenever I can. When I’m home, you’ll usually find me colouring, cooking, or enjoying a good coffee. I firmly believe there’s always room for a little sunshine, even during life’s more challenging seasons.

Finding the right therapist for yourself or your child is important. If you’re considering therapy for yourself, your child, or your teen, I’d be happy to connect, answer your questions, and help you determine whether I might be the right fit.