Sandra Cesario (she/her)

Sandra Cesario (she/her)

Individual & Family Therapist

Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Expressive Arts Therapist (EXAT)

About Sandra

Sandra Cesario is a Registered Psychotherapist and Person-Centred clinician who incorporates a positive, humanistic approach while working with the strengths and resources of her clients. Sandra has been utilizing evidence-based techniques, solution focused strategies, mindfulness and expressive arts modalities into her practice for over twenty years.

Sandra has extensive experience working with street involved youth, Autistic children, teens and adults, individuals with complex mental health challenges, individuals from marginalized communities, and is 2SLGBTQ+ allied.

Initially trained as an Expressive Arts Therapist, Sandra values the creativity and diverse perspectives of her clients.  She has been active in making psychotherapy and community art making accessible and inclusive in and outside of Toronto. She has facilitated several groups including: Intercultural Expressive Arts Therapy groups, Healthy Living/Healthy Sexuality groups, Music and Movement Groups, Drama Therapy groups in addition to the individual psychotherapy she provides.

Client focus:

Adults – young adults and mature adults.

Fee:

$175/hr session +HST

Delivery:

Virtual, In-person

Treatment Approach:

  • Person-Centred
  • Strengths Based
  • Mindfulness
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Trauma informed
  • Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
  • Solution Focused
  • Goal oriented

Services:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Grief and Loss
  • Relationships
  • Life transitions
  • Conflict related to home, school, work
  • Women’s issues
  • Executive Functioning
  • Self-care
  • Coping skills
  • Creative Expression
  • Family Dynamics
  • Sexuality
  • Stress
  • Complex mental health challenges
  • Anger

Treatment Options:

Virtual, In-person

Education:

The Create Institute Diploma 1998
York University, Bachelor of Arts 1989

LGBT2SQ Foundations Certificate, Rainbow Health, 2021
Mental Health Responders: Suicide, Risk Assessment and Safety Planning Certificate, Create Institute/Dr. T. Weinberg, 2021
Indigenous Cultural Competency Training, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 2017
Diversity and Equity in Mental Health and Addictions Certificate, University of Toronto, Hong Fook Mental Health Association, 2017
Mental Health First Aid Certificate, Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2016
HSA, Person Centred Practices Training, Helen Sanderson Associates, 2015

WHY WE CARE

Passion for Neurodiversity

I am passionate about working with neurodivergent clients because I love connecting with their creativity, critical thinking, perspective, knowledge and awesomeness!

This work also involves advocacy. And challenging dated misconceptions. It's about exploring and integrating the recent work of neurodivergent researchers, educators and content creators in a way that is affirming, accepting and appreciative of the individual's lived experiences.

Common Questions

Embarking on the journey of booking a therapy session can be a significant step—one that might seem intimidating.

Here are some FAQs

How do I book a free consultation?

If your preferred associate is available to meet with new clients, please click the link in their bio to book your free 20-minute consultation.

If they are not meeting with new clients at this time, please feel free to add yourself to our waiting list. Our Intake Coordinator will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.

Are your consultations virtual?

Yes, all our consultations are virtual. However, some of our associates meet clients for in-person sessions in the Toronto area.

What types of insurance do you accept?

Our therapists are Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists and are covered by most health benefits plans. Check your benefits to see if these professionals are covered by your insurance.

How can I pay?

Payments are made through our client portal Jane.app after each session. All major credit cards are accepted.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 48 hour cancellation notice for in-person sessions, and 24 hours for virtual appointments.

Courses by 

Sandra Cesario (she/her)

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Research & Media Links

Publications

“An Expert Discussion on Knowledge Translation in Autism in Adulthood Research”. Moderators: Anne V. Kirby, Participants: Katherine E. McDonald, James Cusack, Brenna Maddox, Cheryl Mangan, Lisa Morgan, Anne Roux, Nidhi Singhal, and Dori Zener. Autism in Adulthood. Mar 2021.11-17. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2020.29017.avk

Zener, D. (2019), “Helping autistic women thrive”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 143-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-10-2018-0042

Zener, D. (2019), “Journey to diagnosis for women with autism”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 5 Issue: 1, pp.2-13, https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-10-2018-0041

Contact us to request full-text versions of the publications.

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Appearances

Radio guest

The Dating and Relationship Show – Autism and Dating AM640  – 2019

Video

“10 Tips for Enhancing Mental Health” – CAMH 2023
https://youtu.be/kRNVaMA3JCA

“Fostering well-being in Autistic girls and women”, Profile of girls and women, INVEST – ACT 2022
https://youtu.be/xyTp4x3BYS0

“PTSD & Sexual Assault” – AIDE Canada 2022
https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/crisis-response/ptsd-from-sexual-assault

INVESTing in Women & Girls with ASD: Identify Needs, Validate, Educate, Strengthen, and Thrive – 2018
https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLHFkezbvgdDZgIfIGXDjD32uF4ObMs4tE

Practical Strategies for Promoting Mental Wellness for Girls & Women with Autism  – ACT 2017
https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/practical-strategies-for-supporting-mental-wellness-of-teenage-girls-and-women-with-asd

Women on the Autism Spectrum and Eating Disorders: Implications for Treatment – NEDIC 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLvI1euWX-g&feature=youtu.be

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Embark on a transformative journey

Welcome to a unique framework transforming traditional counselling practices by embracing the beauty of neurodiversity.

INVEST adopts a person-centered, strengths-based approach, firmly distancing itself from deficit-oriented viewpoints on autism. 

Find out more about Good Company

Join us! View the group overview, welcome package, and registration link below.

Find out more about Chilling on the Spectrum

Join us! View the group overview, welcome package, and registration link below.

Find our more about Good Company

Join us! View the group overview, welcome package, and registration link below.

Find out more about Rainbow!

Join us! View the group overview, welcome package, and registration link below.

Find out more about Wildflowers!

Join us! View the group overview, welcome package, and registration link below.