Dori Zener (she/her)

Dori Zener (she/her)

Director

Available for Single Session Therapy (SST), INVEST Training, Consultation Services

MSW, RSW

INVEST
INVEST
INVEST
INVEST
SST + Resources: $400/90 minutes
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Dori Zener is a registered social worker, speaker, and educator, who has dedicated her career to creating Neurodiversity-Affirming mental health opportunities for autistic people across the lifespan. Her mission is to empower neurodivergent individuals, igniting self-awareness and self-compassion, so they can thrive in every facet of life. Dori offers training based on her clinical expertise, centered around her INVEST model, which provides a Neurodiversity-Affirming framework for counselling. She is deeply committed to fostering autism acceptance, and actively contributes to expanding the understanding of autism through publications, workshops, research collaborations, and corporate consultations.

Single Session Therapy (SST)

Unlock Clarity and Growth in Just One Session

Single Session Therapy (SST) offers a transformative, evidence-based approach to addressing a specific challenge or goal in a focused, 90-minute session. Rooted in research, SST has proven effective in fostering hope, insight, and tangible progress in clients seeking immediate breakthroughs. Led by Dori, whose clinical expertise ensures a highly personalized experience, this session provides a unique opportunity to gain clarity and actionable tools for your journey.

Each 90-minute session comes with tailored resources to support your continued growth.

Cost: $400/90 minute session

Book an SST with Dori

Examples of goals you could work on in an SST: 

  • Understand your neurodivergent profile
  • Clarify your therapy goals
  • Build emotional awareness
  • Understand the “why” behind how you experience the world
  • Improve executive functioning
  • How to make and maintain friendships and relationships
  • Managing stress and reducing meltdowns and shutdowns
  • Masking and unmasking
  • Establish healthy habits
  • Clarify your values and motivations
  • Understand your neurodivergent loved one
  • Develop self-care and self-compassion
  • Networking strategies
  • Explore your accommodations and how to advocate for them
  • Building a strengths-based career

INVEST Training

INVEST is a groundbreaking therapeutic framework developed by Dori Zener for mental health professionals supporting neurodivergent people.

IDENTIFY NEEDS - VALIDATE - EDUCATE - STRENGTHEN - THRIVE

INVEST Training is appropriate for organizations who provide mental health therapy to neurodivergent clients. INVEST training will support your practitioners by further developing their person-centred, strengths-based, and neuro-affirming skills.

Contact us to book an INVEST training for your organization.

Consultation Services

Dori offers dynamic workshops and expert guidance on neurodiversity and mental health, tailored for organizations, schools, and workplaces. She empowers teams and individuals by fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity, and creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Topics include Supporting Neurodivergent Employees, Well-being for Autistic Girls and Women, Consent & Sexuality, Parenting Autistic Girls, and other related topics tailored to your needs.

Contact us to discuss your consultation needs.

Education

Master of Social Work, University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Social and Political Theory, University of Western Ontario
Certificate in Solution-Focused Counselling, University of Toronto
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Accredited Provider
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Ongoing training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

WHY WE CARE

Passion for Neurodiversity

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.

Articles by 

Dori Zener (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 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.