Makayla Ciuffreda
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
In-Person in Hamilton, ON L9A 5H4
Online in
Multiple Canadian Provinces
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Does your child or teen, or young adult seem constantly worried, easily overwhelmed, or often down? Are focus, attention, or big emotions making daily life a struggle at home or school? Many young people face challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or depression that can leave them feeling “different” or not good enough. Whether you or your child is dealing with constant worries, low mood, difficulty regulating emotions, or challenges with attention and social connections, therapy can be a place for growth and healing. My goal is to help your child feel more confident, resilient, and equipped to thrive.
Client Focus
Session Format: Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Children, Teen, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: I specialize in working with adults, children, teens and families dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, intrusive thoughts, ADHD, relationship issues, and communication challenges. I use an integrative evidence based approach that combines CBT, ACT, DBT, solution focused, play therapy and art therapy to help build effective skills and tools that will lead to lasting change.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I offer a sliding scale to help make therapy more accessible and am committed to working with clients to find a fee that fits their financial situation.
- Accepts Insurance
- Sunflife, Manulife, Canada life, Blue shield/blue cross, OTIP, and many more
Education & Credentials
Makayla Ciuffreda Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Female
- License # 19573
- Licensed in Ontario
- Practicing Since 2024
Education: Honours BA in Health and Society with a Specialization in Mental Health and Addictions- McMaster University
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University (Expected 2025)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Makayla Ciuffreda Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Hamilton, ON L9A 5H4
- Available Online for residents of Multiple Canadian Provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
I work collaboratively with individuals, children, and families to develop practical tools and strategies to build resilience. My approach includes fostering self-awareness of our own cognitive processes, improving coping mechanisms, and helping clients uncover strengths to create lasting emotional change.