Our Team
Dr. Porter, who earned her doctoral degree in School Psychology-Child Clinical Focus at the University of Toronto / Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, has over 25 years’ experience providing mental health services to infants, children, adolescents and their families. She is a member in good standing of the College of Psychologists.
Dr. Porter embraces a non-judgmental, collaborative approach to assessment, consultation, and treatment. With compassion and authenticity, Dr. Porter is dedicated to helping her clients and their families develop a treatment plan that meets their unique needs through validation and positivity.
Dr. Porter has extensive experience in school boards, children’s mental health and private practice settings within the GTA. Her work incorporates a strengths-based, developmental modality rooted in attachment theory and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This acceptance based and empirically-valid approach supports client growth (no matter what age or stage) to effectively manage emotional pain, foster self-compassion and the skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.
Dr. Porter has a strong background in the assessment of developmental concerns, learning disabilities/differences and personality concerns which affect socio-emotional well-being and daily functioning (anxiety, depression, impulsivity, inattention, loss, complex trauma, self-harm, domestic violence, extreme anger as well as difficulties with peers/family relationships). Dr. Porter provides individual play and talk therapy through a mindfulness lens for children, youth, and young adults (ages 4- 21). Dyadic treatment (parent and infant/young children up to 3 years of age) is offered to cultivate attunement within the attachment relationship and support relational competency of the dyad. As a consultant and clinical supervisor, Dr. Porter is continually inspired by her early career peers and colleagues.