About Me

Hi, I am Jennifer Pinto

Welcome and thank you for checking my website and services.

I am a registered Social Worker and obtained my Masters' Degree from University of Toronto in 2010 with a specialization in Children and Families. I also completed an Honors BA in Psychology and Women's Studies from York University in 2003.

For more than 20 years I've worked with various populations and different settings ranging from pediatric healthcare, mental health community agencies and education systems.

I've worked with the Toronto District School Board, and currently I work part-time at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. I also dedicate my time and energy to working privately with children, youth and adults without the constraints of an agency or public system.

Professional Training

Continuously training and refining my therapeutic skills in a variety of evidence based approaches, mind/body therapies and spiritual traditions: EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Relational Psychotherapy, Brain & Neurobiology, Attachment, Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, Brief Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy, Yoga & Mindfulness based philosophies.

Ongoing Training and Education

2026

Internal Family Systems, IFS Level 2 Training, IFS Institute
I AM Yoga Nidra Certification (ongoing), Amrit Yoga

2025

Advanced EMDR Skills, with Rebecca Kase, Trauma Therapy Institute
EMDR and Complex PTSD, with Rebecca Kase, Trauma Therapy Institute
Embodied Somatic Interventions for Trauma Healing, Trauma Therapy Institute
Neurodivergent Informed EMDR, with Caroline Van Diest, Trauma Therapy Institute
Restorative Yin Yoga Therapy Training, Summer 2025, Yoga Therapy Toronto

2024

Internal Family Systems, IFS Level 1 Training, IFS Institute
Women, Embodiment, and Trauma Recovery: Befriending the Body with Therapeutic Yoga, Dr. Arielle Schwartz
Advanced EMDR Training, Ego State Interventions, Megan Salar

2023

2-Day Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop, Arielle Schwartz, Megan Boardman
Janina Fisher’s Trauma Treatment Certification Training
Trauma Treatment Certification Academy: Clinical Tools and Strategies to Move from Surviving To Thriving
Informed IFS Trauma and Dissociation: The Workshop, Joanne Twombly (IFSCA), 2023
2-Day Intensive Workshop: Treating Complex Trauma with IFS (Frank Anderson)
Comprehensive IFS Course: A step by step guide through clinical application of IFS model

2022

Stepping Stones: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Derek Scott, IFSCA

2021

EMDR Comprehensive Basic Training, Sue Genest, Life Journeys Counselling
EMDR And Children Master Series, Ana Gomez (2020)

2020

ACT in Action, Treatment Essentials for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and other Psychological Distress

2019

Best Practices in CBT for Anxiety-Related Problems and Depression, LeadingEdge Seminars

2017

Yoga Teacher Training, Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT- 300h), Yoga Therapy Toronto w/ Felicia Pavlovic & Ante Pavlovic in the lineage of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar
Mindfulness without Boarders (2016)
Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (L1 and L2)
Summer Narrative Therapy Intensive, Angel Yuen 2017

2014

Center for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto (2014-2017)
Brief & Narrative Therapy, 5 Day Certificate Program (2014), Karen Young (ROCK, Reach Out Centre for Kids)

2011

Parent Seminars Series: The SOS Parenting Toolbox: Strength, Optimism, Strategies – The Hinks Dellcrest Centre/Gail Appel Institute
DBT Foundational for Adolescents and Families, Marsha Linehan
Applied DBT Skills for Anxiety and Mood, Marsh Linehan
ACT for Adolescents, Russ Harris
ACT for Grief and Loss, Russ Harris
ACT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders – Russ Harris

2010

Masters of Social Work (MSW), University of Toronto

2003

Hons BA, Psychology and Women’s Studies, York University

My approach in therapy sessions

I provide a confidential and safe space for you or a loved one to explore problems and difficulties that bring you to therapy. I strive above all else to be an active listener, caring, empathic and non-judgemental in my conversations with clients.

My job is to help uncover, or shine a light on what exists beyond the “problem” story- what knowledge, skills, values, dreams and hopes do you or a loved one have? Who are you, as a whole? A Narrative approach proposes that we are not our problems – “The problem is the problem”. When we start to see ourselves or loved ones as separate from the problem, we start to take steps to address the situation, see it from a different perspective and acknowledge the other parts of our lives and self that are worthy and important.

From a trauma based perspective, all of us have at some point or another faced big T-Trauma(s) or small t-trauma(s) – science can now prove that traumatic events over the lifespan and chronic stress have profound impact on our brain and how we respond in the world. The good news: therapeutic approaches exist to correct this on a brain level, so it’s a holistic approach.

I also weave Yoga and Mindfulness principles in my conversations with clients. Mindfulness is about maintaining a moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body sensations and surrounding environment. It is about recognizing that a great deal of our pain and suffering comes from wanting things to be a certain way – the “shoulds” and “oughts” that typically permeate our thinking – and not accepting life and situations as they are. This does not mean that we need to like the situation or not take steps to change whatever problem that brings pain and suffering. By practicing acceptance and letting go of the things we cannot change, we actually become more free and open to take steps to act in accordance with our true values and intentions. The simple practice of noticing the breath, for example, can help reduce stress and anxiety in the moment but also train the mind to be less reactive in future moments of stress and discomfort.

What I bring from my personal story

Therapists are also human people - as a little guy I worked with once pointed out! I believe that my lived experiences influence and enrich the conversations and work I do with clients everyday, and certainly vice versa.

I come from a working class Portuguese background, first generation born Canadian. My parents divorced when I was a teen. I currently live with a loving partner and father, to our beautiful 10- year old daughter. Becoming a mother and parent has been an amazing journey marked by incredible highs and lows. I gave birth to beautiful twin daughters, however fate had it that my partner and I would embark on the most painful of losses - at only 10 days old our sweet baby Gaby died unexpectedly. Her twin sister Maya Luna, has also since then undergone a great deal of health difficulties and setbacks, and yet she is resilient, full of wonder and a zest for life that is both inspiring and life affirming!

These experiences have and continue to shape not only my personal life but also my work with clients. I certainly have gained an "insider knowledge" on infant loss, grief and bereavement, the impact of prolonged pediatric hospitalization on the family unit, and being faced with caring for a child with special needs. If you or a loved one have been placed on any of these paths, connecting with counseling services or a support group in your area, at any time during your journey can be helpful.