Irene Canepa
Psychological Associate (SP)
M.A., C.Psych. Assoc. (Supervised Practice)
Irene is dedicated to empowering clients on their journey to authenticity and well-being. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she provides specialized, trauma-informed psychotherapy and psychological assessments for clients of all ages. Irene has extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, and is especially passionate about helping individuals connect with their most authentic selves.
Right For You If
To create a healthier & happier future for all around us
Providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care
Helping individuals & families live with clarity, confidence & connection.
Helping individuals & families live with clarity, confidence & connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Right For You If
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Your journey starts with a consultation where we’ll discuss your child’s developmental history and any concerns you may have. This helps us determine whether an autism assessment is right for your child and how to move forward.
3.
After the assessment, we’ll carefully analyze the results and walk you through them in a clear and supportive way. If your child receives an autism diagnosis in Toronto, we’ll explain the findings and help you understand the next steps.
2.
If the assessment is needed, we’ll schedule a session using the ADOS-2, a structured, play-based tool for diagnosing autism. This assessment observes your child’s social interaction, communication, and behavior in a comfortable environment.
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Once a diagnosis is made, we’ll connect you to therapies and resources tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they receive the right support for their growth and development.
Areas Of Support
Mississauga Majors Baseball Association
Closer to home, we’ve supported the Mississauga Majors Baseball Association, helping young athletes build community through sports.
Knights Table food bank
Supporting through food and money donations to the Knights Table food bank, contributing to efforts to alleviate hunger in the Peel Region.
Every step we take is rooted in the belief that small actions can lead to meaningful change for people everywhere. It’s all part of our commitment to fostering a healthier, happier world—one step at a time.
Areas Of Support
Parent Coaching is a collaborative, goal-oriented service designed to help caregivers manage challenges at home while strengthening the parent-child relationship. Sessions focus on skill-building, insight, and customized strategies that align with your child’s developmental stage and your family’s values.
Coaching is available as a stand-alone service or as part of a broader treatment plan in collaboration with your child’s therapist or care team.
Right For You If
You are seeking a safe, supportive space to explore and work toward your most authentic self
You would benefit from bilingual therapy in English or Spanish, especially for processing complex emotions and experiences
You want deeper insight into your patterns, relationships, and emotional life and are ready to embark on a journey of meaningful healing and personal growth
You appreciate authenticity, collaboration, LGBTQ+ and cultural sensitivity, and genuine connection in therapy
Areas Of Support
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Women’s mental health
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Gender and sexual diversity
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Trauma recovery (including childhood trauma, sexual abuse and domestic violence)
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Anxiety and depression
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Psychoeducational assessments
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ADHD Assessments
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Gifted Assessments
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Social-Emotional Assessments
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Support for children, adolescents, young adults, and adults
Professional Focus and Approach
Irene believes that trauma processing is most effective in the language in which the wounds occurred, allowing for deeper emotional connection and healing. She provides psychological assessments with a deep appreciation for the complexities faced by English learners and immigrant students navigating the school system. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Irene is committed to providing sensitive, affirming care to all clients, and particularly values supporting individuals navigating issues of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance.
Specializations
With a strong foundation and practical experience in psychodynamic therapy, Irene draws on her training in Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) ( from the University of Toronto OISE, as well as Humanistic-Experiential modalities, to support emotional healing and self-acceptance. She adopts an empathetic, evidence-based approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her research on sexism, gender bias, and intimate partner violence informs her client-centred, trauma-sensitive therapeutic style.
Education and Experience
Irene’s training in psychology began in Argentina, where she gained a culturally informed perspective through a wide range of clinical roles. She has presented at the International Research Congress of the School of Psychology at the National University of La Plata, Argentina, and published with the American Psychological Association in her role as a research assistant, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge in mental health and therapeutic practice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to go through this journey alone. For expert, dedicated guidance through your mental health challenges, contact VMA Psych, Toronto's trusted source for psychological assessments, and mental health support.