Gabriel Brito

Nurturing the emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. Cultivating a warm, supportive alliance with your loved one and your family.

Hello! I am Gabriel, a dedicated student therapist here at Counselling & Co. specializing in child and adolescent development. From the very start of my career, I pursued extensive training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, psychology, and child studies, and have been committed to supporting children and families ever since. My passion for this field grew from early experiences that highlighted the transformative impact of thoughtful, individualized psychotherapeutic approaches, and this is exactly what I hope to be able to offer you and your family.

I have had the privilege of working with children from diverse backgrounds, with diverse presenting concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, conduct disorders, depression, learning challenges, OCD, trauma, eating disorders and so much more. These experiences have enabled me to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of your child and family constellation. I intend to bring a thoughtful but playful energy into each session. My job is to learn about the inner world of your child and to understand the way they think, feel and react to the world around them.

My training has been instrumental in deepening my understanding and application of psychoanalytic techniques across ages and stages of development. It has equipped me with the tools necessary to address and help your child overcome factors that may be disruptive to their emotional development and overall growth. I really appreciate being able to bring enrichment, meaning-making, and creativity alongside the integration of psychoanalytic interventions to enhance their therapeutic experience. 

My practice is built upon a foundation of a positive humanistic approach, a rigorous analytical framework, and a deeply held belief in the potential and resilience of every individual. My goal in working with your kiddo will also include working to understand your family dynamics and parent-child relationships. I strive to create a supportive and safe environment for your child and your family to discover your path to emotional well-being and familial growth.

Why Work With Me

I am committed to understanding and nurturing the unique emotional landscape of each child and family. With a tailored, empathic approach I strive to empower children and adolescents to navigate their emotions and develop healthier relationships. Together we’ll overcome difficulties and nourish the resilience to maintain ourselves with:

• Engaging and Fun Experience: The therapeutic space is not only safe and welcoming but also fun and engaging. I integrate play therapy intrinsically into our sessions, making therapy a playful and enjoyable experience that helps children express themselves and learn in a manner that feels natural and enjoyable.

• Empathic Understanding: I bring a deep empathy and understanding to each session, ensuring that you feel heard and validated.

• Personalized Approach: I tailor each session to the individual needs of the child and family, acknowledging and respecting their unique circumstances and backgrounds.

• Positive and Humanistic: My practice is grounded in a positive humanistic approach, focusing on the potential and goodness in every child.

• Liaison with Educational Staff: I am experienced and willing to communicate with teachers and school staff, focusing on strategies and approaches that prioritize and enhance the child’s mental health and overall well-being.

• Safe and Welcoming Environment: The therapeutic space is designed to be a safe haven, where children and families can freely express themselves without judgment.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: I foster a collaborative relationship not only with the child but also with the entire family, involving them in the therapeutic process.

• Commitment to Growth: I am dedicated to facilitating not just short-term coping but long-term personal growth and emotional resilience.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting diverse backgrounds, I ensure that our therapeutic approaches are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Let's work together to build a brighter, more confident future for your loved one.

Professional Background

I am a trained therapist with credentials from the Canadian Institute for Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CICAPP), a member of the Canadian Association of Psychoanalytic Child Therapists (CAPCT), and an alumnus of York University, specializing in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, psychology, and child studies. I am in the process of registering with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, awaiting their approval of registration.

I proudly developed a curriculum for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto focused on fostering positive mental health, encouraging healthy nutritional habits, and planning for the future. This program is actively enhancing the lives of middle school students across the Greater Toronto Area and is delivered by a team of trained facilitators.

Things I bet you didn’t know about me:

• I have a background in the performing arts. My music and acting know-how enriches the creativity within Play Therapy.

• I enjoy playing card games and board games! Clients are more than welcome to bring their favorite games to Play Therapy Sessions.

• I can do card magic tricks!