Dr. Chiara Perico
Registered Psychologist & Clinic Founder
Dr. Chiara Perico
I am a dedicated psychologist with a profound passion for helping children, adolescents, parents, and families thrive.
My path has been shaped by a deep commitment to finding ways to help people, and an unwavering dedication to learning and growth. I completed my masters and Ph.D. at McGill University, where I learned the importance of research-based practices and evidence-driven interventions.
In my training and early career, I have been able to work across several settings, including schools, clinics, inpatient, outpatient, and residential hospitals, both in Canada and the United States. These experiences have given me a broadened viewpoint with which to support the families and individuals I work with.
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the opportunity of working closely with children and youth facing varied mental health and developmental challenges. This experience has allowed me to witness the resilience and strength within every individual, even during their most challenging moments.
Additionally, I’ve offered support to parents seeking guidance on effective parenting strategies, fostering healthier family dynamics. More recently, I have extended my expertise to assisting mothers and their partners in addressing perinatal and postnatal mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve during these transformative life phases.
My dedication to the field goes beyond therapy; I’ve spent considerable time mastering the art of assessments, which help give a deep understanding of how an individual’s strengths and challenges work in unison to create their unique way of thinking and being in the world. Assessments are crucial to providing accurate and educated diagnoses, and in understanding how to support an individual and tailor academic, socio-emotional, and developmental supports.
Embracing and Celebrating Autism
I have specialized in working with children and youth with autism and their families. I consider it a privilege to assist in diagnosing autism as it can be a tumultuous path, and I strive to be an ally to families going through this process, by helping them gain a deeper understanding of this condition while ensuring they receive the appropriate resources to embrace and celebrate this unique neurodiversity.
I have learned so much about life through children and youth with autism; being challenged to view the world through a different lens has allowed me to learn that difference does not equal deficit, and to ensure that autistic individuals are valued and seen for who they are.
Holistic Approach
I firmly believe in the power of integrative health, recognizing that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
My approach to therapy is holistic, meaning that I consider the physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being when working with clients. I understand that each individual and family is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet their specific needs. By incorporating integrative health principles into my practice, I aim to empower my clients to achieve optimal overall well-being.
Collaborative work is the cornerstone of my practice. I approach each client with a commitment to hear and understand them exactly where they are. I believe that genuine empathy and cultural humility are essential to providing effective support.