About Daniela Estrella Reg. Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Daniela Estrella is a compassionate counsellor specializing in Play Therapy, supporting young children in expressing emotions, developing social skills, and building healthy coping strategies. With a background in Educational Psychology from the International University of Ecuador and further specialization in Autism and Behavioural Sciences from Durham College in Ontario, Daniela brings a rich and cross-cultural perspective to her work.

Her therapy style is trauma-informed and child-centered, recognizing that young children often communicate through play rather than words. Daniela creates a safe and nurturing environment where children feel empowered to explore their feelings, process difficult experiences, and develop emotional regulation skills.

Daniela’s expertise extends to working with children facing developmental, emotional, or behavioral challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and attention difficulties. She uses creative and evidence-based therapeutic tools to help children improve communication, build self-esteem, and enhance social interactions.

Recognizing the important role of families, Daniela collaborates closely with parents and caregivers, offering education and strategies to support the child’s progress outside the therapy room. She emphasizes the value of a holistic approach that includes family involvement for lasting change.

Her compassionate approach and dedication to culturally sensitive care ensure that children from diverse backgrounds feel understood and supported. Daniela is passionate about helping children develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive emotionally and socially, creating a foundation for positive lifelong mental health.

My strengths:

• Specialized in young children (4+) with Autism, ADHD, & behavioral challenges
• Experienced in Play Therapy – A proven method for emotional development
• Provides a fun, interactive, and supportive approach to therapy
• Works closely with parents to ensure continued growth at home

Serving children and families in Toronto, Durham Region, Markham, and Richmond Hill.

My services:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 100%

Adult ASD 100%

Anxiety 100%

Depression 100%

Family Therapy 100%

Couples Therapy 100%

Abuse Therapy 100%

Teen Therapy 100%

Play Therapy 100%

PTSD 100%

Grief Loss Therapy 100%

Anger Management Therapy 100%

ADHD 100%

LGBTQ 100%

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 100%

SSP 100%

Womens Issues 100%

Mens Issues 100%

Neurofeedback Traditional 100%

Medication And Diagnosis 100%

My Expertise Area & Features

Autism (children)

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Play Therapy

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For many young children, expressing their emotions through words can be difficult.
Play Therapy is a structured and evidence-based approach that allows children to communicate through play, storytelling, and creative activities.

• For children with Autism – Encouraging emotional expression, flexibility, and social interaction
• For children with ADHD – Enhancing focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation
• For children experiencing anxiety or behavioral challenges – Providing tools to express and manage emotions

Example: A child struggling with transitions and meltdowns learns to regulate emotions through sensory play and structured activities.

Daniela uses Play Therapy to:

• Help children understand and express their emotions safely
• Build self-confidence and problem-solving skills
• Improve social interactions and relationships with peers and family
• Provide a fun, engaging, and supportive environment for learning

ADHD (children)

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Parental guidance & support

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Parenting a child with Autism, ADHD, or emotional challenges can feel overwhelming. Daniela works closely with parents to:

• Understand their child’s unique needs and communication style
• Develop strategies to manage behaviors and encourage positive interactions
• Support emotional regulation and self-soothing techniques at home
• Improve parent-child bonding through playful and meaningful engagement

Example: A parent struggling with their child’s frequent tantrums learns practical strategies to help them self-regulate and reduce frustration.