Kanae LiCerda MC:AT, DVATI is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is working towards her full registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Kanae provides support for children, youth, their families, and others experiencing a wide range of behavioral and emotional challenges. With 15 years of experience, Kanae views her clients as the experts in their own lives and her role is to help support their journey towards healing through containment, compassion, collaboration, creativity and curiosity. By meeting the client “where they are”, Kanae focuses on genuine empathy, present-moment awareness, non-judgmental observation, self-compassion and empowerment to decrease psychological distress and enhance overall well-being. Kanae routinely incorporates a blended approach with verbal and non-verbal therapies such as Somatic therapies, Mindfulness, CBT, Behaviour and Art Therapy to tailor to each persons unique needs. By combining Art Therapy with evidence-based modalities Kanae offers a more robust and effective treatment plan to develop healthier coping strategies.

Kanae’s work is informed by strength based, person-centered, neurobiological, biopsychosocial systems, with an awareness of systemic oppression and its impact on the client’s mental health struggles. Kanae has worked extensively with children with pervasive developmental delays and consults regularly with caregivers, teachers and support staff on behavioral strategies. As a passionate advocate for the undeserved and marginalized populations, Kanae facilitated weekly Art Therapy groups at Across Boundaries serving vulnerable, racialized populations struggling with mental health concerns. In addition, Kanae acted as an integrative service provider for children with ASD/PDD, has presented workshops at The Drake Hotel on how to lower stress and anxiety, and provided corporate workshops on Mindfulness and Art Therapy.

In addition to joining the Renu Conunselling team, Kanae organizes her time between her private practice in Toronto, and is a senior associate at CBM Psychological Services in Pickering. Notably, Kanae enjoys giving her forever pup Chance the best life ever , being a proud momma to all her wonderful plants and practicing Spanish.