About Me
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My education consists of a Bachelors of Arts in Justice & Law (1994); Applied Counselling Degree specializing in sexual abuse, domestic violence, and addictions (1998); and Masters degree in Educational Psychology (2003). I have Level II certification in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics from the Child Trauma Academy with Dr. Bruce Perry (2012). As well, I have extensive training in cross cultural awareness/sensitivity.
Previously, I have worked for several community service agencies and a few government departments (i.e. Justice, Health, and Education). I am skilled in providing clinical treatment, clinical case management, monitoring progress, and evaluation. I have facilitated treatment programs in a variety of clinical settings. Over the last ten years I have been working with children, youth, and families from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, within the education system and the mental health system. I believe in using an integrated model of therapy that is client directed and culturally appropriate. I use the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to inform assessment and practice; and I base treatment on client's neurodevelopmental functioning and response. I believe individuals have the ability to reach their goals through a supportive, caring, collaborative, and responsive therapeutic relationship. As a Certified Play Therapist, I believe play is a key mechanism in communication for children. Through play, children can explore and express their inner thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Play Therapy provides a forum for resolution of a number of childhood developmental disorders and mental health struggles including trauma. |
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” – Plato (Greek Philosopher 427–347 BC)
My Approach
Integrative Model
Play Therapy (Directive/Non-directive, SandTray, Theraplay)
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Multicultural Counselling & Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Play Therapy (Directive/Non-directive, SandTray, Theraplay)
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Multicultural Counselling & Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Licenses & Registrations
College of Alberta Psychologists - Registered Psychologist, Member ID: 4389
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy - Certified Play Therapist, Member ID: CPT-AB-362
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association - Canadian Certified Cousellor, Member ID: 1510
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy - Certified Play Therapist, Member ID: CPT-AB-362
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association - Canadian Certified Cousellor, Member ID: 1510
Upcoming Presentations
None at this time.
Presentations & Publications
1. Maribela Arruda, “Working with War Affected Students.” ESL New Beginnings: TESL Conference, TESL Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba: February 13, 2006.
2. Maribela Arruda, “Working With War Affected Populations.” Manitoba Teacher’s Society, SAG Conference (Special Area Groups), Winnipeg, Manitoba: November 24, 2006.
3. Maribela Arruda, “Working with Diversity in Case Management Settings.” University of Manitoba, Continuing Education Department, Applied Counselling Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba: April 17, 2007.
4. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Working with War Affected Students.” Canadian Refugee Council Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba: May 24, 2008.
5. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Designing a Provincially Endorsed Diversity and Intercultural Training Program.” Metropolis Conference: Frontiers of Migration, Calgary, Alberta: March 22, 2009.
6. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Brain Development & Attachment.” Joining Hands: Spring Conference, Alliance of Early Learning Programs, High Level, Alberta: March 11, 2011.
7. Maribela Arruda, et al. “The Benefits of Play Therapy for Child Development.” Joining Hands: Spring Conference, Alliance of Early Learning Programs, High Level, Alberta: March 11, 2011.
8. Maribela Arruda “Brain Development & Attachment.” Early Childhood Conference 2011: Nurture, Play, Teach, NW Early Learning Support Network, Grand Prairie, Alberta: October 29, 2011.
9. Maribela Arruda “The Benefits of Play Therapy for Child Development.” Early Childhood Conference 2011: Nurture, Play, Teach, NW Early Learning Support Network, Grand Prairie, Alberta: October 29, 2011.
10. Maribela Arruda-Block, et al. “Group Theraplay in Schools: Reducing Aggression from Bullying to Caretaking.” 31st Annual Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Houston, Texas: October 10, 2014.
11. 7th Annual Theraplay Conference, in Evanston, Illinois. July 14-15, 2016. “Using Group Theraplay to Change Bullying to Caretaking” (Maribela Arruda-Block, Sarah McMann, Evangeline Munns, & Kimberly Schellenberg)
2. Maribela Arruda, “Working With War Affected Populations.” Manitoba Teacher’s Society, SAG Conference (Special Area Groups), Winnipeg, Manitoba: November 24, 2006.
3. Maribela Arruda, “Working with Diversity in Case Management Settings.” University of Manitoba, Continuing Education Department, Applied Counselling Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba: April 17, 2007.
4. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Working with War Affected Students.” Canadian Refugee Council Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba: May 24, 2008.
5. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Designing a Provincially Endorsed Diversity and Intercultural Training Program.” Metropolis Conference: Frontiers of Migration, Calgary, Alberta: March 22, 2009.
6. Maribela Arruda, et al. “Brain Development & Attachment.” Joining Hands: Spring Conference, Alliance of Early Learning Programs, High Level, Alberta: March 11, 2011.
7. Maribela Arruda, et al. “The Benefits of Play Therapy for Child Development.” Joining Hands: Spring Conference, Alliance of Early Learning Programs, High Level, Alberta: March 11, 2011.
8. Maribela Arruda “Brain Development & Attachment.” Early Childhood Conference 2011: Nurture, Play, Teach, NW Early Learning Support Network, Grand Prairie, Alberta: October 29, 2011.
9. Maribela Arruda “The Benefits of Play Therapy for Child Development.” Early Childhood Conference 2011: Nurture, Play, Teach, NW Early Learning Support Network, Grand Prairie, Alberta: October 29, 2011.
10. Maribela Arruda-Block, et al. “Group Theraplay in Schools: Reducing Aggression from Bullying to Caretaking.” 31st Annual Association for Play Therapy International Conference, Houston, Texas: October 10, 2014.
11. 7th Annual Theraplay Conference, in Evanston, Illinois. July 14-15, 2016. “Using Group Theraplay to Change Bullying to Caretaking” (Maribela Arruda-Block, Sarah McMann, Evangeline Munns, & Kimberly Schellenberg)