Maribela Arruda-Block, MEd. (R.Psych), CPT, CCC
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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 
​EMDR Trained 

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

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)


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