Kyokan Connections
  • HOME
  • Helping
    • CHILDREN
    • ADULTS
  • ISSUES
    • Anxiety
    • Neurodiversity
    • Sensory Sensitivity
    • Executive Functioning
    • Emotion Regulation
  • ABOUT
    • Judith
    • Therapeutic Approach
    • Logistics
    • Clinic Space
  • CONTACT

Judith Pinto, B.Sc., Reg.OT(AB), NM-I Level 1

Registered Occupational Therapist (Alberta, CA) & Sandplay Therapy Trainee

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With nearly 3 decades in clinical practice.

I’ve worked with neurodiverse children, their parents and adults for almost three decades.  Many of my clients have developmental diagnoses (like ADHD, anxiety, Autism, OCD, ODD, learning disabilities, attachment disorders, developmental delays, FASD). Many have not. All have struggled with symptoms that caused distress, conflicts, and confusion that made it harder for them to get along with others, get things done and feel good about themselves.

In that time, I've also raised my own “sensitive” child, been a committed guardian to a menagerie of furry and feathery babies, learned a great deal more about sensory, attachment and trauma-focused therapies, and worked through my own experiences of grief & loss.  I have also had the privilege of journeying with literally hundreds of courageous families as they worked to heal and grow.
​The culmination of those experiences shape who I have become and how I see my role as a therapist - a companion, a witness and a fellow traveller on the scenic, winding trail that is life. I just happen to have a few extra tools in my backpack, along with the collective perspectives, experiences and wisdom of all the clients I’ve had the privilege of journeying with over the years. This gives me a more detailed map of the terrain and allows me to be a better trail guide for those I serve.
My maps are based in neuroscience (sensory processing, polyvagal and neurodevelopmental theories) and psychological frames of reference (attachment, individuation and client-centered care). I offer them in an integrated way, through therapeutic conversations, play and creative activities, with a deep respect and empathy for the unique histories, cultures, needs and perspectives that each individual brings. The focus of my practice with clients of any age, gender, or ethnicity is to support them to make sense of their unique lived experiences and help them develop and follow their own maps towards healing, growth and loving connections.
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In launching Kyokan Connections, I have expanded the focus of my work from a direct therapy practice to include online classes for parents to help them master key parenting skills so they can help children to learn to sleep, manage difficult emotions, problem solve and get on with doing what needs to be done on a daily basis to the best of their ability.
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Prior to becoming a therapist, I had always cared for or worked with children in some capacity.  In high school, I babysat, volunteered with youth groups, and tutored younger students in music, French and Math.  And I'm a Mom - which has been my favourite (and most challenging) role!  And, like every one of you, I've also been a child, specifically, a child of an anxious mother, a mother of an anxious child, with just a little anxiety myself ;)

I am also an amateur musician (harp, piano, and vocal jazz), animal and nature lover (my first degree was a specialization in zoology), avid reader, and lifelong learner.
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​Mental Health Credentials

  • I am a Registered Occupational Therapist (Alberta Licence #1015 with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists), Sandplay Therapy Trainee and member of the Board of the Canadian Association of Sandplay Therapists, & Level 1 NeuroMeditation practitioner (Neuromeditation Institute), with extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), solution focused coaching (Erickson College), sensory processing, and polyvagal (trauma) informed therapy.
  • I am a graduate of the Occupational Therapy program (B.Sc.O.T.) at the University of Alberta (1992) and have been spent many of the years since then addressing the mental health needs of neurodiverse children and adults.

​My therapy inspirations


  • Carl G. Jung
  • Dora Kalff
  • John Bowlby
  • Carl Rogers​
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  • Stephen Porges
  • Deb Dana
  • Sue Johnson
  • Pema Chodron
  • Mr. Rogers​

ALSO, in case you're interested, the business name, Kyokan (pronounced "Kee-oh-khan") is a Japanese word that means "empathetic".  Kyokan Connections gives parents and adults the chance to explore, practice and delve deeply into learning how to engage with respectful, empathic curiosity and compassion, with themselves and with their loved ones.  This is foundational to healthy minds, bodies, hearts and souls - and relationships!
​Click the link below and book an Occupational Therapy Consultation today!
book an occupational therapy consultation
 NEW Clinic Location (effective March 1, 2022):
The Brick House Collective
9948 - 88 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta


NOTE:  ALL in-person sessions are booked only AFTER an ONLINE consultation session to determine whether or not this is an appropriate step for your needs and to review current protocols related to accessing health services during COVID.
Copyright Judith Pinto 2021 - All rights reserved
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark” -Chinese proverb
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  • HOME
  • Helping
    • CHILDREN
    • ADULTS
  • ISSUES
    • Anxiety
    • Neurodiversity
    • Sensory Sensitivity
    • Executive Functioning
    • Emotion Regulation
  • ABOUT
    • Judith
    • Therapeutic Approach
    • Logistics
    • Clinic Space
  • CONTACT