About
Maria Sotirakos, M.Sc.OT/ Erg.
I am a Montreal-based Mental Health Occupational Therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I offer services in both English and French. I became an Occupational Therapist because I felt that the core values of the profession truly resonated with me. I believe that our daily activities and occupations are not only a reflection of who we are, but are also opportunities for us to express ourselves, grow, and bring meaning to our lives. Therefore, being able to engage in and choose activities that are in accordance with our values can have a powerful impact on our mental health and our well-being.
In my own spare time, I tend to enjoy creative activities, such as dance, art, and music, but also being in nature. Going back to these activities in times of stress tends to ground me, and reconnect me to who I am. I try to incorporate creative modalities in my intervention sessions when the opportunity presents itself and is in accordance with my client's goals and interests.
Experience
Professional Experience
Prior to my private practice, I was part of the Mental Health Youth Team for 3 years, for the CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, with a clientele ranging from 6 to 25 years of age. My experience includes working with youth, families, and schools to assist in my clients' daily functioning. I was also acting as interim clinical supervisor for my team from April 2022 to September 2022.
My previous work experiences in the public sector have included working at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (Department of Child Psychiatry), at École Irénée-Lussier et annexes (a specialized high school for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Delay), at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Department of Medical Psychiatry), as well as at CLSC des Faubourgs, in the Mental Health Adult Team (Soutien d'Intensité Variable- SIV Team). Finally, I have also provided virtual adult mental health services for a private clinic on a part-time basis.
I am currently taking psychology classes in order to obtain my license as a psychotherapist with the Order of Psychologists and Psychotherapists of Quebec (OPQ). I have been a member of the Order of Occupational Therapists of Quebec (OEQ) since March 2017.
Qualifications
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Université de Montréal- December 2016
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Studies in Psychology
2 years of Psychology at Concordia University (2010-2012)
Université de Montréal- June 2015