About Sinu
Sinu Karivalil, MSW, RSW, is a highly experienced psychological counsellor with over 15 years of clinical practice supporting children, youth, and families. Her current focus is on providing neurodiversity-affirming support for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health, and dual diagnosis. Sinu’s extensive background includes specialized work in postpartum depression, trauma recovery, and using evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT to foster lasting growth and well-being.
Education & Professional Credentials
Education
- Bachelor of Sociology
- Master of Social Work
- Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice (Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals (IESW), Bridging Program, Ryerson University)
Professional Development
- Client Services – OW Workshop, City of Toronto
- Single-Session Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, East Metro Youth Services, Toronto
- ASIST – 2 Day Certified Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
- Gerstein Crisis Centre, Toronto Harm Reduction 101, Toronto Public Health
- Toronto’s Housing Crisis, Cathy Crowe – Visiting Professor, Ryerson University
- Motivational Interviewing, Dr. Adam Lodzinski and Associates, Toronto
- Crisis Intervention Training, Gerstein Crisis Centre, Toronto
- Assessment and Referral for Professionals, Find Help Information Services (211), Toronto
- Suicide Prevention, The Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Kerala, India
Professional Experience
- Autism & Neurodiversity Specialization : Providing individualized and crisis support to children, youth, and adults diagnosed with ASD, Mental Health disorders, and Dual Diagnosis. Experienced in working across diverse settings including schools, hospitals, and private homes.
- Trauma & Psychotherapy Expertise : Extensive experience providing individual and group psychotherapy for youth and women who are victims of domestic violence, severe trauma, and abuse. Proficient in multi-modality approaches including CBT, DBT, and expressive arts.
- Maternal Mental Health Specialist : Specialized experience in Postpartum Depression (PPD) screening (using EPDS) and supportive counseling for mothers, promoting healthy parent-child attachment, and linking families to essential resources (housing, financial aid, health).
- Child Protection & Family Support : Early career experience in child protection, risk assessment, and facilitating parenting programs to address behavior and child development concerns.