Juanita Gnanapragasam, MSc.OT
(she/her)
Registered Occupational Therapist
About Me
I am a therapist that LOVES helping people figure out how to occupy themselves well. That's what mental health occupational therapy is all about. What gives you meaning? What sensory experiences affect your day-to-day life? What gets in the way of you doing the things you care about the most? I work with individuals across the lifespan, especially those who are first- or second-generation Canadians; young adults; and individuals with neurodivergent identities.
My Ideal Client
I work with individuals (14+) and families. I especially love working with:
Individuals striving to engage in the things that are important to them. This means ensuring you engage in activities that energize you and give you meaning and purpose.
Neurodivergent clients where planning, goal-setting, and sensory differences are struggles;
Folks with depression and anxiety who need help managing burnout, dealing with being overwhelmed, engaging in recreational activities, or implementing a healthier habit or routine;
Those who find themselves in career and life transitions (including transitions from high school to university and university to career, changing career paths, retirement, unexpected loss or change of career);
Those struggling to cultivate meaningful social relationships;
Newcomers, first, second and third-generation Canadians managing cultural expectations and navigating occupational injustices due to racism.
Book your Free 30 minute Inquiry call or Fill out a quick online intake to get started.
Working with Me
What occupies you? This is a question that most of us don't think about that much! Mental Health occupational therapist is about helping you spend time on things that matter, like social relationships, leisure pursuits, employment, schooling, self-care, and more.
I approach every client interaction with curiosity and empathy and enjoy gaining a holistic picture of your mental wellness. What does a healthy, happy, thriving life look like for YOU? Especially important in my role is understanding what you would be DOING in that ideal life. That means delving into activities that give you meaning and purpose and bring you toward your vision for mental well-being.
When you work with me, we start by understanding what your goals for “occupying” your time are. We then work to uncover the blocks to why you can’t accomplish this goal. We’ll do this through assessments and therapeutic approaches. Sometimes, the block may be related to previous traumas, differing abilities, such as being neuroatypical, or even the environment. Then we’ll treat the block by using therapeutic modalities like cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, environmental modifications, or psychoeducation. I’m also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (a trauma therapy that started under the auspices of EMDR) to help clients overcome specific sensory and trauma-related flashbacks that are getting in the way of their well-being and engagement in the community.
My Experience
Master of Occupational Therapy University of Alberta
Registered Occupational Therapist with Alberta College of Occupational Therapists, #5560
Master of Public Health, University of Alberta
Membership with Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Member with the Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy® Training for Trauma
Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy
Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy , Solution-Focused Therapy, and Systematic Desensitization
When I'm not at YEG FC...
I’m an avid baker, cake decorator, and the current cooking and culture columnist for CBC Edmonton AM! I enjoy volunteering my time running cooking socials in the city. I recently started dabbling in pottery, embroidery, and in the summer months, I enjoy gardening, and in the winter months, skiing.