Heidi Cadman-Neu

Heidi is a mental health professional who provides psychological services under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

Heidi Cadman-Neu works with children both individually & with their siblings & parents. She also sees women individually.

Heidi has a Master of Divinity in Counselling, in which all counselling courses were taught by AAMFT supervisors (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy). She is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). She is also a member of the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT) and has completed all three levels of CACPT training and the two levels of training in Theraplay offered through the Theraplay Institute of Chicago. She has also completed the 2 year training program at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI). She is a Certified Trauma and Loss School Specialist and a Certified Trauma and Loss Consultant through the National (USA) Institute of Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC). Heidi also has specialized training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt in Bereavement Skills and the Special Needs of grieving children and adolescents.

Heidi has a background of working in residential programs for emotionally and developmentally challenged individuals with significant behavioural and sexual issues. She has also worked with families with infants identified as at risk. Before focusing on a private practice close to home, Heidi worked in two different counselling agencies with adults and children. For a few years she worked in conjunction with a pediatrician who referred children with emotional and behavioural issues to Heidi for play therapy while he oversaw the medication component.

Heidi works with children facing a variety of issues including, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, separation and divorce, anger, and low self esteem. She also works with children who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), ADD/HD (attention deficit hyperactivity order), and attachment disorder.

Because abstract thinking does not begin to develop until about 11 years of age, children often have difficulties expressing and working through emotional issues verbally. Play and art therapy give children another vehicle to express emotions, resolve conflicts and find alternatives. It provides a safe and familiar environment for children in therapy. For children, play is one of the primary methods of learning, development, and the communication of feelings, thoughts and concerns. It is therefore a natural medium for them to communicate and work through issues. Similarly, art therapy allows for the expression of emotions that may be difficult to put into words. This can help make verbal expression more accessible.

Theraplay is a form of play therapy designed to assist children with attachment issues. It involves engaging the parent and child in activities to improve their bond. It is helpful for children who have had an early disruption in their primary relationships through abuse, neglect, multiple foster homes, hospitalization or other traumas. Theraplay can also be utilized in any parent child relationship to improve the relationship and a child’s sense of security.

Heidi also works with children who have experienced the traumatic death of a significant loved one. Drawing is utilized to help release trauma and assist children in making sense of their experiences and regain a feeling of mastery. She facilitates groups for bereaved children at the Coping Center in Blair, which is a member of Bereaved Families of Ontario. She works with both children and adults who have lost a loved one.

When working with a child, it is essential to get the parents’ input and often to involve them in some of the sessions in order to provide children with the support they need.

Heidi finds working with children and families rewarding and has always enjoyed working with children.

Heidi also uses both art and verbal therapy in her work with women. No previous art experience is necessary to benefit from an art based therapy. Art provides a safe medium and allows for new insights to emerge in order to process life experiences and bring change. She works with women struggling with relationship issues, boundaries and self esteem, grief and loss, depression and anxiety.

For those who are interested, Heidi is also able to integrate a Christian spiritual dimension with professional counselling.

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