Olivia Johnston

Olivia Johnston is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Work from Humber College. With extensive experience in a variety of settings, including group homes, schools, youth shelters, and youth programming, Olivia has developed a deep understanding of the unique aspects of child and youth mental health and aims to work collaboratively and adaptively with children, youth and their families.

Along with Bloom, Olivia works at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of the Waterloo Region, where she provides trauma-informed therapy to survivors, helping to empower individuals, restore autonomy and find stability after experiencing trauma. Her approach is rooted in empathy and a commitment to supporting each individual’s journey towards healing and recovery.

Olivia has a particular passion for working with children, youth and caregivers, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in their various environments. Her therapeutic approach blends creative and play-based techniques with narrative therapy, attachment-based therapies, and cognitive-behavioural play therapy. This multi-faceted approach allows her to address the emotional and psychological needs of children, including those coping with medical trauma or experiencing challenges related to emotional dysregulation or behavioural difficulties. Olivia takes her knowledge of childhood brain development and applies that in her work to ensure a therapy experience that is specified to the individual and focuses on their self-identified challenges and goals.

Olivia is dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop emotional language/intelligence, navigate new situations, feel more in control of their daily life and foster healthy attachments with their caregivers. Her goal is to support the growth and well-being of children, empowering both them and their families to create a foundation for long-term emotional and developmental success.