About Dr. Marina Porto

I am a psychologist with a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology and Education and a PhD focused on creativity.

Over the past nine years, I have authored academic papers on creativity, multiculturalism, inclusive education, gifted students, and gender.

I offer therapy and individualized training for children and adolescents, as well as counseling services and workshops for parents and school staff.

My approach emphasizes promoting human development by reinforcing individual strengths, with strategies consistently grounded in the latest research.

I provide services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Family Testimonials

The reflections shared below were authorized by families who wished to describe their experience

“We had a very positive experience with Marina with regards to our child’s recent assessment and therapy sessions, as well as parent support and school support. From the start, Marina was thorough and professional, she went the extra mile for our family and was proactive and comprehensive in her approach to dealing with our son's behaviour challenges. What truly stood out was Marina's collaboration with the school; she provided a clear, actionable plan that helped teachers implement necessary classroom accommodations. As parents, we felt incredibly supported throughout. The therapy sessions have been a highlight; our child very much looked forward to them, and there has been an improvement in his behaviour at school and he seems more comfortable in himself overall. We highly recommend Marina to any family navigating similar challenges.” (Tanzanian Irish family with a 6-year-old son)
“Marina supported our child talk more openly about feelings and handle transitions with less distress. We also learned practical ways to respond at home, which made daily routines smoother. Over the therapy process, we have seen more independence and steadier mood.” (American Peruvian family with a 7-year-old-son)

“I feel incredibly grateful for the support my daughter is receiving from Marina. Over the time they have been working together, my daughter has learned practical coping tools that have helped her navigate some very challenging experiences. Marina has supported her through anxiety, helped her process the loss of her father, and guided her in dealing with the everyday challenges of friendships and difficult social dynamics at school.

From the very beginning, Marina patiently created a space where my daughter felt seen and heard. She helped her develop real tools to understand her emotions, manage her anxiety, and approach situations with more confidence and resilience.

One of the most beautiful things to see has been my daughter’s growth. She has become more self-aware, more confident, and better able to handle challenges that once felt overwhelming. That kind of change doesn’t happen without a therapist who truly cares and knows how to connect with young people.

I am deeply thankful for the compassion, warmth, and skill Marina has brought to my daughter’s journey. It has made a meaningful difference in her life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family looking for thoughtful and supportive guidance for their child. (Canadian Tanzanian family with an 11-year-old daughter)

Services

Family counseling

Provides families with the knowledge and skills to support their children and adolescents’ development, particularly in neurodiversity, giftedness, and multicultural adaptation.

Individual therapy sessions

One-on-one sessions focus on supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents, with an emphasis on school-related challenges.

Workshops for schools

Designed to educate school staff on topics such as inclusive education, neurodiversity, creativity, and multiculturalism. The sessions provide participants with tools and strategies to create supportive learning environments and address the diverse needs of students.