Maria Ilieff, Ph.D.(She/Her)

Maria received her Ph.D. in School and Clinical Child Psychology at OISE – University of Toronto. Maria’s approach to assessment and therapy is warm, supportive, and evidence-based.  

Maria completed her pre-doctoral residency through the Toronto Area Residency Consortium, holding positions at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Family Psychology Centre (FPC). At the TDSB, Maria provided comprehensive assessment and consultation services in support of students with learning difficulties, ADHD, ASD, and associated socioemotional needs. At FPC, she worked with children and adolescents in individual therapy and provided Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to help caregivers navigate family dynamics and build stronger connections with their children. Throughout her graduate training, Maria has provided clinical services to children and adolescents across community and private practice settings, including the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), the Red Oak Centre, the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR), and the OISE psychology clinic.  

Maria’s graduate research examined stress and coping among adolescents transitioning to post-secondary school, with a focus on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Her PhD research examined the associations among post-traumatic responses and NSSI, and her master’s research explored perfectionism in relation to NSSI. As a scientist-practitioner, Maria’s approach to clinical services is based in and informed by developmental science.  

In her clinical practice, Maria helps clients learn to identify and express emotions, manage relational difficulties, and deepen self-understanding. Maria also works closely and collaboratively with caregivers, offering them guidance for supporting their children’s development, learning needs, and socioemotional health. Maria’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and relational approaches.  

Maria values relationships with others and spends her time outside of work fostering community with neighbours and friends.