Connie Butera Counselling & Psychotherapy

01/16/2026

01/16/2026

✨ I’m so excited for my upcoming delivery of Mattel’s new autistic Barbie! ✨

While I know there’s ongoing conversation about whether any single doll can truly represent the entire autism spectrum, I’m feeling genuinely hopeful about this progressive step forward. Representation in toys matters—and acknowledging different abilities, sensory needs, and neurodiverse experiences helps normalize conversations that belong everywhere, not just in therapy rooms.

I can’t wait to add her to my fidget and therapeutic play collection in my psychotherapy practice 💛—as a small but meaningful way to signal to my neurodiverse clients and families that you are seen, valued, and celebrated across the spectrum. Read the comments for all her features.

Here’s to more inclusion, more dialogue, and continued growth toward authentic representation 🌈

01/16/2026

I hear you 🙌

01/15/2026

🚨 Weather Update 🚨
Due to today’s school bus cancellations and impending inclement weather, all sessions will be held virtually today to ensure everyone’s safety.

✨ I do have limited virtual availability today, including brief check-in sessions.
If you’d like to book a last-minute virtual appointment, please text me at 416-885-9709.

Stay safe and warm 🤍

01/15/2026

Did you just receive an autism diagnosis for your child and are wondering what comes next?

Join us on January 21 for a live online session designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children over 5 years of age. We’ll walk through available services, financial supports, and ways to build a strong support network that works for you.

Register now to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3YpEoRs

01/15/2026

💙 Why having a family doctor matters — especially when you’re in therapy

As a psychotherapist, I’m a strong believer in collaborative care. Mental health does not exist in isolation from physical health, hormones, sleep, medication, or stress on the body — and having a trusted family doctor makes a meaningful difference in the quality of care a person receives.

Unfortunately, many of my clients share the same frustration:
👉 “I don’t have a family doctor, and it feels impossible to find one.”

Because of that, I wanted to share a rare and helpful resource for our community.

🏥 TrustyMed Family Medicine & Specialists is currently accepting new patients in Aurora.

Having a family doctor allows for:
• Better coordination between physical and mental health care
• Medication monitoring and referrals when needed
• Support for things like sleep, anxiety, mood, hormones, chronic stress, and burnout
• A more holistic, whole-person approach to wellness

If you are currently in therapy — or considering it — having a family physician who can collaborate as part of your care team can be incredibly supportive.

📍 Aurora, Ontario
🩺 Family medicine + specialists
🚶‍♀️ Walk-in, lab services & pharmacy on site

I’m sharing this purely as a community resource, knowing how challenging it can be to find primary care right now.

✨ Taking care of your mental health is important — and having the right medical supports alongside it truly matters.

12/29/2025

Vacation reads …. This one is available in my Free lending library.

12/28/2025

12/27/2025

🌻 The Sunflower Lanyard Program: What Families Need to Know 🌻

As a Registered Psychotherapist working with neurodiverse individuals and families, I’m often asked about practical tools that can make overwhelming environments — like airports — more manageable.

I’ve just shared:

✔️ A new blog post explaining the Sunflower Lanyard Program
👉 https://conniebuteramacp.yolasite.com/sunflower-lanyard-program-info.php

✔️ A YouTube video where I talk through how families use it, advocacy considerations, and creating your own ID card
🎥 https://youtu.be/8yGIY975Jd4

✔️ A FREE Canva ID card template you can customize, print, laminate, and attach to a sunflower lanyard
🎨 https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8vK_T6Wg/iu3_bI8hPdmWCIqXCOjBig/edit

The sunflower lanyard is a quiet form of advocacy — a way to signal that extra time, patience, or support may be needed without having to explain or disclose personal details.

I hope this resource supports neurodiverse individuals, special needs parents, and families navigating sensory needs, accommodations, and travel.

🌻💛