Meet Marla
Marla Pender (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MACP, MA, BA
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s hard to make sense of everything that comes your way. I offer a space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most to you. Together, we can explore the challenges and transitions that arise in life — whether they involve relationships, disability, neurodivergence, caregiving, or career-related uncertainty, dissatisfaction, or burnout — and move toward a life that feels right for you. If you’re an individual or couple feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting or caring for teens, young adults, or adults with disabilities or exceptionalities, we can work together to explore practical and sustainable ways forward. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. In our work together, we’ll explore your experiences at your own pace without judgment, pressure, or expectation.
Psychotherapy is a mid-life career shift for me, and my previous professional, volunteer, and lived experiences deeply inform my practice. My work with individuals navigating disability and neurodivergence is grounded in over 15 years of experience in accessibility and accommodations, disability advocacy, and supporting people with a wide range of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities. This background, along with 20 years of work in youth and young adult engagement, also informs my approach with parents and caregivers. In addition, my own experiences with burnout, career dissatisfaction, and navigating complex systems and bureaucracy shape the way I support individuals who are facing challenges at work or in other demanding environments.
Marla Pender (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MACP, MA, BA
Meet Marla
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s hard to make sense of everything that comes your way. I offer a space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most to you. Together, we can explore the challenges and transitions that arise in life — whether they involve relationships, disability, neurodivergence, caregiving, or career-related uncertainty, dissatisfaction, or burnout — and move toward a life that feels right for you. If you’re an individual or couple feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting or caring for teens, young adults, or adults with disabilities or exceptionalities, we can work together to explore practical and sustainable ways forward. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. In our work together, we’ll explore your experiences at your own pace without judgment, pressure, or expectation.
Psychotherapy is a mid-life career shift for me, and my previous professional, volunteer, and lived experiences deeply inform my practice. My work with individuals navigating disability and neurodivergence is grounded in over 15 years of experience in accessibility and accommodations, disability advocacy, and supporting people with a wide range of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities. This background, along with 20 years of work in youth and young adult engagement, also informs my approach with parents and caregivers. In addition, my own experiences with burnout, career dissatisfaction, and navigating complex systems and bureaucracy shape the way I support individuals who are facing challenges at work or in other demanding environment.
My Approach
I see therapy as a collaborative partnership built on empowerment, curiosity, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll identify what feels most meaningful to you, explore how to work with life’s challenges rather than against them, and develop strategies that align with your values, strengths, and goals.
For therapy to be effective, it’s important that you feel safe, comfortable, seen, and understood. I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space that is 2SLGBTQIA+, disability, and neuro-affirming. Every part of you is welcome here, including the parts that may have had to stay hidden to stay safe.
My work integrates a range of therapeutic approaches, drawing from multiple modalities to meet you where you are. Compassion, creativity, and humour are at the heart of my style. Whether you’re looking for practical strategies, emotional support, greater insight into a problem or situation, or a deeper exploration of life’s meaning and purpose, I’ll be alongside you supporting your growth and healing at your own pace.
Marla is now accepting new clients!
Welcome to Mindful Wellness Psychotherapy! Whether you are an insurance company looking to support a client or a client looking for support privately, we are here to support your needs. We offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Our skilled therapists specialize in various areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. We are dedicated to helping you find your path to healing and living a happier life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Areas of Focus
Disability & Neurodivergence | Parenting Teens, Young Adults, and Adults with Disabilities | Life Transitions | Relationship Challenges | Caregiving | Stress & Burnout | Non-Death Loss & Grief | Navigating Toxic or Oppressive Systems
Registrations and Training
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO Registration number #18196
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Distinction, Yorkville University
Master of Arts in Community Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology with High Honors, University of Saskatchewan
Non-Certified Student Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Canadian Mental Health Association
Trauma-Informed Certificate for Coaches, The Centre for Healing
Indigenous Canada course, University of Alberta
Anti-Racism training, Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso
Offering online services across Ontario
Your mental health matters!