Rieko Asaba

Rooted in child and youth work

Rieko has spent more than a decade working alongside children, youth and families. She began her career as an early childhood educator and later worked in youth mental health as a child and youth care practitioner, bringing creative approaches into her work with young people in residential treatment.

She holds a diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy from the CREATE Institute and a degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. This background gives Rieko a rich understanding of children not only as individuals, but within the relationships, families, cultures and communities that shape their lives.

How Rieko works

Rieko’s approach is relational, trauma-informed and grounded in curiosity, safety and compassion. Sessions may include visual art, imaginative play, movement, music, storytelling, conversation and body-based awareness, following what feels accessible and meaningful for each child.

Rieko pays close attention to each child’s strengths, interests and individual ways of communicating. She believes that feeling genuinely seen and understood can create space for children to explore difficult feelings, discover new possibilities and develop a deeper sense of trust in themselves. Her work is culturally responsive and anti-oppressive, with particular sensitivity to experiences of identity, belonging and living between cultures.

Experience with children, families and communities

Rieko has supported children and families across early childhood, youth mental health, community and therapeutic settings. Her experience includes Strides Toronto, Sojourn House, the Gatehouse and Armagh House, where she has offered expressive arts therapy in both groups and individual sessions.

Her work has included supporting children and families healing from family violence and navigating significant changes and challenges. Rieko is also trained as a community singing leader and values the ways creativity and shared artistic experiences can help people feel connected, expressive and less alone.

Credentials and professional background

• Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO
• Expressive Arts Therapist (EXAT)
• Registered Child and Youth Care Practitioner (BCYC)
• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
• Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy, the CREATE Institute
• Degree in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
• Additional training: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Level 1
• More than a decade of experience working with children, youth and families
• Professional affiliations: CRPO and OEATA
• Pronouns: she/her

Connect with Rieko

Use this short form to contact Rieko about working together. Your inquiry will be sent privately to Rieko and Toronto Art Therapy for Kids so the collective can help if follow-up is needed.

Please do not include your child’s full name or detailed personal or clinical history.

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