Credentials

Sylvia Rukkila has a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree with a Marital and Family Therapy focus.  She is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP), the International Family Therapy Association (IFTA), and the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO).  She is a qualified Prepare-Enrich practitioner. At present, Sylvia is continuing studies towards clinical membership in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) under AAMFT approved supervision. 

Sylvia’s extensive experience in healthcare includes diagnostic radiation technology, and radiation therapy, schooled at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto. She is a certified clinical instructor of radiological technology, and has retired in good standing from that profession.

Sylvia is also an experienced group facilitator, motivational speaker, and published journalist/editor within the Finnish-Canadian community.  She volunteers as director and instructor at Saalem Learning Center, a distance education ministry of Toronto’s Saalem Church. Her perspective on marriage and family dynamics spans over thirty years and four generations.  In her spare time, Sylvia enjoys music with her cellist husband, and relaxes with family at their Prince Edward County cottage.

Current group therapy facilitated by Sylvia Rukkila available in Toronto and GTA locations are:

• Richmond Hill: Support Group for those with Life-threatening Illness and their caregivers.
  Location: Catholic Community Services, 21 Dunlop Street.  An 8-week program, meets every 2nd week, 630-8 pm. Begins Monday, March 5, 2007:  Fee. Take-home materials provided.
  Sponsored/facilitated by Sylvia Rukkila, M.Div., RTR, RTT.  Pre-registration required 905-202-2031 Ext 6 (Sylvia).
   
• Leaside:  Bereavement Group for Seniors:
  Location: Suomi-Koti, Finnish Canadian Seniors Center, 795 Eglinton Ave. E. (at Laird), Toronto. A six-week program, meets every Thursday, 130-3 pm.  Start date March 8,2007.  No fee: sponsored by Suomi Koti Outreach Program.  Information & registration : 416-425-4134, Ext. 272 (Lea)
  
  
• Markham:  Support Group for those with Life-threatening Illness and their Caregivers.
  Location: on site at Meadowbrook Counselling Associates, 6633 Hwy 7 E., Suite 203, Markham.  An 8 week program, meeting every 2nd week.  Start date: May, 2007, time TBA.  Fee.  Pre-registration and information: 905-202-2031 Ext.6 (Sylvia)

     Upcoming:

•   New Practice Support Group for Therapists
•   Cancer Survivors’ Support Group

          Call 905-202-2031 Ext.6 (Sylvia) with inquiries or to register