Dori Zener (she/her)
Director
Single Session Therapy (SST), INVEST Training, Consultation Services
MSW, RSW
Dori Zener is a Registered Social Worker, speaker, and educator, who has dedicated her career to creating Neurodiversity-Affirming mental health opportunities for autistic people across the lifespan. Her mission is to empower neurodivergent individuals, igniting self-awareness and self-compassion, so they can thrive in every facet of life. Dori offers training based on her clinical expertise, centered around her INVEST model, which provides a Neuro-Affirming framework for counselling. She is deeply committed to fostering autism acceptance, and actively contributes to expanding the understanding of autism through publications, workshops, research collaborations, and corporate consultations.
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Single Session Therapy (SST)
Unlock Clarity and Growth in Just One Session
Single Session Therapy (SST) offers a transformative, evidence-based approach to addressing a specific challenge or goal in a focused, 90-minute session. Rooted in research, SST has proven effective in fostering hope, insight, and tangible progress in clients seeking immediate breakthroughs. Led by Dori, whose clinical expertise ensures a highly personalized experience, this session provides a unique opportunity to gain clarity and actionable tools for your journey. Each 90-minute session comes with tailored resources to support your continued growth.
Cost: $400/90 minute session + customized resources
Some examples of goals you could work on in an SST:
• Understand the “why” behind how you experience the world
• Build emotional awareness
• Clarify your therapy goals
• Improve executive functioning
• How to make and maintain friendships and relationships
• Manage stress and reduce meltdowns and shutdowns
• Masking and unmasking
• Cope with burnout
• Establish healthy habits
• Clarify your values and motivations
• Understand your neurodivergent loved one
• Develop self-care and self-compassion
• Networking strategies
• Explore your accommodations and how to advocate for them
• Build a strengths-based career
INVEST Training
INVEST is a groundbreaking therapeutic framework developed by Dori Zener for mental health professionals supporting neurodiverse people.
IDENTIFY NEEDS - VALIDATE - EDUCATE - STRENGTHEN - THRIVE
INVEST Training is appropriate for organizations who provide services to neurodiverse clients. INVEST training will support your practitioners by further developing their person-centred, strengths-based, and neuro-affirming skills.
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Consultation Services
Dori offers dynamic workshops and expert guidance on neurodiversity and mental health, tailored for organizations, schools, and workplaces. She empowers teams and individuals by fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity, and creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Topics include: Autism and Mental Health, Supporting Neurodiverse Employees, Well-being for Autistic Girls and Women and other related topics tailored to your needs.
Education
Master of Social Work, University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Social and Political Theory, University of Western Ontario
Certificate in Solution-Focused Counselling, University of Toronto
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Accredited Provider
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Ongoing training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Passion for Neurodiversity
Common Questions
Embarking on the journey of booking a therapy session can be a significant step—one that might seem intimidating.
Here are some FAQs
How do I book a free consultation?
If your preferred associate is available to meet with new clients, please click the link in their bio to book your free 20-minute consultation.
If they are not meeting with new clients at this time, please feel free to add yourself to our waiting list. Our Intake Coordinator will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
Are your consultations virtual?
Yes, all our consultations are virtual. However, some of our associates meet clients for in-person sessions in the Toronto area.
What types of insurance do you accept?
Our therapists are Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists and are covered by most health benefits plans. Check your benefits to see if these professionals are covered by your insurance.
How can I pay?
Payments are made through our client portal Jane.app after each session. All major credit cards are accepted.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 48 hour cancellation notice for in-person sessions, and 24 hours for virtual appointments.
Dori Zener (she/her)
Dori Zener (she/her)
Research & Media Links
Publications
“An Expert Discussion on Knowledge Translation in Autism in Adulthood Research”. Moderators: Anne V. Kirby, Participants: Katherine E. McDonald, James Cusack, Brenna Maddox, Cheryl Mangan, Lisa Morgan, Anne Roux, Nidhi Singhal, and Dori Zener. Autism in Adulthood. Mar 2021.11-17. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2020.29017.avk
Zener, D. (2019), “Helping autistic women thrive”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 143-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-10-2018-0042
Zener, D. (2019), “Journey to diagnosis for women with autism”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 5 Issue: 1, pp.2-13, https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-10-2018-0041
Contact us to request full-text versions of the publications.
Appearances
Guest Speaker
The Dating and Relationship Show – Autism and Dating AM640 – 2019
Gemma Gray, Churchill Fellowship 2023-2024
Episode 3 - The Power of a Passionate Individual
Find Episode Here
Professional Podcast Network
Episode 0392 - Neurodiversity Affirming Mental Health Center and Support for Autistic People, August 21, 2023
Find Episode Here
Articles
The Other Autism, Kristen Hovet
The Challenging Journey to Female Autism Diagnosis, December 11, 2020
Find Article Here
The Autistic Rambler Podcast, Maddy Dever
Mental Health Virtual Panel: Surviving the Pandemic Alone with Your Kids, April 9, 2020
Find Article Here
CBC Radio, Adam Killick
Here's why employers should do more to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace, October 21, 2024
Find Article Here
Video
“10 Tips for Enhancing Mental Health” – CAMH 2023
Find Video Here
“Fostering well-being in Autistic girls and women”, Profile of girls and women, INVEST – ACT 2022
Find Video Here
“PTSD & Sexual Assault” – AIDE Canada 2022
Find Video Here
INVESTing in Women & Girls with ASD: Identify Needs, Validate, Educate, Strengthen, and Thrive – 2018
Find Video Here
Practical Strategies for Promoting Mental Wellness for Girls & Women with Autism – ACT 2017
Find Video Here
Women on the Autism Spectrum and Eating Disorders: Implications for Treatment – NEDIC 2013
Find Video Here
Embark on a transformative journey
Welcome to a unique framework transforming traditional counselling practices by embracing the beauty of neurodiversity.
INVEST adopts a person-centered, strengths-based approach, firmly distancing itself from deficit-oriented viewpoints on autism.
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