Staff Profile

  1. Home
  2.   / Luciana Pache de Faria

Luciana Pache de Faria

Gender-based Violence (GBV) Team Lead
Luciana Pache de Faria, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario who hailed originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been sharing her immense expertise with Abrigo clients since 2017. With a solid foundation in psychology and over twenty years of experience in counseling, Luciana has provided compassionate and expert support to clients navigating gender-based violence.

In her office, an emblematic frame states: "You Are Not Alone," symbolizing her passion for helping those in need. Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women affected by physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse, Luciana’s counselling services encompass increasing safety, providing information on local resources, navigating a complex social service system and advocating for client rights.

Currently serving as Abrigo’s Gender-based Violence Team Lead, Luciana now oversees that program, guiding a team of counselors while continuing to offer clients a blend of evidence-based crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and a strength-based approach. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to empowering both clients and staff, fostering a supportive and resilient environment for those impacted by gender-based violence.

Luciana earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rio de Janeiro State University and holds a graduate degree in Psychopedagogy from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She also acquired her Mental Health Specialist post-graduate degree from Santa Casa de Misericordia do Rio de Janeiro.

Her journey in Canada began with volunteering for the Child Development Institute, Centennial Infant and Child Centre, and then serving as a volunteer Crisis Counsellor for Victim Services Toronto. Following the successful completion of the Bridge Training Program for Internationally Trained Mental Health Professionals, she was invited to join that staff as a Teaching Assistant in 2018.

Outside of work, Luciana takes her self-care seriously, ensuring she gets a regular dose of nature, quality time with loved ones, and daily yoga sessions. Embracing each season to the fullest, she enjoys picnics in the spring, sails during the summer, and hits the slopes when winter blankets Canada.

Hide Website