Michelle Hamelin-Purcell, MSW, RSW

Social Worker

As a registered social worker, it is my goal to provide children, youth and families with a warm nonjudgmental environment where they can feel comfortable sharing their struggles and exploring their strengths.  I enjoy sharing strategies and contributing to the youth and parent’s “toolbox” to assist them with coping and increased functioning. I include parents as an integral part of the work with youth, and they are included in the beginning and end of the sessions. In private practice, I have most often worked with youth in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation.  I have worked with children and youth in the areas of trauma, low self–esteem, and youth with developmental difficulties.

I am client centered, and use an integrative approach.  My training includes various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, trauma informed practice, rational emotive behavior therapy and Impact Therapy which is a multisensory approach that is a form of brief therapy.  I engage youth through the use of multisensory activities, drawing, play, stories, music and role play. I am also trained in Triple P / Stepping Stones parenting program, and have delivered parent and youth groups for skill building and support.

I have a Masters of Social Work degree from Carleton University, and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McGill University.  I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.  I have been practicing social work for over 25 years, in the areas of anxiety, trauma, development and medical social work.