NOT ACCEPTING CLIENTS AT THIS TIME Compassionate, collaborative, virtual or in-person support for helping professionals experiencing overwhelm, exhaustion, compassion fatigue, anxiety, burnout, imposterism and stress .
WELCOME
“Pain and purpose are two sides of the same thing. A person struggling
with depression is very likely a person yearning to feel fully. A
socially anxious person is very likely a person yearning to connect
with others. You hurt where you care, and you care where you hurt.”
– Steven C. Hayes, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters
Hi, I’m Michele
I’m a registered social worker and psychotherapist bringing over 20 years of personal and professional experience in the mental health field. Having worked in a helping profession*, I understand how working in meaningful roles can lead to exhaustion, detachment and just a general overall feeling of being “done”. In addition to struggling with the taxing practicalities of the work, you might notice you are less patient, more irritable and struggling to connect with others. This in turn creates a deep sense of isolation and hopelessness. There are ways out of this cycle and I’m here to support you.
At the heart of my therapeutic approach is a commitment to anti-oppression and collaboration. I deeply value creating a therapeutic space that is comfortable, safe and free from judgement so that you can grow in an environment of trust and understanding. My practice is not just about navigating challenges; it's about empowering you towards a path of holistic well-being.
*”helping professions” include, but are not limited to: teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, allied health, PSWs, EAs
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I am registered with the College of Ontario Social Workers and Social Service Workers having completed my masters degree at the University of Toronto. I have done extensive training in therapeutic modalities qualifying me to become a Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist and have additional certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy.
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For over 20 years I have supported clients from diverse backgrounds experiencing: grief, anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, burnout, trauma and imposterism. My experience working within our health care system has given me an in-depth understanding of the additional challenge of obtaining timely support.
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In my own personal life, as a single mom working as a social worker in our health care system and raising a young child, I witnessed the heart-breaking decline of both my parents who have neurogenerative disease. I know first hand how challenging working in a profession we deeply care about is while trying to show up, and attend to, our own personal lives.
“Compassion is, by definition, relational. Compassion literally means 'to suffer with,' which implies a basic mutuality in the experience of suffering. The emotion of compassion springs from the recognition that the human experience is imperfect.”
- Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Virtual and In Person Therapy Sessions
(In-person sessions take place on the beautiful grounds of the Ignatius Centre, Guelph, ON)
It may feel impossible to reach out when you’re experiencing overwhelm and burnout, I get that. Let’s see what we can do together to help break that cycle of overwhelm and exhaustion.
Sliding scale is available to those with limited coverage.
Initial Session 75 minutes $225
Individual Therapy Session 50 minutes $180
Schedule a complementary 20-min consultation
We live in a toxic state of overdrive. I work with you to help you understand that you aren’t failing at life because you feel overwhelmed and burnt out.
As a Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Internal Family Systems and Schema Therapy, I combine an understanding of the impact of early experiences in life with evidenced-based therapy techniques to help you understand and respond effectively to challenging situations, thoughts and emotions.
Through these techniques, you’ll build awareness, reduce emotional suffering, have a greater sense of presence and engage in more productive behaviour patterns.
Get in touch
Do you still have questions or want to be sure we’re the right fit? Please complete the form below with your questions and I’ll respond within 48 business hours.
FAQs
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My process is focused ongetting you to a greater sense of peace and presence sooner rather than later. Drawing on therapeutic modalities that are tailored to you, we will go at a pace that fosters growth but does not add to your overwhelm! It may feel intimidating but I guarantee nothing substitutes for a chat so please feel free to email me with any questions or set up a 20 minute consultation here.
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I believe that cost should not be a barrier to therapy. For those who have adequate coverage my fee is $180 per 60 minute session/ $225 for our initial 75 min session. For those who do not have robust coverage I offer a sliding scale fee to be determined after our consultation.
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Unfortunately, I'm unable to direct bill. An invoice will be provided to you which you can then claim with your insurance provider.
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I get that life happens! Please provide as much notice as you are able to. Barring unforeseen circumstances if you cancel within 24 hours of your booked session you will be billed the full fee of the session.
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I hold a limited number of sliding scale spots for individuals who do not have coverage through an insurance provider.