Michelle Hamelin-Purcell, MSW, RSW

Social Worker

Hi!

I am Michelle! As a registered Social Worker with the Child and Adolescent Family Centre of Ottawa, I provide therapy to children, adolescents and families with a range of mental health difficulties.  I have a particular interest in working with youth struggling with anxiety, as well as supporting parents with consults for next steps following their youth’s developmental assessments.  In therapy I hope to work collaboratively on increasing your youth’s tool box to help with the development of skills for healthy coping.

I use a family centered, strength based approach drawing from therapeutic modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Solution Focused Therapy; REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy); ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Impact Therapy.

I completed my MSW at Carleton University, following my BSW at 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 multiple professional development trainings spanning a career of thirty years, including working in child protection, ten years in trauma focused work with youth, and fifteen years in medical social work at CHEO supporting children and families with special needs.  I am the mother of two awesome young adults and absolutely love my Golden Doodle. It is my goal to provide children, youth and families with a warm and non judgemental environment where they feel comfortable sharing.

Clients I work with:

• Children and youth aged 0-18
• Parents

Areas where I can help:

• Anxiety
• Difficulties with emotion regulation
• Self-esteem
• Coping with a diagnosis
• Parent consults

Types of Therapy Provided:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Stepping Stones Parenting (Triple P)