Education & Training
Michelle completed her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, specializing in the mental health and health stream. Michelle holds certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills training. She is also trained in mindfulness-informed approaches, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She is interested in integrating neuroscience-informed psychoeducation during her sessions with clients. Michelle also spends her time working as a Psychotherapist, supporting working professionals and executives at Medcan. Michelle’s practice is also informed by her previous experience working as an inpatient Social Worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), supporting adolescents and adults with severe mental health and substance use challenges.
Theoretical Approach
Michelle strives to adapt and integrate evidence-based approaches to best fit her client’s needs within their unique sociocultural context, by incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. By practicing from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive lens, Michelle aims to establish a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to work through their emotional distress and meet their treatment goals. She takes a collaborative approach to guide clients through their journey of self-exploration and strengthening their toolbox of coping skills.
Michelle has experience working with clients with various presenting concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Emotion Dysregulation
- Stress Management
- Self-esteem/Self-worth
- Adjustment to various life stressors
- Trauma
- Disordered eating
- Work-life balance
Personal background
Michelle is a first-generation Chinese-Canadian who immigrated to Toronto at a young age. Growing up in a multicultural city, she is attuned to the impact of race/ethnicity, culture, immigration, socioeconomic status, social inclusion, religion, ability/disability, gender and sexual orientation on one’s sense of self and worldview. Michelle takes a cultural humility approach to understand clients’ unique life stories, recognizes her privilege in bearing witness to clients’ lived experiences, and strives to support clients during their process of healing and growth.
Memberships
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)