Education & Training
Michelle completed her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Michelle holds certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for clients presenting with mental health and substance use challenges from Adler Graduate Professional School. She also has training 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 as an in-patient Social Worker at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and previously worked in mental health research exploring the efficacy of an integrative care pathway to support youth and adolescents presenting with depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
Theoretical Approach
Michelle strives to adapt and integrate evidence-based approaches to best fit her clients’ needs within their unique sociocultural context, by incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. By practicing from a client-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive lens, Michelle aims to establish a safe and non-judgmental space to for clients to work through their emotional distress and to meet their treatment goals. She takes a collaborative approach in guiding clients through their journey of self-exploration and discovery, as well as strengthening their adaptive coping skills.
Michelle has experience working with clients with various presenting concerns, including:
- Symptoms of Depression
- Symptoms of Anxiety
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Emotion Dysregulation
- Stress Management
- Self-esteem/Self-worth
- Adjustment to various life stressors
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 personally aware of 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 their worldview. Michelle takes a cultural humility approach in understanding clients’ unique life stories, recognizes her privilege in bearing witness to clients’ lived experiences, and strives to support clients throughout their process of healing and growth.
Languages
Michelle provides services in English.
Memberships
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)