Hey there!
I'm Emily, and I am so glad you are here.
I am a Registered Social Worker, living and working in the province of Ontario.
I am passionate about supporting young people grieving a death, as well as those experiencing anxiety, struggles with self-esteem, and life transitions.
My Journey
As a former child, teen, and young adult, I know how important it is to have the support, connection, and safety to explore life's biggest joys, obstacles, and everything in between. We are all deserving of that. I work from a space of curiosity, compassion, authenticity and meeting everyone where they are on their journey. I also believe in the power of joy, laughter, and play where it feels right.
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I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Social Work, both from Wilfrid Laurier University. My background brings experience from children's community mental health, and the school board, as well as my 8 years at The Lighthouse for Grieving Children where I helped to develop programming, coordinate and facilitate grief support groups, and provide consultations and service navigation to families and professionals province and nation-wide.
In our our work together, I draw from various therapeutic modalities including play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), expressive arts, mindfulness, and self-compassion practices. While these practices are utilized, my work is client-centred and I work with each client to meet their needs in any given session. I approach our work together from a holistic view; exploring possibilities to support all parts of the self; mind, body, and soul.
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When I am not connecting with awesome humans, you can find me connecting with loved ones, letting my inner foodie shine in the kitchen, spending time outside, devouring a book, or travelling. I am a life-long learner, passionate about community and connection, and a constantly-evolving human, just like you.
Education & Training
In addition to the education and training below, I am passionate about being a life-long learner and providing support that feels safe, helpful, culturally sensitive, and continue my learning through ongoing workshops, trainings, and books.
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Wilfrid Laurier University, Class of 2016)
Master of Social Work (Wilfrid Laurier University, Class of 2020)
Youth Bereavement Support: A Roadmap to Inclusion (National Alliance for Grieving Children)
End-of-Life Rituals in Diverse Communities (Heart House Hospice & Acclaim Health)
safeTALK Training (LivingWorks)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Training Series (Reach out Centre for Kids)
Introduction to Play Therapy (Canadian Association for Play Therapy)
Play Therapy for Children and Families Coping with Loss (Canadian Association for Play Therapy)
Art Therapy in a Play Therapy Setting (Canadian Association for Play Therapy)
ACT for Grief and Loss (Psychwire)
Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies (Linda Thai)