Michelle Gagnier

As a therapist, it is my goal to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts and experiences so that we can explore what is getting in your way and holding you back. Everyone deserves to be living their best life, and I would like to support you in living yours. I truly believe that people are doing the best they can with the resources they have, and that sometimes we get stuck or feel off-course. It is my role to walk with you and to offer support in helping you find your way. You are the expert in your own life and situation.

‍

My areas of speciality include working with adults who are navigating challenges with anxiety, trauma and PTSD, life transitions, self-esteem and self-identity, behaviour concerns, chronic pain, and depression. If you are feeling alone, frustrated, trapped/stuck, questioning who you are, or uncertain about how to proceed, I am here to work with you collaboratively and compassionately. Together we will develop strategies and build resources to help you find your way to a path you wish to be on.

‍

I am also passionate about working with survivors of acquired brain injury and their families. I too am a brain injury survivor and can relate to the impact one experiences after suffering a brain injury. To further support my work with brain injury, I have taken speciality courses through the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and have tailored my education around brain injury-related rehabilitation and chronic pain.

‍

As every person is unique, so should your therapy be. Operating from a strengths-based, client-focused, and trauma-informed approach, I employ a combination of modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to match your needs and assist you in reaching your goals. For PTSD-focused therapy, I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET).

‍

I am a social worker and psychotherapist, registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree from York University in Psychology and Cognitive Science, and with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Western University. Outside of work, you can find me spending quality time with friends and/or family, playing video games, writing fiction collaboratively, watching movies, or reading.

‍

In addition to therapy, I offer clinical supervision to social workers and psychotherapists that is rooted in IFS and ACT theory. I value working with clinicians at beginner and intermediate experience levels who are interested in exploring their therapist parts as they relate to their profession and work with clients. Please contact me, if this aligns with your interests for a free consultation.

‍

If you are wondering if I can help you, or have any questions, please contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation and we can determine together if I am the right fit for you.