"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."-- Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Teen Therapy
• Child Therapy
• Parenting, Life and Career Coaching

About Shelley

I understand how difficult it can be to watch your child struggle, or to feel unsure about how to help as a parent. Reaching out for support can be a big step, and you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where children, teens, and families can feel heard, understood, and hopeful about the future.

As a Registered Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I have had the privilege of helping young people and their caregivers through a wide range of challenges. I believe that every child and family has strengths to build on, and that meaningful change and growth are possible.

I work with children and teens experiencing:

• Anxiety and panic
• Depression and mood concerns
• Difficulties managing emotions
• OCD and selective mutism
• Self-harm
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Relationship and family challenges
• Life transitions
• Questions related to gender and sexuality

You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If your child is struggling, therapy can provide support, practical tools, and a place to better understand what they are experiencing.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based. I work closely with each child, teen, and family to understand their unique experiences, identify strengths, and develop skills that increase confidence, resilience, and well-being. I draw from a variety of proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, somatic approaches, and solution-focused therapy, tailoring treatment to each individual’s age, strengths, and needs.

I recognize that parents and caregivers play a vital role in a child’s well-being. When appropriate, I work collaboratively with families to strengthen communication, improve relationships, and support lasting change. I also provide parent coaching and counselling, helping caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s needs while feeling more confident in their parenting journey.

When working with families, I focus on strengthening connections, reducing conflict, improving communication, and navigating challenges such as parenting concerns, blended family dynamics, and major life changes. I believe families have tremendous capacity for growth and healing, and I strive to help them create healthier, more connected relationships.

I hold a Master of Social Work degree from New York University and am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Much of my career has been spent working in child and adolescent mental health, including providing psychotherapy at the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic at Southlake Regional Health Centre. These experiences have given me extensive expertise in supporting children, teens, and families facing complex mental health challenges.

Therapy can help children and adolescents better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges. If you are considering therapy for your child or teen, I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute consultation. I would be pleased to answer your questions and discuss how I may be able to help.