Michelle Régnier
MSW, BSW
Registered Social Worker
EnglishBackground
I am a Registered Social Worker with an MSW from the University of Waterloo and a BSW from McGill University. My background includes over a decade as a healthcare activist, along with clinical roles in hospitals, schools, and community organizations. I also hold additional credentials in Thanatology (grief, loss, and end-of-life care) and Behavioural Science (neurodiverse populations). I currently provide psychotherapy through the Toronto Psychology Clinic, offer counselling and facilitate programs at Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, and deliver culturally informed therapy for NIHB participants.
Your therapeutic experience with me
Clients often describe working with me as a collaborative, validating, and empowering experience. I offer a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approach, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges at your own pace. I work from a place of deep empathy and lived experience—particularly with cancer survivorship and intergenerational trauma—allowing me to hold space for the emotional complexity of life-altering events. Together, we will work toward clarity, resilience, and meaningful change.
Areas of expertise
These are the areas I commonly work with, and they form a big part of the support I offer in my practice:
I also support you in these additional areas and welcome you to reach out if any of them speak to what you are going through:
Therapeutic approaches
These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviours. By learning to reframe these thoughts and develop healthier coping strategies, clients can make lasting change and improve their overall functioning.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps clients develop psychological flexibility by teaching them to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than fight or avoid them. Clients learn to connect with the present moment, clarify their personal values, and take committed actions aligned with those values.
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
This approach reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity by helping clients observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. MBSR can enhance emotional regulation, improve focus, and promote a greater sense of calm and well-being.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping clients become aware of how emotional experiences are stored physically. Through body-based techniques clients learn to release tension, regulate their nervous system, and process trauma.
I also draw on other evidence based approaches that can gently support you when they align with what you need:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)
Solution-focused Therapy
Focused populations and cultural backgrounds
These are the communities and cultural backgrounds I focus on, and I bring a sincere commitment to supporting you in a way that feels respectful and genuine:
Populations
People Facing Chronic Illness Or Pain
Young Adults
Families
Neurodivergent Clients
Adults
Cultural communities
Indigenous Community
1st And 2nd Generation Immigrant
Newcomer And Refugee
BIPOC
First Responders
Professional credentials
Registered Social Worker
- No.851883
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Educational background
Master of Social Work
Focus: Healthcare
University of Waterloo, Canada
Bachelor of Social Work, Minor Political Science
Focus: Healthcare and PoliSci
McGill University, Canada
Specialized training
Certificate, Thanatology
George Brown College
Diploma, Behavioural Science
Humber College
Trauma-Informed Practice
McGill and Waterloo Universities and Workplace
ACT, CBT, DBT, and EFT clinical training
University and Workplace Training
Certificate, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
PESI Canada
Certificate, Somatic Therapy for Stress and Trauma
PESI Canada
Practice locations & services
Immediate crisis support available
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:
- 🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
- 💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention