Michelle Régnier | Registered Social Worker

Background

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 represent my core areas of expertise, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

Grief, Loss, And Bereavement

Cancer Survivorship And Chronic Illness

End-of-life Care And Emotional Support For Individuals And Caregivers

Life Transitions And Identity Shifts

Trauma And Intergenerational Trauma

Interpersonal Relationships And Boundaries

I also provide skilled support in these additional areas and welcome clients seeking help with these concerns.

Neurodiversity (autism, ADHD) And Caregiver Support

Therapeutic approaches

These are my primary therapeutic approaches, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

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 incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)

Solution-focused Therapy

Client communities & cultural expertise

These are the client communities and cultural backgrounds I have specialized experience supporting.

Client populations I serve

People Facing Chronic Illness Or Pain

Young Adults

Families

Neurodivergent Clients

Adults

Cultural expertise

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

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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