Meet Your Therapist
Emma O’Connell, MSW, RSW
Hello! I’m Emma. I am a Social Worker, partner, sister, friend, daughter, mom and companion to my furry canine friend named Koda. I love being outside, reading fantasy books, hobby-hoping, making bread and learning about people and relationships.
I am also just a person who is constantly working towards feeling more grounded and connected to myself and my values in this very busy and distracting world.
I have ADHD and LOVE working with the Neuro-divergent community. Our sessions are not about me, but I think it’s understandable for people to be curious about their therapists and I find deep value in showing up authentically in sessions for both myself and clients! If you’re looking for a blank slate or neutral therapist, I’m not it.
Co-creating a space where you feel comfortable to show up as yourself is just as important in our work together as learning new skills or processing challenging emotions.
Approach & Education
Approach
I don’t believe in one sized fits all therapy. You are the expert in your life and get to decide what is relevant in our sessions or not. Here are some approaches I use in my sessions:
I’m a relational therapist : We don’t function in isolation. Relationships to others - including your therapist - are integral to our understanding of the world and ourselves.
I use somatic practices : Body-based rather than intellectualizing.
Focus on nervous system regulation : Moving from feeling frantic to more grounded.
Compassion focused : Stop being so mean to yourself! …. Seriously, it’s not helping.
Neuro-divergent affirming :You don’t need to fit in a box! In fact, throw the box out.
Culturally relevant : Culture and what it means to YOU is a valuable part of our work.
Trauma informed :Intentional work designed to avoid re-traumatizing your body as we work together.
Strength-based: Focusing on and fostering your strengths as a valuable part of who you are and how you move through the world to support feelings of empowerment.
Person centered: This is about YOU. You are in the driver’s seat.
Educational Background
I have a Bachelor and Master degree of Social Work from Dalhousie University and am a Registered Social Worker with both the Ontario and Quebec boards. That means that if you have insurance that covers Social Workers, my services will most likely be covered!
Areas Where I Can Support You
Learning and understanding more and getting curious about what ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergence means for you and in your life
Unraveling beliefs that are keeping you stuck
Addressing relationship issues
Helping you develop a sense of safety and presence in your own body
Increasing capacity for emotional regulation
Achieving personal growth and transformation
Promoting feelings of self-compassion and self-acceptance
Working with your inner critic and any other parts that come up and get in your way
Certificates & Training
Certificate in Embodied Counselling from The Institute of Somatic Sexology
DBT training
Motivational Interviewing
ADHD Clinical Services Provider Certification
ASIST Suicidal Prevention Training