Get To Know Your Therapist & Clinic
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Trained and licensed in Toronto, Ontario Canada
Bachelor & Master of Social Work - Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson U.)
Continued Education:
~ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
~ The Beck Institute, Cynwyd, PA
~ Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Mirelli van Heer, RSW, MSW, CCTP
Licensed, Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist in Toronto Ontario, Canada
Highlights:
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Bachelor & Master of Social Work - Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson U.)
Continued Education:
~ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
~ Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA & McLean Hospital*, Belmont, MA
(Teaching hospitals for Harvard Medical)
~ University of Toronto & CAMH
"When I talk to you about fear, vulnerability, courage, sacrifice, risk, values, and living with the unknown in therapy, I want you to know, that I didn’t just pick that out of a textbook or a research article. ...I’ve also lived these concepts out in my own life.
~ Mirelli (See My Story below)
GET YOUR FREE 15 MIN.CONSULTATION
Meet Mirelli...
Mirelli van Heer, RSW, MSW, CCTP
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Although being a therapist is all I've ever wanted to do, life had a way of delaying that. Returning to my PASSION took sacrifice, risk, courage, facing fears, worry, navigating transitions and a lot of vulnerability. It started with giving up another career and the success I had worked toward so diligently. That felt like a really big loss. And although I knew I would regret it more if I never tried, stepping into the unknown and feeling like one is going backwards in life, with no guarantees, wasn’t fun. Why am I telling you this? Because when I talk to you about fear, vulnerability, courage, sacrifice, risk, values, mindset shifts, worry, habits, and living with the unknown in therapy, I want you to know, that I didn’t just pick that out of a textbook or a research article. Although I have a huge intellectual curiosity and continue to learn, I’ve also lived these concepts out in my own life. When I tell you, my heart goes out to you in a session, it really does, because I have been there. I’ve been in that pit. And in many other pits. I’ve struggled. I’ve survived. I’ve thrived. I’ve slid back down and crawled back up. And that is why it is an honor, and sacred trust, to walk alongside you in your struggles.
To perform the legally defined ‘act of psychotherapy,’ in Ontario, a person must qualify as one of 5 of licensed, regulated health professionals (RHPs) laid out by law. One of those RHPs is Social Work and Psychotherapist. And that is what I am: Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I have a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU formerly Ryerson U.). And a Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions Counselling from TMU. I also have a plethora of additional specialized, post-graduate training in therapy from a range of institutions including several from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital (both teaching hospitals for Harvard Medical), the Beck Institute (creators of CBT) and so on. In addition to training in several different therapeutic modalities described on the services page, I hold a number of clinical certifications. Namely, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and ADHD Certified Service Provider. In the near future, I will be returning to Harvard part-time to complete my Postgraduate (Masters-Level) Certificate in Human Behavior.
Therapy is both art and science. The art of human connection, combined with the application of solid scientifically-proven, success strategies. Third, these two ingredients must be personalized to the person and contextualized to the realities each person faces. And all this needs to take place in the context of a really good relationship between client and therapist. Not a perfect one, but a good one, filled with strengths, may be some gaps that get filled, some repairs that are made, so that the therapeutic relationship becomes the bedrock of the work! Humans are unique and complex, so should the work we do together. My approach is always INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC, meaning I draw from a number of therapeutic techniques to create a CUSTOMIZED approach that fits you. My style is INVITATIONAL meaning, I TEAM UP with you to make this a HIGHLY RELATIONAL and COLLABORATIVE process. You and I work as a TEAM. We strive for a CLIENT-CENTERED, TEAM EXPERIENCE so you can feel better. And we don't stop there. We move forward to intentionally create the life you'd love to live, despite the struggles you face.
" I guess I've been talking to so many people but I never felt heard until just now....Can I continue to book with you?"
"When you said that, it brought a huge relief to my mind...sorry to be so emotional..."
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Spontaneous unsolicited feedback from 2 different men who'd struggled through therapy before but didn't see the breakthroughs they were looking for.
Giving Back: The DNA Of The Clinic
Public Speaking Events & Training for Therapists
Whether it's providing
training for other therapists on counselling techniques, presenting on the latest research, presenting at post-secondary schools, or training Masters-level interns, helping others be the best therapist (or other healthcare professional) that they can be, is a passion of mine. Contact me if you'd like to arrange a speaking or training event for your students or staff.
Success Strategies:
Much like a great meal, the only thing better than having success,
is sharing it with others!
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I look forward to sharing mine with you! Because together, we create our lives, and the communities we love to live in! All it takes, is one intentional step, in the right direction!
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So let's do this!
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~ Mirelli
​Living with gratitude on the traditional lands of many Indigenous, Metis, Inuit & First Nations peoples. Intentionally committed to reconciliation. And walking in humility.
Recent Presentation Topics:
Chronic Pain
Borderline Personality Disorder
Suicide Risk
Mindfulness in the Workplace
Work Stress & Burnout
And many others
For every $1 Canadian companies invested in mental health programs they collected $1.62 in return on investment.
~ Deloitte Insights
2019
Because they give the MOST, when we need them the most.
Would
you rather try & see what happens or regret not trying ?
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We miss 100% of the shots we don't take."
~ Wayne
Gretzky
Ten Percent Investment In Non-Profits
Because Social Determinants of Health Matter
We invest 10% of the clinic's bottom line back into the community. Whether its a smile, holding the door for a stranger, making a donation, or volunteering time to a cause close to one's heart, the research is clear: Giving back is correlated with happiness! We believe in being intentional in leading the way. Therefore, you can feel even better about investing in your own therapy, while investing in the wellbeing of others. Here's who we support:
Anishnawbe Health Foundation
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Between 30%-55% of health outcomes are attributable to the Social Determinants of Health. That means income, unemployment, food security, housing, childhood development, structural conflict, working conditions, education, social inclusion and discrimination are the single biggest determinants of the health of children and communities at home, and across the globe.
~ World Health Organization
Indigenous-led provider of
Western & Indigenous healthcare
Accreditations & More
