Michelle Ruthven

Michelle Ruthven, BSW, RSW, CYWshe/her

Clinical Social Worker

Essex, Ontario, Canada

Also available by telehealth: Ontario

Authentic, warm support to help you get unstuck, heal relationships, and find your way forward.

About

Clients who reach out for help, no matter the reason, always inspire me, because that first step is one of the hardest things you can do for yourself. Whether you're dealing with relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, or just feeling stuck, I'm here to help you figure out what's getting in the way and build a real plan to move forward. I'll be honest with you, I'll meet you where you are, and I'll walk alongside you as you work toward the goals you set for yourself.

I bring over 25 years of experience working with children and families in protective and school systems, plus 35 years of lived experience that gives me a deeper understanding of what people actually go through. I'm trained in trauma-informed therapy, Family Systems, EFT for couples, Internal Family Systems (parts work), somatic approaches, and ADHD and parenting strategies. I'm also certified in Conflict Mediation. That combination means I can connect with you across a wide range of struggles and life stages.

My approach is client-centered, which means you set the stage. I focus on building trust and rapport first, because without that foundation, nothing else works. Once we have that, we dig into what's really going on, create goals together, and take the next steps toward healing. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and I see clients of all ages, from children through to seniors.

I offer sessions in a cozy environment or in your home, and I'm available weekdays, evenings, and weekends. I direct-bill most insurance plans and offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can make sure it's a good fit before we begin. You're here now, and that's huge. Let's figure out the rest together.

Specialties

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Parenting
  • Grief & loss
  • Relationship issues
  • Family conflict
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress management
  • OCD
  • Perinatal & postpartum

Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Somatic / body-based
  • Mindfulness-based
  • Play therapy
  • Solution-focused
  • Narrative therapy
  • Humanistic / person-centered
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Works with

  • Adults
  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Children (under 13)
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Older adults

Sessions

In-personVideo

Languages

  • English

Logistics

Fees

CA$145per session

Individual sessions $145, couple sessions $155. Sliding scale available. Direct billing to most insurance plans. Payment by cash, e-Transfer, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, or Visa.

Insurance

Accepts: Canada Life | Great-West Life, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Nations Health Authority, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SSQ, Sun Life, TELUS Health, WSIB

I accept insurance and offer direct billing to most insurance plans.

Licensed or authorized in

  • Ontario

Credentials

  • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba, 2024
  • Child & Youth Worker Diploma, St. Clair College, 1994
Ready to start? Reach out directly:(548) 457-0242