Reaching out for help is not always easy, and yet it can be an important step towards your healing journey.
Mental and emotional well-being are integral to overall health and counselling can be a powerful tool for achieving this balance.
No matter where you are on your journey or which path you have chosen, individuals are supported here in receiving exceptional services to support a wide range of mental health needs.
Remember that there is no one size fits all approach; trust built and the therapeutic rapport are important factors in the collaborative process.
Finding a counselor that best supports your needs is important! Shop around, ask questions and be sure to choose the best fit for you.
Check out the vast services offered to support a range of needs!
Your Path to Healing
Mission
To listen, support, and guide you during your journey towards healing in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment;
To empower you in overcoming challenges, achieve your goals, and improve your overall well-being through a supportive and professional environment;
A focus on helping individuals recognize their strengths and potential to drive their own change and growth;
Assisting people in resolving core issues and transforming negative patterns into life-enhancing opportunities;
Helping people in acquiring practical tools and new coping mechanisms to manage effectively.
Values
Committed to high standards of care, integrity and using evidence based or research informed practices while also upholding ethics and boundaries within the role and scope of practice provided.
Committed to helping others, addressing social problems, challenging injustices and pursuit of social justice.
Committed to treating all individuals with respect and care, recognizing their inherent value and encouraging self-determination.
Committed to behaving in trustworthy ways, remaining consistent in actions and upholding professional conduct.
Committed to prioritizing ongoing learning and continued education; engaging in opportunities to enhance professional skills and knowledges for effective services.
Committed to decolonization and celebrating differences in an inclusive space.
About Nicole Handrigan (MSW, BSW, ADHD-CCSP)
Registered Social Worker
Independent Contractor
I am a Registered Social Worker with the NLCSW and have nearly two decades in the field working with children, youth, adults and families.
I aim to promote overall well-being and improve mental health outcomes. I am proud to provide a confidential, safe and non-judgmental space to help support you. I strive to always be inclusive, respectful and believe that we all deserve access to quality social work services, regardless of background or circumstances.
I am client-centered and strengths based in my approach, seeing each person as the expert in their own lives.
I aim to empower others in achieving their goals towards healing and recovery; meeting them where they are and walking alongside them while they meet their therapeutic goals.
Talking with professional counsellors and therapists can be helpful to many and there is often a stigma and shame to reaching out for help. I aspire to help people from all walks of life discover a healthy, well-balanced future. Reaching out might be the next best step in prioritizing yourself!
I also strive to reduce barriers to accessible and affordable care where possible, like providing a sliding scale option for services and by offering direct billing to most insurance companies. I offer flexible schedule and do offer weekend/evening appointments.
I am trained in a variety of modalities and approaches, allowing for a tailored approach to meet your individual needs. This includes, but is not limited to, training in narrative therapy, CBT and DBT approaches, Somatic Therapy and more!
SERVICES OFFERED
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling services that are tailored to your specific needs. Support provided for those struggling from anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief/loss, relationship issues, and more.
Services available for children, youth and adults; virtual and in-person options available.
Couples Counseling
Designed to help with improving couples communication, work through conflicts, and strengthen your relationship. Guidance to help you through the process and help you build strong and healthy relationship(s).
Virtual and in-person options available.
Family Counseling
Family dynamics can be complex and challenging. Counselling may help you navigate through the challenges and build stronger relationships. Support for families of all sizes and backgrounds to help them communicate better, resolve conflicts, and build stronger bonds.
Virtual and in-person options available.
Critical Incident Debrief(s)
Offering individual and/or small group critical incident debriefing sessions following the aftermath of a crisis situation or critical incident happening. Please reach out for more information.
Virtual and in-person options available.
Consultation Services
A wide range of consultation services provided such as, but not limited to helping agencies, groups, non-profits, charities with: program and policy development; creating by-laws and/or TORS for boards and/or advisory committees; trauma informed practices.
Also providing supervision to new social work graduates, etc. (limited)
Experience working with Indigenous led organizations.
Presentations
Given to small or large groups in-person or virtually on a variety of topics like mental health, social justice, psychoeducation, etc. Experience presenting nationally, provincially and in smaller groups and settings on a wide range of topics related to the field of Social Work and mental health.
Field Instruction
Experienced field instructor of 10+ years supervising social work student (BSW and MSW) from various universities.
Other:
- Offering ADHD assessments/diagnosis for Adults **At one location ONLY**
- Offering Accelerated Resolution Therapy; an evidence-based psychotherapy that is short-term and helps process and resolve trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health related challenges. It uses guided imagery by a trained provider and eye movements to process distressing emotions without having to engage in talk therapy.
Other Work EXperiences
Nicole presented about her lived experiences with systems of child welfare.
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
The Kempe Centers 2022 virtual conference, "A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare," was an international event that brought together over 2,000 participants to discuss best practices and strategies for transforming child welfare systems. Held from October 3-6, 2022, the conference focused on topics such as social and racial justice, fa
The Kempe Centers 2022 virtual conference, "A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare," was an international event that brought together over 2,000 participants to discuss best practices and strategies for transforming child welfare systems. Held from October 3-6, 2022, the conference focused on topics such as social and racial justice, family advocacy, and child and family well-being. It featured presenters from around the world who shared research and ideas for promoting healthier, more restorative ways of working with children and families.
Format: The event was an international virtual conference, making it accessible to a global audience.
Participants: Over 2,000 people from various countries attended, including practitioners, policymakers, academics, and community members.
Topics: Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including social and racial justice, family advocacy, child and family well-being, prevention, and health.
Presenters: 530 presenters from numerous countries shared their expertise and sparked discussions on key topics.
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
"A Thought Experiment: Rewriting our Child Protection Stories Through an ADR Lens"
Click below to see Nicole featured on NTV news in her previous role as Coordinator at North Star CYAC
"A Thought Experiment: Rewriting our Child Protection Stories Through an ADR Lens"
February 12, 2024
Nicole co-presented, virtually, at an ADR conference hosted in Ontario; the presentation explored how family group conferencing and alternative dispute resolution is underutilized in Ontario and the benefits of these practices when used.