ABOUT ME
Nicole Mitten, RSW, MEd, MSc
Hi, I’m Nicole Mitten, a counselling professional who is here to support you to find wellness. I am a registered social worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I am also a registered member of Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have a Masters of Education from University of Toronto in Counselling Psychology and a Masters of Science from the University of Guelph in Family Relations and Human Development. I started working in the social services sector in 2006 and have spent the past decade gaining skills and experience working with people in a variety of settings and with a variety of concerns.
I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are experiencing symptoms related to a history of trauma (family conflict, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, loss, systematic discrimination). Specifically, I am skilled in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD and complex trauma, relational issues, school and workplace issues and general distress. I also have experience in supporting children, teens and young adults during times of change, stress and family transition, including separation, divorce, adoption and involvement with FACS.
In addition, I have experience working with adults during complex life challenges and transitions related to both work and family life. I also have experience working with adults struggling with mental health challenges and addiction.
I also have specific experience working with families, specifically mothers in the postpartum period. I have completed the Maternal Mental Health Professional Certificate Training Program offered by Postpartum Support International. I am also a volunteer Breastfeeding Peer Support with the Breastfeeding Buddies of the Waterloo Region. In this capacity I not only support mothers to breastfeed, but I have received breastfeeding specific training from a nurse/lactation consultant. These services are available free of charge through the BFB program, so while my breastfeeding knowledge can complement our postpartum work, you can also access those services free of charge by clicking here. In addition, I am a certified Infant Sleep Consultant (QC Wellness).
Finally, I have gained specific knowledge in working with people who experience stigma from health professionals. Due to my work in the field of critical psychology, I have a specific level of awareness of the complex role of mental health care professionals in their client's lives and I strive to maintain an openness and non-judgemental attitude that allows my clients to feel fully accepted and safe during our work together.