Michelle Hazlett, MSW RSW
Michelle's nineteen years in the mental health field have led her to value the importance of the therapeutic relationship above all else. She is well known in the community for her relaxed, upfront, and warm approach with her clients. Through her work experience, Michelle has been humbled to bear witness to clients’ bravery and transformation. She works with clients’ natural pull towards healing and connection in session to make strong and lasting therapeutic gains.
Michelle completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in the applied science of Child, Youth, and Family Studies. She later went on to pursue her Masters of Social Work through the University of Windsor. Michelle has worked clinically in residential treatment facilities, shelters, community mental health, and the school board. She is well versed in the treatment of a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, attachment-based concerns, and PTSD. Michelle has a keen interest in trauma therapy. She has experience working with individuals who have experienced developmental and acute trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and human trafficking. She is mindful of the dissociative experience of trauma survivors and the importance of increasing capacity to stay in the present. Michelle works with child, adolescent, and adult populations. She offers parents psychoeducation and family support. She brings an attachment-based lens to this work as well as lived experience as a mother of two.
Michelle is a life-long learner and continues to enroll in advanced trainings to further her learning and ensure quality client care. She recognizes that above all however, the client is the expert in their own life, requiring a respectful and collaborative approach.
Therapeutic Modalities
Michelle uses the following therapeutic modalities as indicated during her clinical work:
- EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
- Flash Technique
- Attachment Principles
- Structural Dissociation and IFS Informed Care
- CBT- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- DBT - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Harm Reduction Principles
- DeTur Urge Reduction & EMDR Addiction Protocols
- Deep Brain Reorientation
Certified EMDR Therapist & EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Michelle is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, with extensive experience providing trauma therapy to children, youth, and adults with complex clinical presentations.
As an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Michelle provides consultation to EMDR-trained therapists who are looking to strengthen their confidence, deepen their case conceptualization, and navigate more complex EMDR work. Consultation can include support with complex and developmental trauma, dissociation, attachment-related concerns, children and adolescents, complex adult presentations, treatment planning, preparation and stabilization, and adapting EMDR to meet individual client needs.
Michelle’s consultation style is collaborative and practical. Rather than simply telling clinicians what to do, she helps therapists develop their own clinical reasoning, understand what may be happening when EMDR becomes complicated or gets “stuck,” and make thoughtful decisions about how and when to proceed.
Working Toward EMDR Certification?
Michelle can also provide EMDR consultation hours toward becoming an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist. Consultation can focus on both the requirements of certification and, more importantly, developing greater competence and confidence in using EMDR in clinical practice.
Consultation is available for clinicians working with children, adolescents, adults, and complex trauma presentations, including therapists who want additional support expanding their EMDR practice beyond straightforward single-incident trauma. Individual and group consultation options are available.
Memberships and Affiliations
Michelle is a member in good standing with the following organizations:
