Robyn Howell, MSW, RSW, Social Worker
Robyn Howell is a senior-level social worker and has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She has worked with a diverse range of people, spanning the age groups of young adults, adults and older adults/seniors since 2010. Robyn provides treatment to individuals and couples and has experience with a range of concerns such as anxiety disorders (e.g., fears/phobias, generalized anxiety, social anxiety), depression, assertiveness and communication, chronic pain and illnesses (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, stroke), emotion regulation (e.g., overwhelming feelings such as anger, fear, sadness, and shame), family of origin issues, intimacy issues, loss and grief, life transitions, perfectionism, childhood trauma and PTSD, coping with traumatic brain injury, health anxiety, self-esteem/self-criticism, self-harm, and relationship stress (e.g., family, friends).
Robyn integrates and tailors several evidence-based approaches into treatment, depending on the needs of her clients, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness strategies, and motivational interviewing. Her therapy perspective is firmly grounded in an understanding of attachment theory and early emotional development.
Robyn’s interpersonal style is warm, optimistic and she connects with people easily. Robyn is collaborative, open and encourages exploration and discovery of new possibilities. Her approach is compassionate, relationally oriented, and culturally sensitive. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is key to gaining deeper self-understanding, improving emotional connections, learning new skills, improving health, and promoting personal growth.
Robyn welcomes and enjoys working with couples. She helps couples navigate their differences in an affirming and respectful way, identify and break out of negative cycles, overcome barriers to trust and intimacy, and learn to better recognize and support each other’s heartfelt needs and find security. We all want to feel heard and understood and she helps you find your way back to the life and relationship you want. For couples, the ultimate goal of therapy is a resilient, secure, and trusting relationship where both partners can grow and come together as they journey through life.
Robyn has helped many people who have faced chronic health issues and traumatic injuries. Living with chronic pain, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries can have a massive impact on one’s emotional well-being, relationships and view of self. Robyn helps with both processing the negative impact of chronic pain, injury and illness on one’s life as well as learning about the intricate relationship between the mind and body. Robyn aims to go beyond coping and empower you to prioritize your emotional and physical needs simultaneously. She works with clients to find meaning and hope and includes partners and families in therapy when needed.
Robyn’s career-related experience has also involved working with individuals (and their families/caregivers) living with dementia. In her role, she integrated education and counselling, as well as support around responding to and coping with behavioural challenges associated with dementia.
Robyn has been employed as a Manager and Interim Director with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and as a social worker with Carefirst Seniors and Community Services Association, overseeing a program for seniors living with dementia.
Her academic focus at the University of Toronto during her postgraduate education was in health and mental health. She received training at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare as part of the day treatment and ambulatory care services, where she conducted psychosocial assessments and counselling to individuals with complex neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation needs. She also received training at the South-East Ottawa Community Health Care Centre where she provided counselling to clients with concurrent health and mental health needs.
Robyn is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Online therapy only.