Melissa McManus is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), who specializes in working with adults and older adults experiencing grief and loss, chronic health issues, life transitions, caregiver stress, trauma, issues surrounding aging, and hopelessness. Melissa is a kind, compassionate listener, who is ready to walk with you through your grief journey. She believes in the importance of building a strong, therapeutic relationship with her clients, and building trust during this vulnerable time. Melissa is passionate about providing client-centered, empathetic care, that is rooted in self-compassion. She strives to provide the emotional support and resources needed to help you build coping skills, while processing loss and transitions.
Melissa’s work is largely based in Narrative Therapy and grief theories, and strives to be trauma informed and strength-based. Melissa also uses evidence-based modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Melissa currently works part time as a Social Worker at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. She previously worked as a Medical Social Worker at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Clinic, and interned as an Oncology Social Worker at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, working with individuals with leukemia and lymphoma, and those going through a bone marrow transplant.
Melissa is currently available for in-person and virtual appointments.
Licensing and Education:
Registered Social Worker - The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers
Member – Ontario Association of Social Workers
Member – Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network
Master of Social Work, Concentration in Older Adults and Families (MSW) – Boston College School of Social Work
Bachelor Degree (BA) – Honors Double Major in Thanatology and Family Studies