Registered Social Worker
As a clinical social worker, my goal is to help children, youth, and their families feel grounded and connected—to themselves, to one another, and to the world around them. I specialize in supporting children (ages 8+), youth, and their parents through a range of emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. These may include anxiety, depression, school avoidance, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, past trauma, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties.
I am passionate about helping children and youth build confidence in themselves and develop tools to manage overwhelming emotions. I also work closely with parents to help them better understand their child’s inner world, respond more effectively to their emotional needs, and strengthen the attachment bond. I offer practical, evidence-based strategies to improve communication, build trust, and support emotional regulation within the home.
In my work, I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space that fosters healing, growth, and self-awareness. My approach is both compassionate and directive—I offer guidance when things feel unclear and step back when you're ready to take the lead. I also bring playfulness, curiosity, and humor into sessions to help children and teens feel safe enough to explore and process painful emotions and memories.
Outside of private practice, I also work as a social worker at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, supporting youth and families navigating complex mental health challenges. Please note that I cannot provide services to patients of the Royal or if you have been discharged from the Royal within the past two years.
| Services Provided | Cost | Approx. Wait Time |
| Individual psychotherapy (for children, youth, or parents/caregivers) | $170 for a 60-minute session | Accepting new clients |
| Joint parent/caregiver-child sessions | $180 for a 60-minute session | Accepting new clients |
How to make an appointment:
In person Fridays, virtual alternating Thursdays
Email: amandaroccarsw@gmail.com
Approaches to Psychotherapy:
My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches and a deep respect for the resilience and strengths of the children, youth, and families I work with. I draw primarily from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which helps clients find a balance between acceptance and change to build a life that feels meaningful and manageable.
I also integrate tools and techniques from:
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Family-Based Therapy for Eating Disorders (FBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- As well as elements of Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing
Additionally, I incorporate principles from Polyvagal Theory to help clients understand how their nervous system responds to stress and overwhelm, including overstimulation. My goal is to help children and youth feel more in control of their emotions, more in tune with their bodies, and better able to regulate themselves throughout the day.
Clinical Experience:
I am a Registered Social Worker (#834110) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I completed the Social Service Worker program at Algonquin College, followed by a Bachelor and Master of Social Work at Carleton University.
Since 2015, I’ve worked with youth, adults, and families across a variety of settings, including live-in treatment programs, community outreach, drop-in centres, and transitional-aged services. Much of my work has focused on mental health and crisis counselling as well as navigating the mental health system.
In 2019, I completed my Master’s practicum with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Concurrent Disorders Program, co-facilitating groups focused on substance use and emotion regulation. That same year, I joined the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa’s Bridges Program, where I provided therapy to youth with chronic and severe suicidal ideation and other mental health concerns, along with their caregivers.
Availability
- Fridays – In-person and virtual appointments
- Bi-weekly Thursdays – Virtual appointments only