Raechel Hamill has a Masters degree in Psychology. Raechel works with individual adults and adolescents using approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT, & IFS.
Raechel completed a psychology practicum with Dr. Barbera c. psych in 2023-2024. Raechel has been contracting her therapeutic services to Dr. Barbera c. psych since 2023.
Raechel is completing a PsyD in Psychology in order to register as a Clinical Psychologist. She works under Dr. Barbera C. Psych’s & Dr. Amanda Robinson C. Psych’s clinical supervision (a requirement by CPBAO for registration).
Her primary area of focus includes: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, OCD, alcohol and substance use, self-harm and adjustment issues. She also has experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments.
An interview to get to know Raechel:
Can you briefly describe your educational background and training in therapy & psychology?
· I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) at Adler Graduate Professional School where I previously completed my Master of Psychology School in 2024. I have a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Brock University which I completed in 2022. In addition, I have completed additional trainings in CBT, ACT, IFS and trauma informed care.
Can you tell me more about what made you go into psychology and as a career?
· I always knew I want to be in a helping profession. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Distress Centre Niagara on their ONTX service (Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services).
I connected with the work and loved being a part of my greater community. Through my time volunteering, I found myself wanting to be to grow my knowledge and continue my journey into psychology. Psychology is an incredibly rewarding field that I am thankful to be a part of.
How long have you been practicing as a therapist, and what types of clients have you worked with during your career?
· I previously completed a practicum placement under the supervision of Dr. Barbera and Dr. Robinson in 2023-2024 and have continue to work under their supervision. I primarily work with adults and adolescents with a focus on mood, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem and relationship conflict.
What specific therapeutic approaches or modalities are you trained in, and do you have any specialized certifications or areas of focus?
· I use an eclectic approach drawing upon a range of modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and internal family systems (IFS). I have completed additional training in somatic and trauma informed care. I believe that each individual in unique and their journey to wellness should reflect that meaning a blend of techniques may be utilized to best serve someone’s needs.
What qualities do you think are most important in a therapist?
· Non-judgemental curiosity is one of the most important qualities for a therapist. To be curious about the lived experiences of your clients and connect with who they are as a person from a place of empathy and acceptance.
What methods do you use to assess the needs and goals of your clients at the beginning of therapy?
· At the practice we use an intake form and measures (CORE10, ACES) prior to an intake session to get a general overview of an individual prior to meeting. At the beginning of therapy, I like to have a conversation with an individual about what is motivating them to seek therapy and how they’re functioning across multiple domains in their life (e.g., mood, anxiety, relationships, etc.).
The pace of the conversation is completely adaptable for each individual’s comfortability, especially as therapy is very vulnerable process. From the conversation, I like to collaborate with an individual to identify goals for therapy and see what they would like to take away from their new wellness journey
How do you prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain your own emotional well-being?
· I dedicate time in my schedule to not only connect with my meaningful relationships, and interests but with my community and nature as well. I will always have a book and headphones on me for a quick reset when needed to maintain my emotional well-being so I can continue to be there for my community.
What is your favourite thing about being a therapist?
· I am honoured to be a part of an individual’s journey. Therapy is deeply vulnerable process; being able to connect with someone and watch them reflect on their journey is one of my favourite things about being a therapist.
Where do you see your career as a therapist heading in the next few years?
· In the next few years, I will complete my Doctorate of Psychology and be working towards registration with the College of Psychologists as a Psychologist. I want to continue to grow my clinical identity and serve my community.