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Why did I become a Social Worker?

For as long as I can remember, I always knew that I wanted to help people and advocate for the importance of addressing mental health, just as we do for physical health. I became a Social Worker because I felt as if there was a gap of services available to people who looked like me. A quote that resonates with me and informs my practice is "be who you needed when you were younger". My identities have played a huge role in influencing my experiences and shaping me as an individual. Therefore, I felt I could have benefited from seeking services from a clinician who understood my unique experiences. Accessing mental health support is already challenging as it is (taboo, finances, making time to focus on oneself), therefore, I want to utilize my skill set to help individuals identify their areas of improvement and provide them with tools to help them achieve their goals. 

 

I am a firm believer that everyone is an expert in their own lives therefore I as a professional need to take a step back and listen to individuals and their stories. I believe there is no one size fits all, approach to therapy as every individual is different, and the way they perceive/respond to a situation differs. Therefore, my role as a clinician is to cater my approach to the individual and their specific needs. 

 

My hope is to be a safe and supportive person for individuals who are seeking help. I strive towards helping individuals gain greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, develop coping strategies, and build healthier relationships with themselves, and others. I intend to ensure that every individual feels heard, valued, and empowered. I look forward to working together to help you achieve your goals. 

Hira Sandhu MSW BSW

What is my education & training?

I hold a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, as well as a bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Ryerson University. While completing my course work, I also gained field experience by completing my practicums in various settings such as The Hospital for Sick Children, York Region Children’s Aid Society, and Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Community Health Center. I have over five years of experience in working with marginalized, vulnerable populations in different settings. 

 

I have been trained in approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), & Family Therapy. 

 

I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

What are my areas of clinical focus?

I am a mental health professional with comprehensive knowledge of strengths-based, client-centered social work practice, and clear understanding of the challenges affecting the lives of various vulnerable communities. I incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet and support the needs and goals of each individual. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to overcome a variety of challenges such as:

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  • Mood and anxiety-related disorders

  • Familial (parent/child conflict, blended families) and Relationship Conflict

  • Coping with Life Transitions / Changes

  • Children’s mental health 

  • Personal Growth / Building Emotional Intelligence 

  • Attachment Styles 

  • Establishing boundaries / Assertiveness 

  • Grief and Loss

  • Addictions

What do I love about being a social worker?

Life is tough and sometimes it takes one person’s kindness or presence to have a positive impact on someone’s life and make life bearable. And in my role as a Social Worker, I have the capacity to bring a positive change in one’s life who may be undergoing difficult times and I take this responsibility very seriously. 

What are the techniques I use most?

Some of the evidence-based therapeutic modalities and trainings I drive my practice from include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), & Family Therapy.  

What attracted me to team-based health?

Team-based health is an excellent opportunity to ensure that individuals are receiving the best care they can within one setting/building. Individuals can also rest assured that their health care providers are communicating with one another to ensure that the individual is taken care of in all capacities (physical, mental health). During my time at The Hospital for Sick Children, I really valued having input from different professionals and used their input to further inform my own practice and work with the individual. I feel that team-based health care should be the standard care that individuals receive as it has proven to produce the best outcomes for individuals.

If I’m not at work, where can you find me?

You can most likely find me at home watching YouTube videos/Netflix… I know it seems pretty boring however that is my happy place. I am a homebody so being comfortable in bed watching YouTube/Netflix is my comfort zone. You can also find me leaving the house occasionally to grab food (not a big fan of cooking). I also enjoy spending time with my family and loved ones.

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