Dr. Vanessa Schell, C.Psych.

Dr. Vanessa Schell is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. She works with adults and adolescents who are experiencing a variety of mental health concerns, including struggles with low mood and anxiety, emotion regulation, anger, perfectionism, and shame. She also enjoys supporting individuals who are navigating life transitions, interpersonal difficulties and parenting challenges. Embracing a neurodivergent affirming, client-centered and integrative therapeutic approach, Dr. Schell draws from her expertise in a variety of evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC).

Dr. Schell adopts an empathetic approach that is deeply attuned to the unique experiences of the individuals with whom she works. Her passion lies in supporting those individuals who have felt different growing up, in order to facilitate their understanding that their experience of the world may differ but is not inherently incorrect. With significant experience in the realm of autism and other neurodevelopmental differences, she recognizes how neurodivergence is experienced differently by women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC individuals. She is deeply committed to the process of helping neurodivergent individuals live an authentic and unmasked life.

Dr. Schell is dedicated to fostering clients’ connection with their inner experiences and personal values, aiming to enhance self-awareness, to resolve internal conflicts, to cultivate resilience, and to facilitate meaningful therapeutic change. Grounded in the belief that each person is the foremost expert on their own journey, she endeavors to establish a secure environment within which clients can feel comfortable to navigate, confront, and address challenging emotions and experiences. The focus within her therapeutic approach lies on identifying individual strengths and supporting individual autonomy.

Dr. Schell completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University. She finished her Residency and Supervised Practice at Surrey Place, where she worked with children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities. There, she gained extensive experience with comprehensive psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessments, as well as psychotherapy with a diverse population. Over the course of her career and her clinical training, she has worked in a wide range of community mental health settings, university clinics, and private practices.