Social Work & Psychotherapy

A Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. 

Members of the College are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA), its regulations and bylaws.

Social workers are therapists who work with individuals, families, and groups to address mental health needs in the context of social systems.

Social workers trained in psychotherapy focus on the mental, behavioural, and emotional needs of their clients through verbal or nonverbal communication and somatic therapy, a form of body-focused psychotherapy. Social workers use psychotherapy to help people address and change negative thought patterns, feelings, and behaviours to improve quality of life.