Hilla Shields

RSW, Psychotherapist (she/her)

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  • Bachelor of Psychology, York University, 2019

    Bachelor of Social Work, York University, 2021

    Master of Social Work, University of Toronto, Professional Specialization in Children and Their Families, 2023

    Cognitive Processing Therapy Training, PESI, In Progress

    Measurement-Based Care with Children & Adolescents, Child Development Institute Psychology Team, 2023

    Case Formulation with Children, Adolescents & Families, Child Development Institute Psychology Team, 2023

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Children, Child Development Institute Psychology Team, 2023

    • Attachment-based

    • CBT

    • Culturally Sensitive

    • Solution Focused

    • Emotionally Focused

    • Relational

    • Trauma Focused

  • What is your general philosophy and approach to therapy? For me, therapy starts with connection. I want clients to feel comfortable, understood, and accepted for who they are. I take the time to get to know each person and their experiences, and I try to make therapy feel like a supportive space where we can figure things out together.

    What’s a small but powerful tool you use in therapy sessions? Curiosity! Sometimes taking a step back and getting curious about something can help us look at it from a different perspective.

    What’s something small that’s brought you joy recently? Getting back into embroidery! I’ve been having way too much fun picking out what I want to make next.

 

Area of Expertise

  • Life Transitions

  • Parenting + Family Support

  • School + Friendship Challenges

  • Self-Esteem + Confidence

  • Trauma-Informed Support

  • Adult Attachment + Relationships

  • Anxiety + Emotional Regulation

  • Children + Teen Mental Health

  • Family Conflict + Estrangement

Services

  • Free 15 minute phone consultation

  • Individual therapy for adults, children, teens, parents and families.

  • Vaughan In Person Therapy: Tuesdays (daytime) + Thursdays (evening)

  • Virtual Therapy: Weekday morning, afternoon, and evenings

About Hilla

Hi, I’m Hilla Shields, a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work. I support children, teens, adults, parents, and families through anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, school stress, family difficulties (such as separation and divorce), trauma and life transitions.

I specialize in working with children and teens, including anxiety, school-related stress, friendship challenges, bullying, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and family changes. My experience supporting children and families has also given me a strong understanding of how our early relationships and experiences can shape the way we relate to ourselves and others as adults. I bring this perspective into my work with adults, particularly around attachment, relationships, and recurring patterns.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I draw from CBT, solution-focused, attachment-based, emotion-focused, and trauma-informed approaches, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs.

I offer in-person therapy in Vaughan and Woodbridge and online therapy across Ontario.