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Hillary+VanderMuelen.jpg

Hillary VanderMeulen, MSW, RSW

$0.00

Therapist focusing on child anxiety, school avoidance, and autism. 

"Lighten the load of autism and anxiety."

Your child is struggling, with school, with anxiety, with the daily routine, and the weight of it feels crushing. You're juggling so much, trying to help them regulate their emotions, but nothing seems to work.

When your child has autism, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges, the daily routine can feel like a constant battle. School avoidance, meltdowns, disrupted routines, it's exhausting and isolating. Your family deserves support that understands your unique situation and helps you build real strategies that work.

Hillary has eight years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as a support worker, service coordinator, and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work with a focus on Disability Studies and deeply understands the complexities families face when supporting neurodivergent children.

Hillary supports children ages 7+, adolescents, and their families navigate emotional regulation challenges, anxiety disorders, depression, school avoidance, routine disruptions, and autism-related challenges. Her collaborative, strength-based, family-centered approach develops strategies that alleviate the weight of daily challenges and build connection.

If the daily routine feels like an overwhelming, heavy juggling act, Hillary creates a safe, nurturing environment where children, youth, and families can freely express themselves, explore emotions, and develop the skills to navigate life's complexities. She works closely with families, equipping you with knowledge and tools to create an environment that encourages growth and resilience.

Ready to build strategies that lighten the load? Contact InnerWorks Counselling today to schedule your first session with Hillary. InnerWorks offers services in person in our Lambeth (London, Ontario) office, and online for clients across Ontario.

Therapist focusing on child anxiety, school avoidance, and autism. 

"Lighten the load of autism and anxiety."

Your child is struggling, with school, with anxiety, with the daily routine, and the weight of it feels crushing. You're juggling so much, trying to help them regulate their emotions, but nothing seems to work.

When your child has autism, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges, the daily routine can feel like a constant battle. School avoidance, meltdowns, disrupted routines, it's exhausting and isolating. Your family deserves support that understands your unique situation and helps you build real strategies that work.

Hillary has eight years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as a support worker, service coordinator, and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work with a focus on Disability Studies and deeply understands the complexities families face when supporting neurodivergent children.

Hillary supports children ages 7+, adolescents, and their families navigate emotional regulation challenges, anxiety disorders, depression, school avoidance, routine disruptions, and autism-related challenges. Her collaborative, strength-based, family-centered approach develops strategies that alleviate the weight of daily challenges and build connection.

If the daily routine feels like an overwhelming, heavy juggling act, Hillary creates a safe, nurturing environment where children, youth, and families can freely express themselves, explore emotions, and develop the skills to navigate life's complexities. She works closely with families, equipping you with knowledge and tools to create an environment that encourages growth and resilience.

Ready to build strategies that lighten the load? Contact InnerWorks Counselling today to schedule your first session with Hillary. InnerWorks offers services in person in our Lambeth (London, Ontario) office, and online for clients across Ontario.

Book an appointment with Hillary

Areas of Focus

  • School Avoidance

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Child Anxiety & Depression (Ages 7+)

  • Emotional Regulation Challenges

  • Routine Disruptions

  • Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities

  • Behavioral Challenges

  • Family Support & Coaching

  • Faith-based Counselling (Christian)

 

Languages

  • English

 

Trainings

  • Polyvagal Trainings / Polyvagal-Informed Therapy

  • SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

  • Solution Focused Therapy

  • Trauma Training – Rewind Therapy

  • TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Fees, Insurance & Billing

Hillary’s fee is $175 / session (individual sessions)

Insurance & Billing

Hillary is registered for direct billing with:

  • GreenShield

  • Medavie Blue Cross

  • Canada Life

  • Manulife

  • NIHB

  • And many other insurance providers

InnerWorks can direct bill most plans for your convenience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Children ages 7+ have typically developed enough verbal and cognitive skills to engage in more traditional therapy approaches alongside play-based techniques. For younger children (ages 4-7), we recommend Jessica Foran or Hadis Honarvari, who specialize in working with younger age groups.

  • School avoidance is when a child experiences significant anxiety or distress about attending school, leading to frequent absences or morning battles. This is different from truancy, these children want to do well but are overwhelmed by anxiety, social challenges, sensory issues, or academic struggles. Therapy helps identify the root causes and develop coping strategies to make school feel manageable again.

  • Yes! Hillary works with families to understand what makes routines feel safe for your child, develop strategies for handling inevitable disruptions, teach emotional regulation skills, and create visual supports or social stories that help your child navigate changes more successfully. The goal is to lighten the load for both your child and your family.

  • Hillary has eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism in various roles: direct support work, service coordination, and therapy. She earned her Master of Social Work with a specific focus on Disability Studies, giving her both practical experience and academic expertise in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.

  • No! While Hillary has specialized expertise in autism, she also works with any child ages 7+ experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, school avoidance, or behavioral difficulties, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis. Her approach is helpful for all children struggling with big emotions and daily challenges

Hillary’s Blog

Featured
March Break Planning for Neurodivergent Children: A Guide for Stress-Free Fun
Hillary Hartwig, MSW
March Break Planning for Neurodivergent Children: A Guide for Stress-Free Fun
Hillary Hartwig, MSW

Is March Break feeling more stressful than restful? Registered Social Worker Hillary Hartwig shares practical strategies for routine-building, sensory-friendly activities, and managing transitions for neurodivergent children in London, Ontario.

Hillary Hartwig, MSW
Transitioning From Childhood to Adulthood with ASD
Hillary Hartwig, MSW
Transitioning From Childhood to Adulthood with ASD
Hillary Hartwig, MSW

Transitioning to adulthood is a monumental shift for youth with ASD. From navigating ODSP and DSO applications to exploring Fanshawe’s CICE program and local employment supports, learn how to build a roadmap for independence in London, Ontario.

Hillary Hartwig, MSW
Empowering Your Child to Overcome School Anxiety: Practical Tips for Parents
Hillary Hartwig, MSW
Empowering Your Child to Overcome School Anxiety: Practical Tips for Parents
Hillary Hartwig, MSW

Is back-to-school season bringing up worries for your child? Registered Social Worker Hillary Hartwig shares practical tips on using acceptance and confidence to pull out the 'weed' of school anxiety and prepare for a successful September in London, Ontario.

Hillary Hartwig, MSW