About Raquel Meneses

Raquel Meneses is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. After completing her practicum at MyLife Counselling under the supervision of Victoria Bonanno, she joined the MyLife team, where she works with children, youth, adults, couples, and families.

Raquel is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space where clients feel comfortable being themselves. She believes meaningful growth happens when people feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Outside of her professional life, Raquel enjoys spending time with friends, watching romance, action and thriller movies, travelling, especially to the Philippines, and enjoy reading and baking.

Couples, Relationships, Communication and Boundaries

Raquel is passionate about supporting couples in strengthening their bond and navigating challenges such as frequent conflict, infidelity, parenting concerns, emotional distance, and communication difficulties.

Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, she helps partners understand the deeper emotions driving their interactions and recognize the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. Through a safe and supportive environment, couples learn to express their needs, improve communication, rebuild emotional safety, and create a stronger, more secure connection.

Parent and Family Support

Raquel supports families, parents, children, youth, and individuals as they navigate challenges that can impact relationships, communication, and overall wellbeing. She understands that when one family member is struggling, it can affect the entire family system.

She works with children and youth ages 8 and older, as well as parents and caregivers, to strengthen family relationships, improve communication, and create supportive home environments. When appropriate, Raquel actively involves parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process by providing resources, sharing progress updates, and offering collaborative sessions that support their child’s growth and mental health.

Raquel recognizes that every family has its own strengths, challenges, and unique dynamics. Whether a family is navigating neurodivergence, emotional regulation challenges, changes at home, parenting concerns, or difficult transitions, she helps family members better understand one another and work together more effectively. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, Raquel supports families in building stronger relationships, reducing conflict, and creating a more connected and supportive home environment.

Emotional Regulation, Anxiety and Friendship Support

Raquel has extensive experience supporting children and youth ages 8 and older who are struggling with anxiety, bullying, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioural challenges, and social concerns.

She quickly connects with young clients by creating a relaxed, welcoming, and often playful environment through activities such as games and art. Raquel helps children and youth express overwhelming feelings while developing important life skills, including emotional regulation, communication, self esteem, and healthy boundaries.

For those experiencing social anxiety, she helps clients navigate fears around social interactions, public speaking, and building connections with others. Through cognitive reframing, role playing, and mindfulness-based strategies, she supports young people in building confidence and creating meaningful relationships.

Autism

Raquel has extensive training and experience working with children and youth on the autism spectrum. She provides a supportive and accepting environment where clients can explore challenges, develop self awareness, and build skills that support their daily lives.

She understands that every autistic individual has unique strengths, needs, and experiences. Through a collaborative and strengths-based approach, Raquel helps clients build communication skills, emotional awareness, self confidence, and healthy coping strategies while supporting families in creating greater understanding and connection.

Students, ADHD and Life Transitions

Raquel enjoys supporting young adults and students who are navigating life transitions, depression, social anxiety, and the many changes that come with this stage of life.

She understands that young adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. Raquel provides a safe space to work through self doubt, explore personal goals, and build confidence while navigating school, careers, and relationships.

For students and young adults managing ADHD related challenges, Raquel helps clients better understand how ADHD may be impacting school, daily responsibilities, relationships, and self confidence. She works collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies that support organization, emotional regulation, and success in their day to day lives.

When working with clients experiencing depression, she helps them overcome feelings of isolation and low motivation by focusing on meaningful goals, self compassion, healthy routines, and practical coping strategies. She supports clients in breaking challenges into manageable steps so they can regain a sense of purpose, joy, and direction.

Email: raquel.meneses@mylifecounselling.ca
Phone: 1-800-828-9484 (ext. 116)

Articles by Raquel