Rocco Gizzarelli, M.S.W., R.S.W.

I’m a social worker with over 36 years of experience supporting men navigating trauma, relationship violence, and sexual harm. My practice focuses on specialized therapy for men who have committed a sexual offence, sexual addiction concerns, and men struggling with emotional self‑regulation, helping them build healthier coping strategies and more stable relationships.

My approach is trauma‑informed, respectful, and culturally responsive. I aim to create a safe, non‑judgmental space where men can address difficult experiences, understand their behaviours, and move toward meaningful change.

Alongside my clinical work, I’ve held leadership roles in child welfare, taught at McMaster University, and remain active in professional organizations such as ATSA and the College of Social Workers.

If you’re seeking support, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity, accountability, and compassion.

TRAINING

I have participated and continue to participate in professional development opportunities. Areas of developed competencies include:

  • Public Sector Leadership Institute, Rotman Executive Programs, University of Toronto, Toronto                                                         
  • Leadership and Management Development Program, Schulich School of Business
  • Assessment and treatment of sexual abusers both adult and adolescent (men and women)
  • Sexual and Pornography Addiction
  • Trauma
  • Clinical work with individuals, groups, couples and families
  • Addictions and Mental Health
  • Family Violence
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Mindfulness
  • Emotional Intelligence

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
  • Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
  • Clinical Member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA)

PRESENTATIONS/Consultation

  • Offer workshops/presentations on assessment and treatment of sexual offenders and sexual abuse.
  • Facilitate groups related to treating sexual offenders
  • Provide consultation services to professionals with respect to sexual abuse.

Publications

Kristen Lwin, Ahiney Laryea, Hillary Walker, Christine Elgie, Sarah Head & Rocco Gizzarelli (2022): Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Training in Child Welfare: Evaluation of a Proof of Concept, Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work.

OP-ED, The Hamilton Spectator, February 9, 2018, Making Ontario Safer for Teens and Kids.

OP-ED, The Hamilton Spectator, October 31, 2018, Hamilton CCAS Celebrates 65 Years.

Chaplin, J., Ion, A., Sinding, C., Dumbrill, G., Gizzarelli, R., Penney, S., Wright, K., Jones, N., Perkins, A., Robertson, S. (2019, June). Preparing for Critical Practice in Child Welfare: A Collaborative Justice-Focused Educational Program Towards Transformation in Child Welfare.

Co-Author, Child Welfare Collaboration with the Hamilton Health Team:  Transformative Service Delivery. OACAS Journal, Fall 2012, Volume 57, Number 2.

Co-Author, An Analysis of the Children in Care Standards and the Relevant Foster Care Licensing Regulations in Achieving Better Outcomes for Children.  Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, July 2010.

Gizzarelli, R., Working with Sexual Offenders – Impact of the Work.  OASW Journal June 2003.

Gizzarelli, R., and Hanson, K., The Attitudes of Incest Offenders:  Sexual Entitlement and Acceptance of Sex with Children.  Journal of Criminal Justice and Behavior, June 1994.

EXPERT WITNESS

Sworn in as an Expert Witness in both Criminal and Family Court in the area of treatment and assessment of offenders and child welfare.

AWARDS

  • 2022 Diocesan Medal of Honor, Diocese of Hamilton
  • 2019 Festitalia Italian Heritage Award for Community Development and Social Inclusion
  • 2019 Leader for Kids, Community Child Abuse Council
  • 2003 Recipient – Hamilton OASW Branch Outstanding Social Work Award                                 
  • 1998 Recipient – Recognition Award for Field Placement of Students, McMaster University     
  • 1996 & 1994 Recipient – Recognition and Commitment Award, Child Abuse Council of Hamilton