About Michael 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a disorienting experience for many, and I was no exception. At the time, I was working with the Canadian government on international assistance policy. While the work aimed to support people facing complex global challenges, I found myself feeling disconnected from the human impact, something that was amplified by working remotely. During this time, I reflected on what I actually wanted to do with my life reminding me of how energized and connected I had felt in previous roles supporting others, including working as a university resident assistant, youth employment facilitator, outdoor recreation facilitator, and overnight camp counsellor. This reflection helped me release my commitment to my original career and pursue my passion for helping people much more directly through counselling.

Some of the most honest and grounding conversations I’ve experienced have happened while canoeing, kayaking, or walking outdoors. I’ve found that movement softens the pressure to speak, while natural environments create silent space in conversation to breathe, reflect, and be present. These experiences have helped shape my mission to make mental health support feel more accessible and welcoming by creating opportunities for meaningful, shoulder-to-shoulder conversations in relaxed, natural settings. My approach is attachment-based, relational, experiential, and grounded not only in Cogntivie Behavioural Therapy (CBT) but also a mind-body connection through nervous system regulation.  I aim to create a space that feels genuine, collaborative, and supportive while also helping clients gently challenge patterns that may be keeping them stuck. I seek clients feedback and have them assess their wellbeing during each session so that we can make adjustments where necessary and ensure we are actually making progress. I believe growth happens when people feel understood, safe, and empowered to move at a pace that matches their readiness for change.