Michael Holker

Clients Served

• Adults (Ages 30+)
• Support Groups

About Me

My clients often feel a big gap between where they are now and where they want to be. I’m here to help bridge that gap. Sometimes, we have a lot of potential and feel we need to live up to it. It’s okay to feel this way, and it’s also okay if you’re still figuring out who you are or how to get over obstacles to the life you want. We often benefit from an outside perspective that can help us find new strategies and tools to navigate the world more easily.

Neurodivergent people face barriers that neurotypicals experience less, like chronic invalidation, different perceptual experiences and challenges with transitions or new social environments, which can often lead to feeling isolated and rejected. I see you.

My late realization of my own Neurodivergence has led me to believe that individuals can overcome the barriers to growth and self-acceptance with suitable support, improved self-understanding, skill development, and self-compassion.

For many, negative social experiences can leave you feeling like you can’t be who you are, often leading to struggles in your relationship with yourself and others; it often increases loneliness, sadness and possibly unhealthy coping when things are not working (like substance use).

Neurodivergent and gifted traits interact with the environment, impacting you negatively, which can be tricky until you learn how to navigate these hurdles. In therapy, the impact of the intersecting aspects of ourselves, including how your thoughts, feelings, sensory experiences and behaviours intersect with the people you interact with and external factors affecting your well-being. I’m here to help guide you through the tough times so you can learn helpful strategies and understand, accept, and develop more compassion for yourself.

Seeking therapy as a Neurodivergent individual can be a daunting task. You may come to therapy after experiences of rejection and disappointment. Sharing your challenging experiences and expressing your thoughts and feelings to a non-judgmental and supportive person can be transforming; I hope to provide you with that safe space for you to explore who you are and help you make the shift from surviving to thriving.

‘To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.’
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Following completing my Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto (2002). I gained valuable life experiences that guided me toward my passion for helping others, leading me to a social work degree. I pursued a degree in Social Work in 2014 (BSW – Dalhousie University) and earned a Master’s degree in 2018 (MSW – University of Windsor). I have been a Registered Social Worker since 2015, working extensively in community mental health. My roles involved building community programming and offering 1:1 and group therapy to individuals to help enhance their mental well-being.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on insights from multiple modalities (Mindfulness, ACT, CBT, DBT, to name a few) to help you work toward growing toward a more fulfilling life. I use neuro-affirming approach rooted in a strengths-based, client-centred, solutions-focused perspective and trauma-informed lens in my work with clients.

Ready to take the next step on your journey? Contact me now, and together, we can overcome obstacles and build the fulfilling life you deserve.