Locations: Markham, Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Phone/Video
Disciplines: Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, and Family Therapy
Languages: English
Top Specialties: Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Confidence, Men’s Issues, and The Process of Meaning Making
Education
● Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
● Bachelor Arts in Psychology and Philosophy, York University
License and Memberships
● College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): #15835
Additional Certifications and Trainings
● Suicide and Crisis Training from the 9-8-8 Suicide Line and Distress Centre of Greater Toronto
About Michael
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl Rogers
I believe that the first step in moving towards the life that you want is to accept yourself and your position as they currently are. This is not a request to settle or to be content not to change, but rather, an invitation to look at the cards you hold. Only after accepting how things are can the next steps needed for change be determined. I can provide the space for you to feel comfortable to express just how difficult things are, while the healing relationship we build together will serve as the vehicle driving transformation. Seeking support is not an easy thing to do, and by simply taking this first step, you are stronger than you think.
My therapeutic style incorporates evidence-based modalities within an authentic, person-centered approach. I believe that all humans have an intrinsic drive towards positive change; however, our difficult life experiences often get in the way. I hold a firm faith that in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment, we can first recognize and understand these obstacles, and then use research-supported strategies to help you return to your natural state of healthy growth.
If you find yourself resonating with my profile and would like to learn more about how I do therapy, please feel free to visit my webpage, where you can book a session or a free 15-minute phone consultation to assess our fit. I am easy to reach, so do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. Even if you and I are not the right fit, I would be glad to help you find the therapist who is.
Michael’s Story
I have always enjoyed learning about human beings, especially their choices and behaviours, and I have also found myself motivated by the rewarding feelings that come from doing something for another person. The medical field seemed an obvious choice of career, and, like many aspiring medical students, I volunteered in a hospital. However, this experience would lead me to change my course. One of my roles was to check in on patients, and during these rounds I noticed how they wished to chat with me about whatever it was they were going through. I found myself in a listening role, a role that I reflected on and discovered to be a healing one in itself. This struck me as bizarre, especially since many patients were experiencing great physical pain, but I learned that there was much more to healing than merely that of the physical body. I grew to love listening and was privileged to witness the deep healing that comes from doing so nonjudgmentally. I pivoted majors to psychology and have been faithfully following this passion ever since.