Skip to content
Becoming Yourself Counselling 

About Me

Michael Holker BSW MSW Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

I am passionate about working with Adults (18+). I specialize in working with clients who are struggling to bridge the gap between their potential and actual achievements

If you're grappling with feelings of underachievement, and frustration, or navigating the complexities of emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or substance use, you've come to the right place.

Many of my clients are exploring their neurodivergent identity, seeking self-understanding and guidance moving forward in their lives.

My approach is rooted in a blend of mindful attention, compassion, and a deep understanding, enriched by my combination of education, training, and both professional and personal experiences.

Let's create your path toward greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-acceptance.

What are you seeking? Let's explore it together.

*I am a Registered Social Worker providing virtual services to residents of Ontario.

Contact Me
cropped-Direct Face Tiny (1)
Knowledge

Education

I obtained my Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 2002; my passion for knowledge and genuine desire to empower individuals to overcome challenges led me to pursue further education. As a result, I completed a Bachelor of Social Work at Dalhousie University in 2014 (BSW) and earned a Master's degree from the University of Windsor in 2018 (MSW). I have been a Registered Social Worker since 2015. Throughout my educational journey, I have been continuously involved in training and completed numerous courses encompassing various therapy modalities, including ACT, CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness. I continue to read avidly on relevant topics to enhance the quality of support I can provide. 

To best serve my clients, I am always looking to expand on and grow my skill set and find ways to incorporate my learnings into my work to help provide personalized solutions. 

Presence

Approach

My holistic approach aims to empower clients to lead fulfilling lives despite their obstacles. Each individual's journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet their needs. By creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, I work collaboratively with clients to help them navigate the complexities of their mental well-being and find their path toward overcoming barriers, healing and growth.

I bring a blend of humanistic, existential, and strengths-based, solutions-focused approaches rooted in client-centred and solutions-focused techniques delivered with an informed understanding and sensitivity to trauma.

Seeking support can be a vulnerable and courageous step; I strive to build a therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, and respect. Through reflective listening and validation, I aim to create an environment where clients feel heard and understood. Together, we explore their strengths, values, and progress toward your goals, using these as building blocks to overcome obstacles towards the life you want.

'To progress again, man must remake himself. And he cannot remake himself without suffering. For he is both the marble and the sculptor. In order to uncover his true visage, he must shatter his own substance with heavy blows of his hammer.'

Alexis Carrol

Embracing Your Whole Self

This holistic approach views healing as a journey to integrate physical, mental, emotional, and social lives. It aims to help individuals understand themselves better and align their lives with who they are, fostering a sense of purpose and authenticity. This helps build a more compassionate and meaningful life.

Key Components:

  1. Self-Discovery: Empowering clients to understand themselves, recognize strengths and growth areas, and live according to their values.
  2. Emotions: Managing emotions, building emotional resilience, and healing from challenges like anxiety, depression, and loss.
  3. Cognitive Flexibility: Overcoming limiting thoughts, adopting new perspectives, and developing adaptability.
  4. Relationships: Cultivating healthy relationships and support networks, improving communication, self-advocacy, and setting boundaries.
  5. Life Design: Creating a fulfilling life through effective habits, routines, and life skills.
  6. Self-Accommodation: Customizing environments to enhance well-being and minimize negative influences.

My approach is personalized to each client's needs and goals, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's journey toward growth and wholeness.

 

Book your 20-minute Free Consultation Today

 

Get in Touch
TherapySessionPhotofor-Web-_1_-1