Skip to content
Becoming Yourself Counselling 

About Me

About Me: A Lighthouse in Life's Journey

The Art of Living: My Philosophy

In a world of existential challenges, navigating life is often full of anxieties. Do you find yourself wrestling with self-criticism and judgement, struggling with neurodivergent complexities, or have anxiety and depression impacted your life? Are you questioning why am I here? what is my purpose? where do I find meaning in life? 

My practice offers a compassionate, safe place for those seeking to embrace their unique journey, transform obstacles into opportunities for growth, and discover their authentic way of being in the world.

My personal and professional journey revolves around a philosophy of life that embraces the art of living amidst the existential angst. This philosophy has fueled my passion for guiding individuals like you through their struggles, helping to light a path toward a life of authenticity and purpose.

My name is Michael Holker, BSW MSW Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist, and I aim to be a lighthouse on your journey through life.

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

cropped-Direct Face Tiny  (1)
Knowledge

Education & Training

I received my first degree from the University of Toronto (Honours Bachelor of Arts, 2002, Philosophy and History). After many fateful detours and wrong turns, I pursued my passion for helping others. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University (BSW, 2014) while working in the social services field. Desiring to further my knowledge to serve my clients best, I earned a master’s from the University of Windsor (MSW, 2018). 

As a Registered Social Worker since 2015, my journey has included taking on learning opportunities to expand my skills, growing my existential, humanistic approach and utilizing the insights from modalities, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapist (DBT), and Mindfulness-based techniques. 

My avid reading in psychology, philosophy, human sciences, and mindfulness/spirituality continually deepens my knowledge by providing many perspectives of the human experience that benefit my work with clients. 

Presence

My Approach: Tailoring a Path to Self-Transformation

My approach to therapy is that it is a collaborative journey to assist you in developing understanding, strategies and skills to expand your ability to handle the mental and emotional challenges you face, using them as stepping stones towards a life with more connection and meaning. 

My approach integrates existential, humanistic, and strengths-based methodologies rooted in client-centred, solutions-focused techniques and is IFS-Informed (Trauma-Informed). It is tailored to your individuality, aligning with your core values and personal growth and well-being goals.

As someone who has navigated similar paths, I understand the desire for change when things don't align and how hard change can be. If you're ready for growth and to try new ways to enhance your mental well-being through therapy, Let's Connect.

Balance

Balancing Our External and Internal Worlds:

Navigating External Influences

As a Social Worker, I bring an understanding of how external factors like our physical environment, cultural and societal structures, and personal relationships shape our existence. Recognizing these influences allows us to focus on what we can control, bringing about positive change in our external circumstances and inner worlds. 

Understanding the external forces can significantly impact your well-being. Recognizing the limitations and potentials of the external world empowers us to focus on actionable changes, aligning our inner experiences with our external realities.

The wisdom in understanding these dynamics lies in the quote, "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." - Alexander Den Heijer.

Cultivating Internal Growth

My role as a therapist is to guide you through your unique mental landscape, offering a safe space for exploration and growth. This journey is about gaining insights that shift perspectives, foster self-awareness, and equip you with effective coping strategies for the complexities of life. 

My approach is to provide a safe space for exploring thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships to assist in your personal growth.

As Nietzsche wisely stated, "If you know the why, you can live any how."

Niche

ADHD/Neurodivergence and Human Growth

ADHD or Neurodivergence:

I offer specialized, compassionate support for those who have discovered their ADHD or Neurodivergent identity later in life, tailoring strategies to navigate the social and emotional world. 

I bring a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise. Our sessions focus on embracing individuality, expanding self-understanding, and cultivating self-compassion and acceptance.

As Albert Camus highlights, "Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal."

Personal Growth and Development:

At the core of my practice is the belief that psychology extends beyond addressing symptoms; it's about thriving. Therapy with me explores growing in self-compassion and acceptance, finding meaning, and living with intention and purpose. 

My life's journey has led me to develop a philosophy which has been instrumental in my development. If you want to change your life, let's explore how I can assist you on your journey toward authentic being.

'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

Holistic Mental Health:

Embracing the Whole Human Experience:

Holistic Mental Health:

The holistic mental health approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. It aims to deepen self-understanding and align personal values with daily life utilizing a non-judgmental, humanistic and existential perspective supporting individuals in their journey of personal growth and fostering a balanced, meaningful life.

Key Components of our work may include:

  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 manageable life through effective habits, routines, and life skills.
  6. Self-Accommodation: Customizing environments to enhance well-being and minimize negative influences of the environment. 

This path aims to grow your resilience, self-understanding, compassion, and acceptance, helping you embrace the full spectrum of human experience and navigate your unique path toward 'Becoming Yourself.'

Remember, as Nietzsche said, "If you know the why, you can live any how." 

Start Your Journey Today; contact me for a free 20-minute consultation and take the first step towards the life you deserve. Let's navigate the chaos of life together, finding mental well-being, purpose, and meaning.

Let's discover your 'why' and embrace the art of living together.

 

 

TherapySessionPhotofor-Web-_1_-1