Meet the Therapist

Meet Michael Holker, HBA, BSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker/Therapist - A Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist Supporting Your Journey Toward Growth and Authenticity

Discovering my neurodivergence later in life transformed my understanding of what it means to accept and celebrate yourself. It deepened my belief in the healing power of compassion and the resilience we can find when supported with kindness and understanding. My own journey as a neurodivergent individual allows me to deeply connect with clients who are navigating ADHD, autism, and emotional challenges. I understand how isolating and overwhelming these experiences can feel, and I’m here to provide a safe space where you can feel truly seen, valued, and supported. This lived experience and my professional expertise form the foundation of my approach: neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and client-centred.

While I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals - those with ADHD, autism, or AuDHD - my practice is inclusive of anyone seeking personal growth, self-understanding, or help to overcome life’s adversities. If you’re exploring your identity, processing difficult emotions, or striving to create a more meaningful life, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey.

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Professional Background

Drawing on over a decade of experience, I integrate evidence-based practices with a heartfelt commitment to inclusivity and empathy. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, celebrate your strengths, and take meaningful steps toward personal growth.

I hold the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto (2002)

• Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University (2014)

• Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor (2018)

Since 2015, I’ve worked in both inpatient and community mental health settings, addressing complex needs with a focus on empowering clients to navigate challenges and build resilience. My practice is grounded in a neuro-affirming and trauma-informed perspective, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Therapeutic Approach: Tailored, Neurodivergent-Affirming, and Compassionate

In our work together, you’ll find a space where you’re met with genuine care, understanding, and acceptance. This is your time to explore your experiences, share your challenges, and feel supported as the unique and valuable person you are. My approach is integrative, drawing on various therapeutic modalities to ensure our work aligns with your unique needs, values, and goals.

Neuro-affirming and Trauma-informed Approach

A neuro-affirming approach celebrates neurodivergence as a natural and valuable variation in human experience. It’s not about “fixing” or changing you—it’s about honouring your individuality and validating the strengths and insights that come with your perspective. We’ll explore how to embrace these aspects of yourself as valuable and worthy, fostering a stronger sense of identity and self-worth.

I also recognize that many neurodivergent individuals have encountered stigma, invalidation, or misunderstanding, leading to traumatic experiences. My trauma-informed approach prioritizes creating a foundation of safety and trust, allowing you to process these experiences at your own pace. This compassionate, supportive environment helps foster healing, self-understanding, and resilience.

Diverse Therapeutic Modalities

My goal is to tailor our work to your needs, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices to ensure you feel supported and understood. Some of the approaches we may use together include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Build mindfulness and take meaningful, values-based actions.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Compassionately address unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Develop self-compassion and reduce self-criticism.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthen your motivation to create positive change.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Explore and integrate different parts of yourself.

We’ll select the approaches that resonate most with you, creating a therapeutic plan that feels supportive and aligned with your goals.

Strengths-Based and Client-Centred

I believe that every individual has unique strengths that can be used to navigate life’s challenges. My strengths-based approach begins with discovering and amplifying what makes you, you. We’ll uncover your unique qualities and build on them, empowering you to take meaningful steps forward with confidence and clarity.

As a client-centred therapist, I listen deeply and respect your insights, experiences, and goals. Our work is a collaborative process tailored to meet you where you are and help you find strategies that resonate with your values and needs.

Existential and Humanist

For many neurodivergent adults, life raises profound questions about identity, purpose, and belonging. These reflections often stem from feeling out of sync with societal expectations. Questions like “Who am I?” or “How can I create a meaningful life?” are common among my clients.

My existential and humanistic approach offers a compassionate space to explore questions about identity, purpose, and belonging. We’ll uncover what truly matters to you, helping you navigate life with authenticity and a deeper sense of meaning.

Developing Acceptance and Compassion: Building a Foundation for Growth

Self-acceptance and compassion are essential for personal growth. At Becoming Yourself Counselling, I believe that developing these qualities isn’t about ignoring struggles—it’s about approaching them with curiosity and understanding.

• Acceptance: Life often presents challenges that feel overwhelming or unfair. Acceptance isn’t about agreeing with life’s challenges; it’s about acknowledging them without judgment and freeing yourself to focus on meaningful change.

• Self-Compassion: Many of us are kind to others but struggle to extend the same care to ourselves. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same warmth and understanding you’d offer a friend. We’ll work to soften self-criticism, replace judgment with curiosity, and build a supportive inner dialogue.

Acceptance and compassion are not about stagnation - they’re the foundations of meaningful transformation.

Helping You Navigate Life

Life can feel overwhelming, especially for those facing hurdles like masking, rejection sensitivity, or self-criticism. Many of my clients experience loneliness, frustration, or a longing to feel understood. Therapy offers a way to process these challenges, uncover your strengths, and build a fulfilling life that feels true to who you are.

Creating Space for Your Journey

Therapy is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. It’s not about fixing who you are but about rediscovering the parts of you that may have been overlooked or hidden. Every journey toward self-discovery is unique. Take a moment to reflect on what authenticity, balance, and well-being mean to you. Embracing who you are begins with small, meaningful steps and a willingness to explore your own path. Remember, your story matters, and your strengths are the foundation for growth.

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