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Becoming Yourself Counselling

About Me

About Me:
A Lighthouse in Life's Journey

Discovering Who I Am and Who I Serve: A Journey Through Neurodivergence

A Message from Founder: Michael Holker HBA BSW MSW Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist 

For years, I struggled under the weight of expectations, both from myself and the world around me. It wasn’t until I discovered my own neurodivergence later in life that the pieces began to fall into place. This self-understanding transformed how I saw myself and how I approach my work with others.

As a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming therapist, I provide a space to explore who you are, free of judgment.  I help you develop self-compassion, practical strategies, and a deeper understanding of how your neurodivergence shapes your experiences and what you might be able to do differently. 

Therapy is a place where you can be seen and understood—where change begins with self-understanding. 

Picture of Michael Holker
Knowledge

Education & Training

With a solid educational foundation, including an Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Windsor, along with years of hands-on experience, I bring an integrated approach to therapy that combines academic knowledge with practical application.

I utilize evidence-based techniques in an eclectic way, tailoring sessions to each client’s unique needs. This includes modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed practices, tailoring them to meet the needs of each individual. By incorporating mindfulness and compassion and acceptance-based practices, I help clients learn to face and accept the difficult thoughts and feelings that may be holding them back.

Growth Oriented

Humanistic, Existential Approach to Growth

As a neurodivergent therapist, I truly believe that everyone has the natural ability to grow into their best selves, no matter where they are on their life journey. My approach is all about humanistic and existential principles, focusing on personal growth, freedom, responsibility, and the quest for meaning and belonging.

Life can throw us some curveballs—questions about purpose, meaning, freedom, responsibility, and identity. These uncertainties can make you feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from who you really are. My job is to help you navigate these challenges; whether you’re dealing with an identity crisis, learning more about your neurodivergence, coping with a late diagnosis, or trying to balance your personal and professional life, I offer a warm and supportive space where you can face and work through these issues. 

Therapy can help us find purpose and meaning. It can also be the foundation for reclaiming our sense of self, living authentically, and embracing the growth opportunities that come with every struggle.

You Matter

Client-Centred, Strengths-Based Support

I understand that everyone’s journey is special, and my aim is to create a warm and caring space where you feel truly listened to, understood, and supported, without any judgment or pressure. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the challenging experiences that come with being Neurodivergent, like anxiety, being stuck in negative patterns, having trouble with relationships, or feeling the sting of rejection, I’m here to help you tap into the strengths you already have.

Life’s ups and downs and personal traits can sometimes hide our natural resilience. Still, by recognizing and building on your personal strengths, like creativity, we can create tools that help you handle mental and emotional challenges more effectively.

Many of my neurodivergent clients come to therapy to work through feelings of inadequacy, confusion, or a lack of direction. I work with my clients to create personalized strategies that help them regain control of their lives, gain clarity and understanding, and build more satisfying relationships.

 

Niche

Trauma-Informed, Neuro-Affirming Practices

As a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming therapist, I truly get how our minds, bodies, and emotions are all connected. When you've faced invalidation of sensory experiences or other experiences unique to neurodivergent people, the feelings might appear as constant negative thoughts, emotional or mental overload, loneliness, or a sense of being different, making it challenging to live the life you want. Whether you've been misdiagnosed, recently discovered you might be neurodivergent, or have known for a while, I'm here to support you with kindness, understanding, and care.

I aim to create a warm, validating space where you can start to heal, get to know yourself better, and develop tools to handle life's challenges more effectively.

My approach is about helping you feel accepted and understood and learn to face life with more understanding, self-advocacy, and self-compassion.

 

How can I schedule a Free 20-min Consultation?

If you think we’d make a great team and are excited about a free 20-minute consultation, just hop over to the Getting Started page and drop me a message. I can’t wait to chat with you! Find the link below.

 

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Becoming Yourself Counselling - Neurodivergent Therapist Toronto | ADHD, Autism, Self-Discovery

About Me

A Lighthouse in Life's Journey

Guiding You Toward Authentic Growth

A Message from Founder: Michael Holker HBA BSW MSW Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

Life can throw some pretty tough challenges our way, especially when the world doesn’t always get what it means to be neurodivergent. As someone who’s also neurodivergent, I truly believe that everyone has the ability to grow, heal, and live their most authentic life, no matter where they are on their journey.

In my practice, I focus on practical experience and neuro-affirming care, creating a warm and safe space for you to explore your unique traits and life’s uncertainties, face those big emotions, and reconnect with who you really are. I take a client-centred, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and strengths-based approach, which means I meet you right where you are, respecting your unique experiences and celebrating neurodivergence as a difference, not a deficit.

Together, we can navigate the twists and turns of your journey, helping you find a path toward genuine growth and healing.

Everyone’s journey is personal, especially for neurodivergent individuals. I’ve walked my own path and learned so much along the way. This experience has inspired me to be a guiding light for others, helping them understand who they are, being there for them, and supporting them in developing the insights, strategies, and tools they need to thrive.

Contact Me

Picture of Michael Holker

Knowledge

Education & Training

With a solid educational foundation, including an Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Windsor, along with years of hands-on experience, I bring an integrated approach to therapy that combines academic knowledge with practical application.

I utilize evidence-based techniques in an eclectic way, tailoring sessions to each client’s unique needs. This includes modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed practices. Clients often come to therapy seeking to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, or feelings of disconnection, and my role is to guide them toward solutions that foster emotional balance and personal growth.

By incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based practices, I help clients learn to face and accept the difficult thoughts and feelings that may be holding them back.

Growth Oriented

Humanistic, Existential Approach to Growth

As a neurodivergent therapist, I truly believe that everyone has the natural ability to grow into their best selves, no matter where they are on their life journey. My approach is all about humanistic and existential principles, focusing on personal growth, freedom, responsibility, and the quest for meaning and belonging.

Life can throw us some curveballs—questions about purpose, responsibility, and identity. These uncertainties can make you feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from who you really are. My job is to help you navigate these challenges by exploring the