Articles By: Michael Holker MSW, RSW

Michael Holker, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who practices neurodiversity-affirming therapy and is the founder of Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting — a virtual practice based in Toronto that serves adults across Ontario. He works with late-diagnosed and self-identified autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and gifted (2e) adults, bringing lived experience of neurodivergence to a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. He practises alongside Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW, whose focus is anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Book a free 20-minute meet-and-greet.

A person reading the room at a dinner table, smiling while their shoulders are tense — people-pleasing as a fawn response

Oct 14, 2026, 9:31:55 PM

How to Stop People-Pleasing — When It Once Kept You Safe

You said yes before you checked whether there was anything left to say yes with.

You apologized for...

Adult relaxing with a journal in a sunlit living room, illustrating self-understanding and wellbeing through neuroaffirming care.

Sep 25, 2026, 8:30:00 AM

What Is Neuro-affirming Care? 4 Experts on Therapy, Burnout Recovery, and Better Support

Neuroaffirming care is becoming more visible in conversations around autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, late...

Gifted adult boredom at work — a capable professional staring past a finished task in a quiet office

Sep 18, 2026, 9:00:01 AM

When Competence Isn't Enough: Gifted Adults & Meaningful Work

By Michael Holker, MSW, RSW — Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist · Published Agust 2026

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Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW, now accepting new therapy clients across Ontario at Becoming Yourself

Sep 3, 2026, 3:05:30 PM

Becoming Yourself Is Growing: Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW Has Joined the Practice

By Michael Holker, HBA, BSW, MSW — Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist · Published September...

Gifted adult loneliness — a woman sitting apart, present in the room but feeling unseen

Sep 1, 2026, 7:50:18 PM

The Existential Loneliness of Gifted Adults: Feeling Unseen

You might be surrounded by people and still feel like the only one of your kind in the room.

Maybe...

Illustration of a neurodivergent man recovering from burnout, moving from exhaustion toward rest, regulation, and renewed energy.

Aug 15, 2026, 9:00:00 AM

Neurodivergent Burnout Recovery: What It Actually Takes to Heal — and What Gets in the Way

By Michael Holker BSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist | Published: July 2026

This...

Illustration of an overwhelmed neurodivergent adult experiencing sensory overload from bright lights, noise, and competing sensory input.

Jul 31, 2026, 9:00:00 AM

Sensory Overload in Neurodivergent Adults: What Is Actually Happening and How to Find Relief in Ontario

If you have ever left a grocery store feeling like your skin is buzzing or ended a workday so...

Neurodivergent professional masking burnout in Toronto's Financial District corporate towers.

Jul 15, 2026, 9:00:05 AM

When You Can't Stop Performing: Masking Burnout for Neurodivergent Professionals in Toronto's Financial District

By: Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist This article is for...

Adult sitting calmly in a warm therapy-like space with soft natural light and flowing abstract patterns, representing RSD management for neurodivergent adults in Ontario.

Jun 30, 2026, 9:00:02 AM

Living With RSD: How to Manage Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria as a Neurodivergent Adult in Ontario

By: Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist

If a single piece of...

Illustration of a neurodivergent woman calming a shame spiral with self-compassion, representing ADHD, autism, emotional dysregulation, masking, and nervous system regulation in Ontario

Jun 15, 2026, 7:58:24 AM

Shame Spirals in ADHD & Autism — Why They Happen and How to Heal

"Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change." — Brené Brown

If you...

Warm illustration of a person in deep focus, representing hyperfocus ADHD, flow states, time blindness, creativity, and sustainable neurodivergent intensity.

May 29, 2026, 4:24:24 PM

Hyperfocus, Flow States & the Neurodivergent Superpower Nobody Talks About Honestly

Hyperfocus in ADHD is often framed as a gift: the ability to lock in, tune everything else out, and...

Two people sitting together in a warm, reflective illustration about ADHD, autism, relationships, emotional safety, and neurodivergent connection.

May 15, 2026, 9:00:01 AM

ADHD, Autism & Relationships: Why Connection Can Feel So Hard (And So Meaningful)

By Michael Holker BSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist | Published: July 2026

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Welcome,

We’re glad you’re here. Dive into articles, tools, and insights designed to help you better understand yourself, grow, and feel great. Whether you’re exploring neurodivergence, seeking tips for emotional balance, or simply learning more, we hope these resources support your journey.

Anecdotes and Confidentiality

Personal anecdotes bring ideas to life and foster connection. The identifying details have been changed to ensure confidentiality. These stories illustrate concepts, acknowledging that everyone’s journey is unique.

Disclaimer

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. I am a registered social worker offering psychotherapy services to Ontario residents. For a complimentary Meet & Greet or more on my practice, reach out!

We hope these resources help you pursue a more authentic, meaningful life.