--- title: "On Becoming Yourself: Insights, Reflections and Resources | Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist" description: Michael Holker, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker and neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapist, and 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. image: https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Onbecoming%20yourself%2c%20resources%20for%20ADHD%2c%20Autism%2c%20AuDHD%20and%202e%20Adults-1.webp --- [Skip to main content](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw#main-content) [![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg) ![Becoming Yourself Logo - Secondary](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/Becoming%20Yourself%20Logo%20-%20Secondary.svg)](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) - [Our Team](https://becomingyourself.com/team) - [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) - [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) - [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) - [Our Team](https://becomingyourself.com/team) - [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) - [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) - [FREE Meet & Greet](https://becomingyourself.janeapp.com/#/list) [FREE Meet & Greet](https://becomingyourself.janeapp.com/#/list) [Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) Tags - [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) - [neurodiversity-affirming therapy](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy) - [Identity and Self](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/identity-and-self) - [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/adhd) - [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) - [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/audhd) - [Therapy for gifted adults](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/therapy-for-gifted-adults) Search - [Autism](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/autism) - [neurodiversity-affirming therapy](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy) - [Identity and Self](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/identity-and-self) - [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/adhd) - [Burnout and Masking](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/burnout-and-masking) - [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/audhd) - [Therapy for gifted adults](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/tag/therapy-for-gifted-adults) # Articles By: Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist Michael Holker, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker and neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapist, and 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. [![Adult relaxing with a journal in a sunlit living room, illustrating self-understanding and wellbeing through neuroaffirming care.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/neuroaffirming-care-adults-self-understanding.webp?width=365&name=neuroaffirming-care-adults-self-understanding.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/neuroaffirming-care-expert-perspectives) Sep 25, 2026, 8:30:00 AM # [What Is Neuro-affirming Care? 4 Experts on Therapy, Burnout Recovery, and Better Support](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/neuroaffirming-care-expert-perspectives) 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](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GiftedMeaning.webp?width=365&name=GiftedMeaning.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/gifted-adults-meaningful-work) Sep 18, 2026, 9:00:01 AM # [When Competence Isn't Enough: Gifted Adults & Meaningful Work](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/gifted-adults-meaningful-work) *By Michael Holker, HBA, BSW, MSW — Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist · Published August...* [![Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW, now accepting new therapy clients across Ontario at Becoming Yourself](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EuodiaLeungRSW%20(1).png?width=365&name=EuodiaLeungRSW%20(1).png)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/euodia-leung-rsw-joins-becoming-yourself) Sep 3, 2026, 3:05:30 PM # [Becoming Yourself Is Growing: Euodia Leung, MSW, RSW Has Joined the Practice](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/euodia-leung-rsw-joins-becoming-yourself) *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](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GiftedLoneliness-1.webp?width=365&name=GiftedLoneliness-1.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/gifted-adult-loneliness) Sep 1, 2026, 7:50:18 PM # [The Existential Loneliness of Gifted Adults: Feeling Unseen](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/gifted-adult-loneliness) *By Michael Holker, HBA, BSW, MSW — Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist · Published August...* [![Illustration of a neurodivergent man recovering from burnout, moving from exhaustion toward rest, regulation, and renewed energy.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BurnoutRecovery.webp?width=365&name=BurnoutRecovery.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/neurodivergent-burnout-recovery-in-ontario) Aug 15, 2026, 9:00:00 AM # [Neurodivergent Burnout Recovery: What It Actually Takes to Heal — and What Gets in the Way](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/neurodivergent-burnout-recovery-in-ontario) *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.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SensoryOverwhelm.webp?width=365&name=SensoryOverwhelm.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/sensory-overwhelm-in-ontario) Jul 31, 2026, 9:00:00 AM # [Sensory Overload in Neurodivergent Adults: What Is Actually Happening and How to Find Relief in Ontario](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/sensory-overwhelm-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.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maskingburnout.webp?width=365&name=Maskingburnout.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/masking-burnout-in-toronto-recovery-guide) Jul 15, 2026, 9:00:05 AM # [When You Can't Stop Performing: Masking Burnout for Neurodivergent Professionals in Toronto's Financial District](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/masking-burnout-in-toronto-recovery-guide) *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.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RSD.webp?width=365&name=RSD.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/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](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/rsd-management-for-neurodivergent-adults-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](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ShameSpiralinOntario.webp?width=365&name=ShameSpiralinOntario.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/shame-spirals-in-adhd-autism-ontario) Jun 15, 2026, 7:58:24 AM # [Shame Spirals in ADHD & Autism — Why They Happen and How to Heal](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/shame-spirals-in-adhd-autism-ontario) "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.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HyperfocusinADHDStruggleorStrength.webp?width=365&name=HyperfocusinADHDStruggleorStrength.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/hyperfocus-adhd-superpower-struggle) May 29, 2026, 4:24:24 PM # [Hyperfocus, Flow States & the Neurodivergent Superpower Nobody Talks About Honestly](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/hyperfocus-adhd-superpower-struggle) 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.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADHD%2c%20Autism%2c%20Relationships.webp?width=365&name=ADHD%2c%20Autism%2c%20Relationships.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/adhd-autism-relationships-connection-difficult) May 15, 2026, 9:00:01 AM # [ADHD, Autism & Relationships: Why Connection Can Feel So Hard (And So Meaningful)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/adhd-autism-relationships-connection-difficult) *By Michael Holker BSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist | Published: July 2026* ... [![Adult building a more supportive life around executive dysfunction in ADHD adults, autistic burnout, sensory overload, and adult ADHD time management challenges.](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20Build%20a%20Life%20That%20Actually%20Works%20for%20Your%20Neurodivergent%20Brainv116-9.webp?width=365&name=How%20to%20Build%20a%20Life%20That%20Actually%20Works%20for%20Your%20Neurodivergent%20Brainv116-9.webp)](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/how-to-build-a-life-that-offers-executive-functioning-support) Apr 24, 2026, 4:00:00 PM # [How to Build a Life that Offers Executive Functioning Support](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/how-to-build-a-life-that-offers-executive-functioning-support) *By: Michael Holker BSW, MSW Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist * Is there a mismatch between... [1](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw) [2](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw/page/2) [3](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw/page/3) [4](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw/page/4) [Next](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself/author/michael-holker-hba-bsw-msw-rsw/page/2) #### 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](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) or more on my practice, reach out! We hope these resources help you pursue a more authentic, meaningful life. ![Late-Diagnosed Autism, ADHD puzzle-1-1](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Late-Diagnosed%20Autism%2c%20ADHD%20puzzle-1-1.webp?width=900&height=506&name=Late-Diagnosed%20Autism%2c%20ADHD%20puzzle-1-1.webp "Late-Diagnosed Autism, ADHD puzzle-1-1") [![Becoming Yourself Logo ](https://becomingyourself.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social%20Media%20Logo%20-%20Secondary%20Light-4.png?width=228&height=87&name=Social%20Media%20Logo%20-%20Secondary%20Light-4.png "Becoming Yourself Logo ")](https://becomingyourself.com/hubfs/BecomingYourselSolidColoursNoWordingTransparent-2.png) 1108 - 250 Consumers Rd. #413 North York, ON M2J4V6 (For Mailing Purposes Only)  Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting provides neurodiversity-affirming online therapy for adults across Ontario. Virtual Counselling is available across Ontario, including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga, and beyond. **THERAPY FOR:** [ADHD](https://becomingyourself.com/adhd-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario) [AUTISM](https://becomingyourself.com/autism-therapy-for-adults-in-ontario) [AuDHD](https://becomingyourself.com/audhd-therapy-in-ontario) [Gifted & Neurodivergent (2e)](https://becomingyourself.com/therapy-for-gifted-adults-in-ontario) **DISCOVER:** [Home](https://becomingyourself.com) [Services & Approach](https://becomingyourself.com/neurodiversity-affirming-therapy-ontario) [Our Team ](https://becomingyourself.com/team) [Contact](https://becomingyourself.com/contact) [On Becoming Yourself Blog](https://becomingyourself.com/onbecomingyourself) © 2026 Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting.  All rights reserved. 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