Mike completed a master’s degree in counselling psychology through Athabasca University and earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta prior to his graduate school experience. He is a member in good standing of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and he has the designation of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Mike is also registered with The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) and is in the process of meeting his final requirements to become a provisionally registered psychologist.

 

Mike has over 18 years of teaching experience, where he worked with young people and their families on a regular basis. While working as a teacher, Mike encountered many students who had experienced abuse or who suffered from various mental health issues; this was a significant factor in deciding to become a psychotherapist. Since beginning his private practice in 2016, he has also worked extensively with adults. He is experienced and comfortable in working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Mike has worked with clients facing various issues ranging from self-harm, various forms of abuse, suicidal ideation, various mental health challenges (such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and low self-esteem) as well as other areas. Mike also gained valuable experience working for two years as an addictions counsellor, and he learned much which may be applied to all clients who struggle with addiction.

 

Mike believes in a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to counselling and is strongly client centered as a counsellor. He believes that it is important to meet clients where they are, and he works from the perspective that clients are the experts of their own lives. He understands the importance of building strong relationships of trust and creating and maintaining an environment of safety for both the client and the counsellor. He has an eclectic approach to counselling. However, he finds that solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, and elements of DBT have been successful with many of his clients. Mike has also been trained in Trauma Therapy as well as EMDR and uses these modalities frequently in his practice.

 

Mike has a passion for literature and language and has found that using aspects of these in his practice has made a positive difference for many of his clients. He is always interested in exploring and learning new counselling techniques and modalities and has recently been working towards certification in a therapeutic approach that involves role-playing games, comics, movies, TCGs like Magic: The Gathering, and different forms of fiction and media that help the therapist understand and create an affinity with those with whom he works. Mike believes that incorporating things that we are passionate about into therapy can help the counsellor and the client grow closer to authenticity, a better understanding of self, and courage to move forward in growth, hope, and confidence.

 

Mike enjoys working with his hands and loves nature in all its many forms. He never misses the opportunity to hunt for the perfect rock. He is also interested in travel and studying other languages. Mike has lived and worked in rural settings throughout his life and understands the demands and needs of those who live in small towns or on farms or ranches. Finally, Mike believes that the perfect place for you to start is where you are right now. It is never too early or too late to make positive changes in your life.