Hello!

Hello, I’m Michelle. I’ve spent over 30 years working with children, teens, families, and adults across a variety of settings. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and knowledge to focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals—especially those who are Gifted, Talented, and Intense-minded, (GTI-m), a non-pathologizing coin of phrase I use to describe people who are identified or identify themselves with Giftedness (in any domain*), Twice-Exceptional (2e), ADHD, ASD, C-PTSD, Anxiety and with existential-depression. ​​

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As a “neuro-spicy” individual and a parent to two kids identified as multi-exceptional, I get the complexities that come with being neurodivergent. I also know the challenges of finding a therapist who truly understands you and is the best fit for you and your family. Knowing that this fit was so hard to find, I opened Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre in 2019.  

I wanted to create a space where people could feel seen, heard, and truly understood. As a therapist and clinical leader to the AATC team, my approach is all about connection and relationship. I believe that therapy should be as unique as the person sitting in front of me. That’s why I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, from IFS (Internal Family Systems) to CBT, DBT, and other trauma-informed methods. I tailor each session to meet my clients where they are—whether they’re working through trauma, developing better self-regulation, or navigating the ups and downs of life transitions.

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I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety, existential depression, or other mental health concerns, and have extensive experience supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community, both professionally and personally. Over the years, I’ve also developed my own unique tools and approaches, like the Brain Animals model™ and the Acorn & Anchor Approach, which I use to guide my work and help clients better understand themselves and their inner systems.

When I work with adults, my goal is to help you understand the internal parts of your system—everything from biology and attachment to the impacts of past relationships and trauma. This insight leads to healing and growth. For young people, I focus on building self-worth, enhancing relationships, and developing healthy ways to manage emotions and trauma responses, all of which often lead to improved behavior, mood, and motivation.

The therapy process isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all approaches. It’s about building trust, supporting self-energy, and fostering lasting connections. That’s why I typically work with clients on a longer-term basis, and I always encourage them to return if challenges pop up down the road.  

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* The five domains of giftedness are intellectual, academic, creative, leadership, and visual/performing arts.

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