Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre
Michelle L. Guy,
MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist, CYCP, IFS Therapist (IFS Institute), Founder & Clinical Lead
*Not accepting new clients at this time.
Michelle is the Founder and Clinical Director at Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre. Michelle provides training, mentoring, and clinical supervision to our Acorn & Anchor Therapist Team & Outside Professionals.
Michelle established Acorn & Anchor in 2019 with a relational-focused, neuro-affirming, & trauma-based lens.
Michelle is trained in a variety of modalities including Trauma-based CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Neuroscience, Self-Regulation Skills, Polyvagal Systems, IFS (IFS Institute L1 & P.A.) and other client-focused and trauma-informed approaches.
Welcome!
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, ASD1, C-PTSD, LGBTQ2S+, Anxiety and/or with existential-depression.
As a “neuro-spicy” individual and a parent to two kids identified as multi-exceptional, I get the complexities that come with being neurodivergent (and being a parent!). 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, mentor, 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 who shows up for sessions. That’s why I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including a Relational, and Trauma-based model that integrates aspects of Neural-development, Family Systems, Polyvagal, Calming the Central Nervous System, IFS (Internal Family Systems) 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.
As a team leader, I have spent the last 6+ years building the team at Acorn & Anchor. I am confident that my team members will support our GTI-m population in the best possible way!
Over the years, I’ve also developed my own unique tools and approaches, like the Brain Animals model™ as a part of the Acorn & Anchor Approach, which I use to guide my work and help clients better understand themselves and their inner systems. Our team is here 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. With young people, we 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 we typically work with clients on a longer-term basis, and we always encourage them to return if challenges pop up down the road.
* The five domains of giftedness: intellectual, academic, creative, leadership, and visual/performing arts.
If you’re looking for a place with people who genuinely understand the complexities of being neurodivergent and are committed to helping you grow, contact us today!
Let’s work together to help you thrive.