
Michelle L. Guy, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist, IFS Therapist (IFSI), Founder & Clinical Lead
Michelle is the Founder and Clinical Director at Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre (AATC). Michelle established Acorn & Anchor in 2019 with a relational-focused approach with the knowledge that connection between therapist and client is a key element of success in therapy.
Michelle built AATC from the ground up (including actual construction of the Centre!) with passion, dedication, and commitment to serving Gifted, Twice-Exceptional, and Neurodivergent folks in a way that meets the unique and diverse needs of the population.
Michelle provides training, mentoring, and clinical supervision to our Acorn & Anchor Therapist Team & Outside Professionals.​
Hello, I'm Michelle!
I’ve spent over 30 years working with children, teens, families, and adults across a variety of settings. My passion is in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially those who are Gifted, Talented, and Intense-minded, (GTI-m) - a non-pathologizing coin of phrase to describe people who are identified or identify themselves with: Giftedness (in any domain*), as Twice-Exceptional (2e), with ADHD, ASD1, C-PTSD, Anxiety and/or with existential-depression, and those identifying as LGBTQ2S+. ​​
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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, and of being a parent of kids who may not "fit in" with their peers or the systems designed to teach and take care of them. 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 can be so hard to find, I opened Acorn & Anchor Therapy Centre in 2019, a space where the "right fit" is highly valued.
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AATC is a space where people 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 systems, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and building skills that work for each client outside of "textbook" approoaches. I tailor each session to meet my clients where they are—whether they’re working through trauma, developing self-regulation, or navigating the ups and downs of life transitions. ​
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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. Brain Animals helps clients better understand themselves and their inner systems. 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 behaviour, mood, and increased motivation.
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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. As a team leader, I am confident that my team members will support our GTI-m population in the best possible ways.
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* 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.
