top of page

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+. ​​

​

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.  

​

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. ​

​

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.

​

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.

​

* 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.

bottom of page