Registered Psychotherapist
M.A. (Ed.), R.P.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Do you ever find yourself confused about why you reacted a particular way to something? Or bothered by a train of thought that you can’t seem to outrun? Perhaps the way of life you’ve so desperately been trying to cultivate always seems just out of reach?

I use an integrative approach to therapy based in narrative and cognitive-behavioural approaches aimed at helping you build an understanding of your emotions, beliefs, and actions within your unique life context.

In doing so, you can learn more effective ways to manage these emotions, generate new perspectives, and feel more empowered to cultivate a way of life that allows you to be your full authentic self.

Experience

Michaella received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour with a specialization in Mental Health. She then went on to complete her Master of Arts at the University of Ottawa in Counselling Psychology.

As a Registered Psychotherapist, Michaella has worked in both private and non-profit therapy settings with both youths and adults. She has experience working with clients dealing with anxiety/worry, depression/low mood, trauma, relationship issues, grief and other big life changes.

Client focus: Individuals aged 12 yrs and older

Types of therapy: person-centred, psychodynamic, narrative, CBT, ACT, DBT

Issues: anxiety/worry, depression/low mood, stress/overwhelm, interpersonal relationships, trauma, life transitions

Specialities: understanding and responding to emotions, improving communication and boundaries in relationships, processing beliefs related to traumatic experiences

More than just my work:

  1. “We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out—and we have only just begun”  —Neil Degrasse Tyson
  2. I feel most alive and at ease when I’m hiking, biking, exploring new places, chasing aurora, playing in big waves, cartwheeling on a freshly mowed lawn, reading a good book, or sharing food and laughter with the people I love.
  3.  I am a lover of all things candy: laffy taffy, skittles, cotton candy, you name it! To support this passion, I am also an avid gym go-er and love working on getting stronger every day!

How I got started in therapy.

Being a therapist is one of my most treasured and gratifying experiences. Initially, I didn’t have a clear-cut path; I arrived at this profession by exploring many different experiences.

The education system and I were not friends; I struggled with the traditional classroom setting as I was not a “sit still” type of learner; I needed space and room to learn by doing or, as my one teacher commented, “Nicole is either talking or sleeping in class” (fitting that I am now a therapist, lol) I am a somatic learner I need to talk it out, attempt it and apply it.

Focusing on my strengths allowed me to seek opportunities that leveraged my skills and used them to my advantage. Some strengths came naturally, and some were developed through experience and practice.

My background

I hold a Masters’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Child and Youth Care degree from the University of Victoria and a diploma in Early childhood education from Assiniboine Community College.

In addition to my formal education, I regularly engage in professional development and continuing education to stay informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and ensuring that my practice aligns with the current standards and best practices in the field.

When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me with my dogs, exploring what the area has to offers (I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks).
My own mental health and well-being are vital to me, and I commit myself to regular physical activity, well-being activities and self-care appointments (I love a good facial or yoga session). But let’s not joke ourselves. I love a good cappuccino, croissant and climbing into bed early to Netflix binge some reality tv. I am just as human as everyone else!

That’s important to remember. Social media skews our view of life; it doesn’t need to be done here too!

I know from experience of sitting in the other chair; the first session can feel daunting. If you have read this over and something feels right, I recommend you reach out.

Please feel free to book a time to chat with me below, and I can’t wait to start working with you.

If you’re ready to begin experiencing life better, I’m here to help.

I’m here to help you better.

Reach out below for a free 15m consultation.