Meet Michael - LGBTQ Therapist

Hi! I grew up in a conventional and isolated part of Australia. I spent over a decade working in hospitality and retail, and after completing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and human genetics, I pursued a career in medical lab science. Finding this far less satisfying than hospitality work, I reevaluated my circumstances and chose to relocate to Canada, something I’d wanted to do for years. I’m now happily established in the lower mainland; I appreciate the climate, natural beauty, acceptance, and travel opportunities unique to this part of the world. Looking back, I now understand that dominant cultural norms and values around me during my youth conflicted with who I really was, and inhibited my self-discovery. This realization, along with an intense desire to give back and support others, was influential in my decision to pursue a counselling career. 

Nowadays, I live my own way – I’ve largely opted out of the negativity, judgement, and status-consciousness that I see so much of around me. I value being active and unique, having fun, and being spiritually-orientated and growth-focused; I’m concerned (in a generative way) with my communities, with the suffering around me, and with humanity and the planet. When I’m not working, sleeping, or getting from A to B, I enjoy being in the kitchen, meditating, working out, exploring/discovering, learning, writing, and of course, pleasures of the senses. 

Professionally, I’m passionate about helping people better understand their minds, develop rich and meaningful lives, and achieve more comfort and intimacy in connections with others. Relationships, life changes/dissatisfaction, anxiety, conflict, and procrastination are issues my clients often bring to me. My clients and colleagues have told me they value my empathy, attentiveness, and discernment. From my perspective, being open-minded, flexible, moderately  hard-hitting, and resourceful also contribute to my professional success. In addition to my formal credentials, I’ve also had training in the therapeutic use of rhythm, immigrant and refugee mental health, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, nutrition and complementary medicine for mental health, youth work, and disability work. I hope to receive further training in narrative therapy and therapeutic technologies in the future