Michael Holker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Clinical Social Worker
he/him
Telehealth only: Ontario
Neuro-affirming therapy for ADHD, autistic, and gifted adults finding their way back to themselves.
About
Many neurodivergent, ADHD, autistic, gifted, or 2e adults live in the tension between who they are and who they learned they had to be. You may find yourself monitoring every interaction, carrying old criticisms, or pushing yourself past exhaustion. That inner push-pull can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to show up as your real self, especially when it feels like everyone else was handed instructions you never received. At Becoming Yourself Counselling, I offer a safe, grounded space to explore these inner conflicts, understand your patterns, and gently move toward a more authentic way of being.
I help neurodivergent and gifted adults work through anxiety, trauma, self-criticism, and the emotional weight of masking. Using ACT, CFT, DBT, CBT, IFS, and relational approaches, we make sense of the parts of you that learned to cope and the parts that want something different. We work to uncover your strengths and build self-understanding, practical tools, and strategies that actually fit your neurotype. If you're tired of holding everything together, replaying moments, or shifting who you are just to feel accepted, therapy can give you room to breathe.
I have over a decade of experience in social services and bring a neuro-affirming, humanistic, and trauma-informed lens to every session. I blend existential and strengths-based approaches with client-centred care, and I'm genuinely curious about what makes you tick. In working with the neurodivergent community, I know that off-the-shelf solutions rarely fit, so we explore collaboratively and modify as we go, learning to approach complex thoughts and feelings with curiosity and compassion.
I'm available throughout the week for virtual appointments and offer a free 15-minute consultation. Sliding scale fees are available, and I'm able to bill many insurance providers directly. If any of this resonates, reach out and we can talk about whether working together makes sense.
Specialties
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma & PTSD
- Self-esteem
- Stress management
- Life transitions
- Addiction & substance use
- Grief & loss
- Spirituality
- Burnout
- Relationship issues
Approaches
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Humanistic / person-centered
- Mindfulness-based
- Narrative therapy
- Solution-focused
Works with
- Adults
- Older adults
- LGBTQ+
- Veterans / first responders
Sessions
Languages
- English
Logistics
- Fees
CA$175per session
Sliding scale available. Free 15-minute consultation offered.
- Insurance
Accepts: Canada Life | Great-West Life, Desjardins Insurance, First Canadian Health, Green Shield Canada, Johnson, Johnston Group, Manulife, Medavie Blue Cross, TELUS Health, Sun Life
I accept insurance and am able to bill some insurance companies directly; please let me know when we discuss fees and payment arrangements are made.
- Office locations
- Becoming Yourself Counselling: North York, ON M2N(289) 272-2881
Frequently asked questions
- Who is a good fit for your therapy approach?
- My work is often a good fit for people who feel stuck between insight and action, are navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, experience anxiety, depression, relationship stress, emotional overwhelm, or are trying to better understand themselves. I often work well with clients who are reflective, curious, and interested in building a life that feels more aligned with who they are.
- How would you describe your approach to therapy?
- My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I aim to create a space where clients can better understand their patterns, reduce shame, develop emotional awareness, and move toward meaningful change. I do not see therapy as simply “fixing” people, but as helping them become more connected to themselves, their values, and the life they want to build.
- What therapy modalities do you use?
- I draw from several evidence-informed approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, Internal Family Systems-informed work, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and existential therapy. The approach is adapted to the person rather than forcing every client into one model.
- Do you work with neurodivergent clients?
- Yes. A significant part of my work includes supporting ADHD, autistic, gifted, highly sensitive, and otherwise neurodivergent clients. I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which means therapy is not about masking, forcing yourself to be “normal,” or ignoring your nervous system. It is about understanding yourself more accurately and developing strategies that fit how you actually operate.
- Are sessions offered virtually?
- Yes. Sessions are offered virtually to clients located in Ontario. This can make therapy more accessible, flexible, and comfortable, especially for clients who prefer to meet from their own space.
Credentials
- Masters in Social Work, University of Windsor, 2018
- Bachelor of Social Work, Dalhousie University, 2014