Michael Poydenko

Michael Poydenko, MShe/him

Psychotherapist

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Also available by telehealth: Ontario

Helping individuals and couples move toward a more meaningful, loving life through self-understanding and self-compassion.

About

I work with individuals and couples who feel ready to explore ideas about themselves, their relationships, and the lives they're living. I have a particular interest in working with men, athletes, and meditators, as well as people engaged in self-development who find that inner work benefits from a therapeutic space. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, relational conflict, trauma, or spiritual uncertainty, some of us feel stuck or disconnected, and others sense that old patterns just aren't working anymore. I help clients move forward through self-understanding and self-compassion toward a more meaningful, loving life.

My approach integrates IFS (parts work), the Gottman Method for couples, and somatic-mindfulness practices. I also draw on emotionally focused, solution-focused, narrative, and acceptance-based approaches depending on what you bring into the room. In sessions, you can expect to notice how your body feels, observe how your thoughts take shape, and learn to sit creatively with uncertainty, all within a safe and inclusive space. I'm warm and direct, and I'll gently challenge you when it serves you, while always working at your pace.

I work in person in Hamilton and Cambridge, and virtually anywhere in Ontario. I see individuals, couples, and families, and I'm available on weekdays and occasional weekends. If something here resonated, please don't hesitate to reach out as an act of self-care or curiosity. There's no pressure and no commitment, just a chance to connect and see if we might be a good fit.

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Burnout
  • Stress management
  • Grief & loss
  • Relationship issues
  • Couples therapy
  • Family conflict
  • Self-esteem
  • Life transitions
  • Spirituality
  • Chronic pain & illness
  • LGBTQ+ identity

Approaches

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Gottman method
  • Somatic / body-based
  • Mindfulness-based
  • Narrative therapy
  • Solution-focused
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Psychodynamic
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Works with

  • Adults
  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Older adults
  • Couples
  • Families
  • LGBTQ+

Sessions

In-personVideo

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Logistics

Fees

CA$180per session

Individual sessions $180 CAD; Couple sessions $200 CAD. Sliding scale available. Payment by e-Transfer. No direct billing; detailed receipts provided for insurance claims.

Insurance

I don't offer direct billing with insurance providers. I will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can claim with your provider. Make sure coverage includes psychotherapy.

Licensed or authorized in

  • Ontario

Credentials

  • MS, Couple and Family Therapy, University of Guelph, 2023
Ready to start? Reach out directly:(365) 661-5015