Pacific Blue Cross Therapists in Hamilton, ON

Are you navigating the aftermath of toxic relationships or trying to heal from past traumas? Maybe you are noticing unhealthy patterns that you'd like to break? Are you saying sorry too much, feel like its unfair, and don't know how to stop? This can cause low self-esteem, hard time trusting others, and people-pleasing. The overthinking, feeling on edge, anxiousness, can be exhausting. Together, we will explore and process your experiences, develop healthier relationship patterns, and help you regain a sense of inner peace. As a team, let's work on what is bothering you. You no longer have to keep it in or deal with it alone.

Now Accepting New Clients: Do you need a therapist who actually understands how trauma impacts the body and brain, and how it affects all your relationships - especially the one with yourself? Maybe you've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just venting - but you need to learn how to actually PROCESS your emotions, not just talk about them. You've tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've saved all the therapy tiktoks but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making real change.

Embarking on a journey of healing is like taking steps toward a life of health and wellness. In my role, I strive to cultivate a nurturing environment where you can feel secure and embraced as you draw upon your inner strength, progressing towards a state of well-being. My mission involves crafting a space that encourages you to bring forth your true self without any reservations, fostering an atmosphere free from judgment or fear. With a foundation rooted in inclusive and trauma-informed practices, I aim to guide you towards recognizing your strengths and shaping a positive narrative.

You're smart, successful, driven - but you're stuck. On the outside nobody would guess it, but on the inside you feel torn apart. Your anxiety is relentless, your inner critic berates your every word, you can never get caught up on your to-do list, and no matter how much praise you get - you simply don't believe it. You wonder if you have anxiety, or maybe it's ADHD, or maybe even depression or past trauma. You definitely know you can't relax, it's hard to even stay still. You've read the self-help books, tried meditation, mental health walks, journaling...You know at the core you need to "love yourself", but truly don't know how.

I hold 3 degrees and several counseling certifications which include a Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Toronto, Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor and Bachelor of Arts from Western University and Human Resource Professional Certificate from Sheridan College. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. My experience profile has several decades specializations in paediatrics and child and family counselling.

Hi, I’m Michaela! I am a recent MSW graduate from the University of Windsor and had the pleasure of completing my last practicum with Psychotherapy for You Canada! I also hold an Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology. I have spent the last four years working in acute inpatient psychiatric care for children and youth ages 5-17 and feel that I have a good grasp on some of the most pressing issues youth are currently facing. I believe every human being is unique, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, and each person deserves to seek counseling with a therapist who tailors their approach to what fits the client best.

We are a team of clinicians that are trained to work with students, individuals, couples and families. That excel at helping you expand your emotional tolerance, reactions & communication skills. Too many of us suffer in silence with anxiety, low self-esteem, unprocessed trauma and anger. You are not alone and we are here to encourage you to let those experiences be felt in a safe & non-judgmental environment. We know how hard it can be for most people to do therapy & our goal is to make it engaging, insightful & rewarding. To be vulnerable means not having our deepest feelings and secrets shot down. We use an integrative approach.

Embarking on a journey towards healing and self-discovery is a profound act of courage, especially when it means opening up to someone new. Recognizing the bravery it takes to make that first step, I am deeply honored to accompany my clients on their path to wellness and would be privileged to support you on yours. My commitment is to walk alongside you at your own pace, ensuring our journey together is grounded in understanding, collaboration, and respect. With a down-to-earth approach, I prioritize creating a space that is emotionally safe and free from judgment, allowing you to feel both respected and truly heard.

Accepting New Clients! - You need a therapist who actually "gets" your unique brain. You've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just talking about your problems - you need somebody who will help you actually PROCESS what's going on, not just listen. You need somebody who can hold you accountable to making real change in your life and call out your patterns. You've tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've read all the therapy insta posts but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while, and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making a real change.

You are constantly walking on eggshells. Always on high alert, your highly sensitive brain is always scanning other people's expressions to make sure everything is okay. You over-apologize, over-explain, over-share or disconnect and push your emotions deep down. You feel different - too emotional, too “much”. A sense of loneliness and longing for something you can’t describe looms in the background of everything you do. No matter what you try the feeling that there’s “something wrong with you” just won’t let up. You try to feel better - you have journaled, meditated, tried therapy, medication, breathwork…but nothing helps for long.

Now Accepting New Clients! You're a woman in your 20s or 30s with ADHD. You struggle with time blindness, impulsivity, difficulty focusing at work, procrastination, rejection sensitivity, and difficulty managing emotions. Maybe you overextend yourself, and a hard time setting boundaries, or have difficulty saying no. Even if you're not diagnosed, you're pretty sure you have it. You've tried tools to help - maybe medication, maybe meditation, maybe time blocking, journaling and self-help books but you still feel stuck. Often this shows up as problems in our closest relationships - be it with friends, partners, family, or at work.

Are you having difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, traumatic experiences or challenging life transitions? Do you feel like you are constantly in fight-or-flight mode? These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated and unmotivated, affecting your daily life, work, school and relationships. But don't worry, you're not alone. I'm here to help you find lasting relief and make a positive change. Get your life back by developing effective skills and tools to overcome these challenging experiences!

You're a highly sensitive person and empath with a tendency to say "yes" too much. You have read the self-help books, tried things like meditation, journaling, and positive thinking - maybe you've been to therapy before, but you still feel stuck. This might look like people pleasing, self-sabotage, overwhelm or overthinking. Maybe for you it's anxiety, ADHD, low self esteem, overdrinking, procrastination, and difficulty regulating emotions. Often, this can show up as difficulties in interpersonal relationships - either being attracted to the wrong people or having a hard time finding fulfillment in your existing relationships.

Have you tried therapy before and it felt nice to vent, but didn’t feel like it helped long-term? Do you find that you’re self-aware, or want to be, but still feel anxious or doubt yourself? Would you like someone to help you feel better mentally and emotionally even though it might not always feel possible? Are you interested in figuring out the issue at the root of the problem? Together we can manage the stress, anxiety, and disconnect you feel with yourself to move towards more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. You don’t have to feel this way anymore.

Are you concerned that you might be having issues in any of the following areas?: Addictions (alcohol, drugs, social media, sex), ADHD (poor time management, disorganized thoughts), Trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD), Anxiety (social anxiety, worry and rumination), Depression (low mood, low motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, postpartum), Acquired brain injury, Body dissatisfaction (dieting/restricting, chronic eating, emotional eating) , Borderline Personality Disorder, Impulse Control and Managing urges.

Are you in a relationship where it's on and off, unhealthy, or wondering how the compliments turned into criticisms? Do you feel like you and your loved ones are growing apart? Because of relationship struggles you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, maybe even chronic pain? You feel like you are constantly tensed, experiencing unknown pain, lack of sleep and ruminating. Maybe you are looking to heal from trauma and PTSD, and you feel your body is trapped in the past. If you are looking for a sense of peace and relief, both mentally and physically, I can support you.

So...you're attracted to emotionally unavailable partners. You overgive, overcompromise, and people-please. You feel anxious when your partner isn’t with you, checking your phone every few minutes to see if they've texted. You're on an emotional roller coaster, feeling terrified of abandonment, panicked during conflict, and at other times, resentful. You struggle setting boundaries and holding them. Maybe your partner (or ex) is full of red flags you missed. Or maybe your new partner is a total green flag, but your anxiety remains. You feel too "needy" and too sensitive, and you try not to show it - but sometimes you can't help it.

Now Accepting New Clients! Are you intelligent, "type-A", with a million things always on the go? On the outside you appear to have "made it", but on the inside your anxiety is crippling. You wonder if you have ADHD, you're working on 100 things at once, never seeming to be able to slow down until you crash (and then beat yourself up for resting). You start to wonder if you're depressed. Why does it feel like you're on such a roller coaster of emotions? You've tried journaling, meditating, maybe even medication or therapy, but you still feel stuck. You know you need to "love yourself", but you don't know how to actually DO that.

I am committed to making a positive impact on people's lives. I am a firm believer in the power of empathy and active listening and I am dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I believe that the most profound human connections are built upon empathy, trust, and a sincere desire to help others. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from various techniques to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each client. I have witnessed the transformative impact of a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect, as both a therapist and a client.