Psychotherapist
Michelle Philippe, MA Counselling Psychology, Registered Psychotherapist
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Are you a high performer, an artist, athlete, dancer (or former)? Has a life transition or loss left you feeling overwhelmed and lost?
Sometimes we can feel burdened by sadness, anxiety, shame, a harsh inner critic, or not feeling “good enough”. This can sometimes occur with people pleasing or difficulty meeting your own needs, perfectionism, chronic worry, avoidance, pressure to maintain excellence, or unreasonably high self-standards.
I provide therapy to help folks like you to:
- Build a more compassionate, gentle, and loving relationship with yourself
- Process difficult life experiences
- Address identity and self-worth challenges unique to present and former athletes, artists, and high performers
- Learn more effective coping tools
- Live your life with more balance, fulfillment, and authenticity
- Connect with your own inner wisdom
My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. My primary goal as your therapist will be making sure you feel heard and understood for your unique experiences. I will listen with non-judgement and humility, respect your autonomy, and move at your pace. I also like to bring curiosity, metaphors, psycho-education, and humour into sessions.
Clinical Focus
I work with adults of all ages across Ontario, including:
- Creative people, high performers, and present/former athletes and artists
- Highly sensitive people and deep thinkers
Individuals looking for help with:
- High standards, self-criticism, and/or perfectionism
- Identity loss and exploration
- Grief/bereavement, loss, and life transitions
- Trauma and complex trauma responses
- General anxiety, panic, worry, or difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Depression and related difficulties, such as poor sleep and trouble with decision making
- People pleasing and reassurance seeking
- Self-compassion or self-esteem issues
- Chronic or high stress, such as academic/work/career stress, and stress related to harmful social structures, including disparities across race, gender, and health.
Structure and Therapeutic Modalities
In your sessions, we will focus on what is most important to you. We can explore life experiences more deeply, and/or focus on managing the present day through actionable tools. Some love having homework between sessions (others do not!), while some enjoy in-session guided mindfulness or body-focused exercises. Some love taking the lead, while others prefer that I lead the way. We will work together to find the right approach for you.
I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work
- Humanistic and person-centered approaches
- Neuroscience-informed and trauma-informed therapy
- Mindfulness and somatic approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
- Narrative Therapy
- Strength-Based Therapy
If you are new to therapy, you can read our blog for a brief guide on preparing for your first session.
Some more information about me (as a human):
I use she/her pronouns.
I have a deep and unique understanding of the experience of depression, anxiety, complex trauma, and athlete/dancer mental health and wellness.
I love to go on nature and city walks, especially when it involves finding new cozy coffee shops.
I am passionate about writing and reading poetry, and occasionally perform spoken word. I also love to listen to live music with my partner. Being a part of the arts world is important to me.
Movement is also important for my wellness. I have practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, competitive dance, yoga, Pilates, Animal Flow, and weightlifting.
I participate in my own therapy, and have done so for many years.
At our core, I believe we all have the ability to heal and grow. I believe we are doing the best we can at any given time. If you think we may be a good fit, I welcome you reaching out for a free 15-30 minute consultation
Michelle is a Registered Psychotherapist and a member in good standing with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (registration # 009691). Michelle has a Masters in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Western University.