MICHAEL MARKS

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Hi I’m Michael,

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO and provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults. My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by years as an outdoor educator and wilderness guide. My work in this field was focused on supporting youth with mental health and learning difficulties, and included experience as a live-in staff at an alternative outdoor-focused school. Whether in a boarding school program or on multi day canoe-trips, this work gave me opportunities to connect with my students on a deeper level and gain a more holistic understanding of their lives. These experiences taught me the value of authentic, supportive relationships that create a safe environment for personal growth. As a therapist I work to support people process their experiences and develop a greater sense of connection to themselves and others.

My style is rooted in a person-centred approach, and my priority is always to create a non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and safe to express themselves. No two people are exactly alike, and I tailor my approach to a client’s individual needs. My goal is to get to know people and connect with what makes them unique. I am committed to ongoing learning and working from a trauma-sensitive and anti-oppressive framework. Whether facing a daunting life change, or feeling stuck or overwhelmed, therapy can help people identify new ways to look at challenges and harness inner strengths to make meaningful change.

I believe that physical activity and a person’s sensory experience have a profound impact on mental health. My mother is Ellen Yack, an occupational therapist and clinical director of Ellen Yack and Associates. Being exposed to her work in sensory integration therapy throughout my life has informed my perspective on psychotherapy. Providing mental health therapy through EYA gives opportunities to incorporate sensory resources and movement to enhance relationship building, emotional processing, and affect regulation.