Michael Reynolds, MACP, RSW

Who I work with

With over a decade of experience in trauma-informed mental health and addictions, I work with people facing depression, anxiety, big feelings, and life challenges. Perhaps there’s a change you want to make, an experience or emotion you want to understand, or a desire to get closer to yourself and figure out what you want. Maybe you’re at a crossroads in life, or concerned about thoughts of suicide. I’m gentle, thoughtful and will meet you where you’re at with care, curiosity, and ideas that might help.

I work with people from diverse backgrounds, including those affected by trauma, such as residential school trauma. I offer support for family and relationship difficulties, and the challenges and strengths associated with gender diversity and neurodivergence. I’m also comfortable working with people living with patterns commonly associated with Borderline Personality Disorder.

I have worked as a counsellor on the traditional territories of the Vuntut Gwitchin, Kaska, Carcross/Tagish, Ta’an Kwäch’än and Kwanlin Dün First Nations. These experiences have shaped my work and deepened my appreciation for the importance of understanding each person in their own cultural and community context. 

Wherever you’re from and whatever you’ve experienced, we can explore how to have more of what you want in life without giving up who you are.

We’ll begin by making space for you to feel comfortable and safe. I’ll listen and try to understand what it’s like to be you, in your situation. If you’re not sure what to say, I’ll offer questions to help guide us. If you have so much to say that you don’t know where to start, I’ll help you organize and pace your sharing.

I believe meaningful change often begins with curiosity and a non-judgmental approach to ourselves. If it’s hard to be kind to yourself, I can help you move in that direction. We will identify your strengths and wisdom, and I’ll gently point out patterns or places where you seem to be getting stuck. These patterns may have served you well at other times in your life—and may still serve an important purpose.

Our conversations may lead to suggestions, activities, or things you can try. Some people like having things to practise between sessions; for others, that isn’t realistic or helpful. We can find what works for you.

I have extensive experience facilitating Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) groups. While not a fit for everyone, DBT offers practical skills to help people manage difficult emotions, navigate conflict, build better relationships, and create more stability and satisfaction in their lives.

I may also offer grounding, body, or mindful self-compassion practices. Imaginal, creative and playful approaches can help us discover parts of ourselves that hold resources to draw on. I value your feedback and want to know what’s working, what isn’t, and what else you’d like from our work together.

My style

Areas of Focus

  • Anxiety/Depression

  • Emotion Regulation including anger

  • Self-compassion

  • Neurodiversity

  • Identity

  • Trauma (PTSD & Complex PTSD)

  • Addictions

  • Suicidal thoughts and concerns

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

Outside the office

I value community and have lived in Whitehorse for over thirty years. During that time, I graduated from Yukon College (now University), planted lots of gardens, paddled rivers and hiked in the mountains. I’m a writer and published a book of poems. I love music and dance and am part of a pop choir.

Among other jobs, my work has taken me to Raven Recycling in the 1990s, the Child Development Centre, Challenge Community Vocational Services (now Opportunities Yukon), and the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED).

My partner and I raised our kids here and continue to explore the land, arts and cultures of this beautiful place.

Approach

  • Relational/psychodynamic talk therapy

  • Anti-oppressive, culturally responsive practice

  • Mindful self-compassion and body-based approaches

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Free 20 min Consult

Education

• Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University

• Bachelor of Social Work, Yukon College

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Bringing the Body Into Practice (Somatic/Attachment)

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

• Over 20 years as a social worker and counsellor, including extensive additional training. If you’re curious about my training, please ask!

Experience

  • 12+ years of counselling experience

  • 20+ years of social work experience

  • KDFN Health, individual counselling and facilitated a grief group

  • Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED)

  • Substance Use Treatment Centre

  • 10 years of experience facilitating DBT groups

  • Helped develop and deliver workshops on trauma, connection, grief, parenting, mindfulness substance use recovery, trauma, parenting

  • Coverage through most extended health benefit plans; provider for NIHB and Indigenous Services Canada