Michelle Bird (she/her)
B.A., LLB
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Therapist Intern

(905) 527 - 6337
michelle.bird@everwellcounselling.ca

Availability

Michelle is not currently accepting new clients

Michelle Bird

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Therapist Intern
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology Student

Like many people, I struggled over the past few years to balance a busy career with a desire to be there for my family and to take care of myself. Having worked as a lawyer specializing in workplace conflict for many years, I saw firsthand the damage that such an imbalance could do. This inspired me to make the leap from a career in law, to one in therapy. For me, this transition was more than a career shift; it represented a commitment to helping others navigate daily stressors – both personal and professional – that can negatively impact every aspect of well-being, while also learning to do the same for myself.

I understand on a personal level how hard it can be to find an equilibrium when there are so many competing demands for our time. I hope to support my clients in finding their own path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Q & A with Michelle

What made you decide to choose your current profession?

“I realized that in every aspect of my job as a lawyer (interacting with clients, conducting investigation interviews, doing training sessions) I was drawn to a role that was more in keeping with therapy than law. I wanted to assume a more empathetic role and to dig deeper into what was causing problems for the people I was interacting with, but couldn't since that was not the role I was hired for. It occurred to me that if I had to constantly fight with myself not to go down a certain path, maybe the path I was on was not the right one.”

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

“I think a big misconception is that mental health services are only for people in crisis. I think virtually everyone could gain some small improvement in their life by working with a trained therapist. Even people who have a strong support system of family and friends can benefit from talking to someone who has a different perspective.”

 

What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?

“I consider leaving my last job to be my biggest achievement. I had achieved a fair bit of success (by traditional societal standards) as a lawyer, and I struggled with the idea that I would be seen as a failure if I left that field. Deciding to put my own well-being first and trust my instincts felt like a big achievement for me.”

What do you want your clients to know about you and what it will be like working with you?

“As someone who has been a lawyer for over 15 years and a mom for 10, I have heard...pretty much everything. Almost nothing can shock me, and I approach all conversations with an open mind, because I have a deep awareness of the limits of my own understanding. I want to offer clients a truly judgment-free space. I hope that meeting with me will feel more like a conversation than a stiff, overly clinical appointment. I understand that every client is on their own journey and I'm hoping to work through it with them, rather than direct them.”

“External goals cannot fill internal voids”
— Jay Shetty
 

Areas of Practice

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Workplace Stress

  • ADHD

  • Parenting

  • Life Transitions

 

Education / Accomplishments /Awards

  • Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress)

  • LLB (Osgoode Hall Law School)

  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (York University)

  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

  • Member of the Law Society of Ontario

Average Cost 

  • $70.00 + HST (per session)
    (sliding scale available upon request)

What personal qualities are important for the job that you do?

Humble
Curious
Open-minded
Empathetic

Just for fun

What is your favourite place to find inspiration?

“I always find it easiest to think when I'm walking my dogs. When I'm doing nothing at all, my mind races too much, and when I'm too busy I can't focus on anything creative - walking the dogs is the sweet spot between the two.”

What's your favourite thing to do on your off time?

“Attending a morning yoga class with a friend, cooking a new recipe with my daughters, or watching a "so bad it's good"
movie on Netflix.”