More About Michelle Richards-Thompson

I completed my Master of Counselling Psychology Degree from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Guidance and Counselling from Northern Caribbean University. In addition, I have a Guidance and Counselling/ School Counselor background, having worked with children, adolescents, parents, and families for over ten years. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where we explore your story, challenges, and goals in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. My approach is compassionate and client-centred, grounded in evidence-based practices tailored to my unique needs and experiences.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, parents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, trauma, and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or your child, my goal is to help you uncover strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting change. I use play therapy, art therapy, and other creative interventions to help children express emotions and work through challenges developmentally appropriately. For teens, I integrate cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness strategies to address concerns like social anxiety and self-esteem.

When working with adults, I draw from approaches such as emotionally focused therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care. My aim is to help my clients feel empowered in their relationships, improve communication, and process past experiences that may be holding them back. I also have extensive experience supporting families in fostering healthy communication, setting boundaries, and repairing strained relationships. I am passionate about helping clients from all walks of life, including those from marginalized or underserved communities, feel heard and understood.

In our work together, you’ll find a warm, empathetic presence combined with a structured approach to achieving your goals. Therapy is not about fixing you—you are not broken. It’s about understanding your unique story and equipping you with tools to navigate challenges more confidently.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

What is your favourite quote?

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about helping clients overcome challenges and achieve personal growth in ways that are meaningful to them.

Qualifications

Masters of Counselling, Counselling Psychology, Athabasca University

Bachleor of Science Guidance and Counselling, Northern Caribbean University

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Affiliations

Canadian Counselling of Psychotherapy Association

Psychology Association of Alberta

The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta

Certifications

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Therapy Mental Health First Aid training Anxiety in Children and Youth-Practical Intervention Strategies .

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certification .

Grief Counselling and Treatment Certification Training

Trauma & Shame-Informed Dual Certification: Evidence-Based, Integrated Treatment Strategies for Enhanced Recovery

ADHD Certification Course- What’s New & What’s Next in Supporting Neurodiverse Clients

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

High Functioning Autism Certificate

Play Therapy for Enhancing Learning and Promoting Wellness in Children & Adolescents

Languages

• English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Grief & Loss Care

• Grief and Loss

Mental Health Disorders

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults

Other Areas

• Anger Management
• Emotional Regulation
• Stress Management

Thrive (Child & Youth)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
• Child & Youth Anxiety
• Children's Mental Health

Trauma Care

• Trauma

I have experience in:

• Adolescent and Teen Issues
• Aging Parents
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Becoming a Parent or the Addition of Children
• Changes in Health
• Child & Youth Anxiety
• Child & Youth Depression
• Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
• Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
• Childhood Development Issues
• Children & Youth 10 to 12 Years
• Children 6 to 9 Years
• Children's Mental Health
• Common Mental Health Disorders
• Dealing with Infidelity
• Dealing with Physical Health Issues
• Death or Loss of a Pet
• Depression
• Dyslexia
• Emotional Regulation
• Front-Line Workers
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Graduation
• Impulsivity in Children
• Infertility
• Learning Disorders
• Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
• Losing Someone to Suicide
• Loss of Employment
• Loss of a Child
• Loss of a Loved One
• Loss of a Preterm Child
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Parenting Issues & Support
• Parents & Caregivers
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum Depression
• Postpartum Mental Health
• Preparing Children for Therapy
• Retirement
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Seniors and the Elderly Issues
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Stress Management
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Teen's Mental Health
• Trauma
• Workplace Stress
• Workplace Trauma
• Youth 13 to 15 Years
• Youth 16 to 17 Years

My treatment approaches:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Exposure Therapy
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Person Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Positive Psychotherapy
• Sandplay Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy

Assessment services:

• Anxiety Assessment
• Depression Assessment