You bring the desire for change.
Michelle brings the experience to help you get there.
Meet Michelle
A steady presence for those navigating healing, growth, and transformation.
Michelle Gay, M.A., RCC, CCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor specializing in trauma therapy. With decades of combined professional experience in education and mental health, she brings a grounded, compassionate approach to supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, dissociation, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Michelle is a Certified EMDR Therapist and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. She is also a registered teacher with the college for teachers in British Columbia. Her approach integrates a specialization in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients restore calm, connection, and clarity in their lives.
A Journey That Shapes the work
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Michelle's path to becoming a therapist began with a deep curiosity about culture, resilience, and the human spirit. After earning a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Trent University and TESL diploma from Sir Sanford Fleming College, she taught and lived abroad for over a decade in rural Japan and Hong Kong. Experiencing first-hand the beauty and complexity of local global communities, culture and language. Her time volunteering during Nepal’s civil unrest deeply shaped her worldview and commitment to healing work. Her time hiking in Tibet and Nepal and seeing Mt. Everest, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Fuji, learning to dive in the Philippines and many other life affirming experiences brought deep healing and growth to her own life journey.
While living in Hong Kong she earned her teaching diploma and upon returning to Canada in 2007, Michelle pursued further education in psychology and counselling at the University of Victoria. She eventually earning an undergraduate degree in psychology and co-operative education and her master’s degree in counselling psychology. Alongside her academic training, she worked in school districts onn Vancouver Island supporting children and youth as a teacher, counsellor and behaviour support specialist. She has experience with writing, implementing and managing IEPs and Behaviour Support Plans.
Her therapy practice today is rooted in deep empathy and clinical expertise. She is especially drawn to working with clients who have experienced complex trauma, dissociation, childhood abuse, and emotional overwhelm. Her sessions offer a gentle yet focused space for real, lasting change.
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o B.A. Honours in Sociology/Cultural Anthropology, Trent University
o T.E.S.L. Diploma, Fleming College
o Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Hong Kong
o M.A. in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria
o B.A. Honours in Psychology and Co-op Education, University of Victoria
o EMDR Certified Therapist & EMDRIA Approved Consultant
o IFS Certified Therapist (in progress)
o EMDR Canada Poster Presentation Award (2025): Extended Preparation: Resource Development with Nurturing and Protective Figures.
Michelle has completed extensive advanced EMDR trainings to deepen her understanding about complex trauma including attachment and dissociation, dissociative disorders, ego states, child/youth development and personality disorders.
Guiding Values
Michelle brings warmth, cultural sensitivity, and compassion to her work. She believes in your capacity for healing, no matter how overwhelmed or fragmented life may feel.
Her role is to walk alongside you, sometimes offering guidance, sometimes space, always presence, so that you can reclaim your inner steadiness and strength.
Learn more about Michelle’s services
Let’s Talk
You have already done the hard part; you’ve chosen to seek support. Whether you are navigating personal healing or looking to grow as a therapist, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
For counseling and consultation, you can schedule directly through the A Ripple Affect scheduling portal.
For training and general inquiries, please use the contact form below.
When you’re ready, reach out. Together, we’ll take the next right step on your path.