ABOUT
Michael deBoer
BGS, MC, RCC · HE/HIM
Hi, I’m Michael. (Mike is also fine!)
I offer an integrative, non-judgmental, and empathetic therapeutic space for adults of all backgrounds and genders, as well as couples. I hold a sincere belief that change is possible and that, in fact, we are naturally inclined toward change, and health, and thriving. And, I also recognize that we exist in an increasingly complex world, which is why I’m here to help.
I was born in Maple Ridge, spent my childhood north in Prince George, my adolescent years in Victoria, and moved to Vancouver as an adult. I now live in sonamed East Vancouver, and acknowledge that I live and work on the unceded and traditional territory of the Coast Salish Nations of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people. I am grateful for the stewardship of the land they have provided and commit to live respectfully as a guest here.
My work has always been centred on people. Before transitioning into full-time clinical practice, I spent two decades leading teams in corporate finance, working in international poverty relief, and in fundraising and development for local live theatre. These diverse environments taught me a profound lesson: humans possess an incredible capacity to adapt and thrive, even amidst severe stress and life transitions. I bring this rich background of leadership and systemic understanding into every session.
I’ve also had the privilege of performing improv comedy for several decades, and as a result bring a stance of active listening, present-moment awareness, and psychological flexibility into the therapy room.
Education and Registration
Master of Counselling
City University of Seattle in Canada
GRADUATE
Bachelor of General Studies, Psychology Thompson Rivers University
UNDERGRADUATE
REGISTRATION
Registered Clinical Counsellor
BCACC, RCC
Outside the therapy office
I try to get outside as much as I can, and enjoy wood-working and reading. I still get to perform comedy improv from time to time, and see as much live theatre as I can. I also love napping.
WHY TREES
Individual, but not alone
Trees are a perfect metaphor for so much of the human experience. Therapists love tree metaphors: being rooted, branching out, ecosystems of development, you get it...
In Japan there is a concept known as Shinrin-yoku, which translates to: ‘forest-bathing’. It refers to the practice of mindfully immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere to improve physical and mental health. Research has shown that our bodies respond to being among the trees. When we hear birds nestled in their branches, chirping away, our bodies know on some level that we are safe. When there is no birdsong, there is usually a storm or some other danger coming. So our systems relax when we are out, among the trees.
And, like humans, trees are interconnected. They understand that there is an ecosystem to be respected; they are individual, but not alone. And trees show their history: not just the rings indicating their age, but also the curves and bends, dead branches and extending limbs. Trees are shaped by their environments, much like we are. There are times of significant growth, and times of hardship, and all contribute to how a tree is formed.