My Background
"Some of the most honest conversations I've had happened while moving through nature."
Canadian certified counsellorServing CalgaryOnline across Canada*
Michael spent years working in Canadian government on international assistance policy, complex analytical work aimed at helping people around the world facing difficult circumstances. He found the work meaningful, but realized he was more naturally suited to connecting with people directly through therapy.
Before that policy career, he'd already been building his interpersonal foundation. As a university resident assistant, he was the person people came to at 2 a.m. with the things they couldn't say anywhere else. As a youth employment facilitator, he helped young men find direction. As an outdoor recreation guide, he discovered something that would later shape his entire practice: conversations that happen while moving feel different. Less formal. More honest.
Today, as a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Michael bridges the gap. He combines rigorous, evidence-based psychotherapy with movement's real effect on the nervous system: a lower stress response and a clearer head for the hard conversations. Snow Psychology's mission is to make therapy less intimidating and more accessible, through the casual dynamic of walking and talking in nature, creating a supportive space, particularly for men.
My professional journey
Outdoor recreation guide
Led youth groups through outdoor recreation activities to help build their character and skills. Discovered how movement and nature change the pace and depth of human conversations.
Resident Assistant & Youth Facilitator
Gained early foundation in peer support, crisis de-escalation, and structured mentorship for young men navigating high-stress transitions.
Canadian government in foreign aid policy
Years of rigorous policy and analytical work sharpened critical thinking, strategy, and strategic alignment, while highlighting the pull toward direct support.
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Completed Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, grounding empirical knowledge with clinical experience.
Snow Psychology Counselling Services
Established unique counselling practice specialized in walk & talk therapy with a focus on accessibility for men.
How the work actually happens
Sessions aren't just conversations for the sake of talking. Every method has a clear purpose, and you'll always understand why it's being used and how it supports your progress.
We look at the patterns of thinking that hold you back. By identifying blind spots and building practical, everyday tools, you'll learn how to shift your relationship with anxious or critical thoughts.
The values behind the practice
Directness over comfort
Therapy should feel safe, but it shouldn't be passive. Michael provides authentic, direct feedback that challenges you to shift habits, break unhealthy patterns, and see situations clearly.
Process transparency
You'll always understand why we're doing what we're doing. We don't hide behind clinical mystery or vague, open-ended theories. We establish clear objectives.
Respect for your time
We focus on actionable, practical progression. No wasting hours on circular conversations that don't translate to changes in your real-life environment.
What we work through
These are the areas where most clients seek support. If your experience doesn't fit neatly into one category, that's completely normal. Everyone's story is different.
Trauma & anger
Understanding the triggers and somatic responses associated with old wounds and emotional reactive patterns.
Anxiety & stress
Developing reliable techniques to regulate your nervous system and slow racing thoughts when pressure builds.
Depression & burnout
Addressing systemic fatigue, lack of motivation, and the heavy feeling of working on empty for too long.
Relationships & self-worth
Shifting how you see yourself, communicating boundaries clearly, and building healthier relational dynamics.
Life transitions & identity
Navigating major shifts like career pivots, divorce, or mid-life adjustments with clear sense of self.
What to expect when you show up
No mystery, no clinical pretence. Here is exactly how we set up the therapy.
First session
Full background assessment
Our initial session is focused entirely on mapping out your goals, talking through your background context, and setting the baseline. We won't jump into high-intensity processing until you feel secure.
Ongoing Support
Your goals, your pace
Every session starts with a quick check-in on your readiness and wellbeing, and ends with a feedback check to make sure the strategies are actually working. No long-term commitments, no open-ended schedules
Ready to explore a different approach?
No commitment, just a casual 20-minute conversation to see if my approach and support fits your needs.
587-327-3465