Michael Lander, MSW, RSW

Hello, I’m Michael, a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with young adults, teens, children, families, and parents. I am also the founder of Journeys Therapy Collective, which is more than just a counselling clinic, but is a community of therapists working together to provide expert therapeutic care to clients when they need it most. We are passionate about maximizing the benefit of collaborative learning and support within our team to provide the best care possible to the people we work with. 

I have witnessed thousands of individuals and families sit across from me in a time of need and work with each individual to get to know them on a deep level, support them in exploring their past, their pain, and their problems - but through a lens of ‘how do I want to move forward.’ 

Therapy is a catalyst for healing and a space where change can begin to flourish. I am here to support you in that process. Together, we can identify your goals and work at a pace that feels good for you, every step of the way. My approach is built on growth, reconciliation, self-understanding and healing. I am here to you on your journey of becoming more aligned with your values and living the life you want to live.

My therapeutic approach integrates the Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) model with Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skill-building. Additionally, I draw on a wide range of techniques from other evidence-based models of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Mindfulness.

My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, grief, relational and attachment trauma, PTSD, substance use/addiction issues, self-esteem wounds, low motivation, eating disorders, self-harm and more. I also support my clients with navigating relationships, exploring sexual/gender identity, and living with personality disorders and neurodivergence, such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary with a clinical specialization, and have worked diligently in the field of mental health ever since. Most notably, I have worked at The Geneva Centre for Autism, Surrey Place, Flex Psychology, The Etobicoke Children’s Centre, and Lumenus Community Services. Over these years, I have gained experience and expertise in clinical individual and group therapy, as well as service coordination, education, and advocacy.