Michelle Labine

Hello & Welcome!

     I’m Michelle (she/her), a Registered Counselling Therapist, licensed in Nova Scotia and a Registered Psychotherapist licensed in Ontario.

     My areas of clinical focus include relationships, neurodivergence, sexual health, and trauma recovery.

     I believe healing happens in relationships—especially in a therapeutic space where you feel truly seen and understood. While I’m trained in multiple modalities, our sessions will feel like collaborative conversations focused on creating a safe, attuned connection where your nervous system can settle and your emotional world can begin to shift. This kind of deep, supportive relationship helps rewire old patterns and opens up new ways of being, feeling, and relating.

     Therapy isn’t about coming in to be “fixed”—it’s about coming home to yourself. It’s a space to explore the deeper layers of who you are through conversation, reflection, reframing, and meaning-making. We are storied creatures, and in therapy, we tend to those stories with curiosity and compassion, gently rewriting what no longer serves and honouring what has carried you this far.

     Therapy is a delicate balance between science and art. The science gives us tools and insight—but the art is where the magic happens. It’s in the moments that are hard to explain but deeply felt: the quiet attunement, the emotional resonance, the safety to be fully yourself. That’s where transformation begins.

     I’m glad you’ve found your way to my page; I look forward to connecting with you to explore possibilities.

     If you are Autistic—or think you might be—know that there is a space here just for you. For far too long, Autistic people have been unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. Whether you’ve received a formal diagnosis, identify as self-diagnosed, are in the process of exploring, or are simply curious and seeking answers, you are welcome here. Your experience is valid, and you don’t need to prove or justify it in order to receive support.

     I support Autistic adults in navigating a wide spectrum of deeply personal experiences—many of which are unique to the Autistic journey and too often misunderstood or overlooked.

     Autism and Identity.Whether diagnosed late in life, self-identifying, or navigating life without a formal diagnosis, many Autistic adults face complex questions around identity. Disclosure—when, how, and to whom—is a deeply personal process that can involve both empowerment and vulnerability.

     Late-Diagnosed Women and Masking. Many Autistic women receive their diagnosis later in life, after years—often decades—of masking. This involves suppressing or camouflaging Autistic traits to fit into allistic expectations, often at the cost of one's own wellbeing. Chronic masking can lead to identity confusion, exhaustion, and a deep sense of disconnection from the authentic self.

     Late-Diagnosed Autism and Internalized Stigma. Receiving a diagnosis later in life can bring clarity, but also a range of other feelings. Many late-diagnosed Autistic adults have spent years being misunderstood—not only by others, but by themselves. Internalized stigma often takes root from repeated messages that one's natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving is wrong, broken, or shameful. Healing involves untangling these beliefs and cultivating self-acceptance, self-trust, and pride in one's neurodivergent identity.

     Autism and Self-Concept. Growing up without an understanding of one’s neurotype often leads to internalized beliefs of being “wrong,” “difficult,” or “too sensitive.” Many Autistic adults must undergo a process of unlearning these narratives and rebuilding a more compassionate, accurate sense of self—one that embraces difference rather than pathologizing it.

     Autism and Sexual Self-Concept. Autistic adults often navigate complex challenges around sexuality and sexual identity, shaped by sensory sensitivities, difficulties with interoception, and social or relational trauma. Many have internalized messages of being “undesirable” or “too much,” and may struggle to feel sexually empowered, safe, or understood. Exploring and affirming one’s sexual self-concept can be an important part of healing and self-discovery.

     Autism and Sexual Trauma. Autistic individuals—particularly those socialized to mask or people-please—are at heightened risk for sexual trauma. Difficulties with interpreting social cues, setting boundaries, or asserting consent can increase vulnerability. Many Autistic adults carry complex trauma around these experiences, and healing often involves unlearning shame, reclaiming bodily autonomy, and rebuilding a sense of safety in relationship to self and others.

     Autism and Sensory Sensitivities. Sensory sensitivities are a core feature of the Autistic experience. This may include hypersensitivity (sound, light, textures, smells, or receiving touch) or hyposensitivity (a muted perception of sensory input). Sensory overwhelm can significantly impact daily life and emotional regulation, and is often dismissed or misunderstood by others. Understanding and honouring these sensory needs is essential for well-being and self-regulation.

     Distinct Anxiety. Sometimes referred to as Anticipatory Anxiety, this form of anxiety is often rooted in a deep need for certainty and predictability. It can be debilitating and is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed, as it doesn’t always present like generalized anxiety.

     Anxiety and Social Interactions. Unlike Social Anxiety Disorder, this anxiety is centered on the internalized belief that one lacks the intuitive understanding of social norms and conventions. It’s often accompanied by a persistent fear of getting it wrong or being judged for not performing neurotypical social behaviours "correctly."

     Autism and Trauma. Many late-diagnosed Autistic adults carry the weight of complex trauma rooted in childhood and adolescence—years marked by bullying, exclusion, and repeated invalidation. The cumulative impact of being told (explicitly or implicitly) that one is broken or “too much” can have lifelong effects on self-worth and mental health.

     Autistic Burnout. A state of profound exhaustion and nervous system overwhelm, often following prolonged periods of masking or coping in environments that are not supportive. Burnout is frequently misunderstood as laziness or emotional overreaction, rather than recognized as a serious and valid consequence of unmet neurodivergent needs.

     Interoception Difficulties. Many Autistic individuals experience a disconnect from internal bodily signals, often not recognizing hunger, thirst, pain, or other sensations until they become extreme. Others may experience heightened sensitivity to physical sensations that others perceive as minor—both of which impact emotional regulation and daily functioning.

     Intersecting Identities. Autism does not exist in isolation. Autistic identity intersects with other aspects of self, including cultural background, gender, and sexuality. 

     Alexithymia. A common co-occurrence in Autistic adults, alexithymia refers to the difficulty in identifying and articulating one’s own emotions. This can complicate relationships, self-awareness, and emotional processing, often leaving individuals feeling disconnected from their inner experiences.

     If you see yourself reflected in any of these experiences, know that you’re not alone—and you are not broken. My work is rooted in compassion, affirmation, and the belief that every Autistic person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their full, authentic self.

My Advocacy Statement on Autism Stigma & Mental Health Stigma

I want to highlight that getting support is not a sign of weakness. It takes an enormous amount of strength and courage to insist on taking care of yourself in a world that continues to push distraction and avoidance. To my clients: You are bad ass!  Thank you for doing the heavy lifting and inviting me to be a part of your journey, it is my honour. You amaze me, surprise me and inspire me over and over again. 

Warmest, 

M