Michelle Labine

Hello & Welcome!

My name is Michelle (she/her), I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist, licensed with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, and a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

I work with individuals, partners, and adult families. My areas of focus are relational health, chronic and complex trauma recovery, and sex therapy. I am a neuroaffirming therapist with lived experience, clinical experience, and training in supporting Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults.

At its core, my therapy sessions are focused on individual and relational possibilities, the power of encouragement, the impact of personal responsibility, and the significance of the therapeutic alliance.

Our work is collaborative, you are the expert in your life, and I hold expertise regarding the therapeutic relationship. Together we will distinguish what is important to you; your needs, your desires, your hopes, your dreams, and what you imagine is possible for yourself.

As an Existential-Narrative Therapist, I believe people are unique, have many skills, competencies, strengths, and abilities to create and author their own lives. I am interested in joining with you, exploring the stories that have shaped and continued to influence your life and relationships, their effects, their meanings, and the context in which they were authored. I view adversity and challenges that people face as problems that are separate from the person. I believe every person has the freedom to explore ways in which to re-author plots that are keeping them stuck, unfulfilled, and problem saturated. I believe every person has the freedom to make decisions that are central to the direction of what their life will take, including the means to reduce the influence of problems in their life.  

Together, using curiosity, we will develop our therapeutic plan and goals for our work by identifying areas of narrow awareness; implicit patterns that are running in the background; strengths and adaptive strategies; maladaptive strategies; areas equipped for healing and trauma recovery; and areas ready to be expanded upon.

We will always go at your pace in sessions. I will regularly check in with you on what is helpful and what is not helpful in our work, so that I may adjust as needed to best support you. I am trained in multiple modalities, from which I will intentionally draw upon to craft our sessions, tailoring them specifically to you and your process.

In our therapeutic relationship, you are met with unconditional positive regard, you are valued as an individual and received with immense compassion. In supporting you to live your most meaningful life, I listen deeply and work with you to uncover parts of yourself, tap into your strengths, and access your internal resources.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I am also a Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists (AASECT). For more information about my qualifications, credentials, professional experience, and continued education click on the green-coloured boxes on the left side of this page.

The field of counselling psychology is constantly evolving, I am committed to keeping up with the latest research through continued studying and training with leaders in the areas of my specialization. As I focus on my personal and professional development, I continue to see the benefits clinically, in my therapy room.

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 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 neurotypical expectations, often at the cost of their 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 grief. 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 (e.g., to sound, light, textures, or smells) 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 honoring 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 behaviors "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. I work with clients to explore how their Autistic identity intersects with other aspects of self, including cultural background, gender, and sexuality. For example, navigating life as both Autistic and Queer brings its own set of challenges and strengths.

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.