Michelle McKenzie has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Prior to transitioning into private practice, Michelle has over 15 years’ experience supporting vulnerable Albertans diagnosed with intellectual delays and mental health disorders to find community housing and social assistance. Michelle has worked with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome, intellectual delay and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She has worked with individuals with addiction issues, health limitations, justice involvement, and those experiencing homelessness. She has knowledge of government social programs like Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support, & Persons with Developmental Disabilities and community agencies that support vulnerable individuals.

Michelle’s experiences have provided opportunities to work with Albertans from various, cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing issues associated with work issues, relationship/family issues, addiction, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, trauma and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Michelle is an advocate for supporting mental health for people of colour. Her areas of interest include how systemic racism impact mental health for Black women and people of colour and developing anti-racist activism in the workplace.

Michelle has developed the Edmonton Sister Circle, a free 6-week support group specifically for Black women that focuses on how racism impacts mental health. An Introduction to Racism in the Workplace: Getting comfortable being uncomfortable, a 2-day workshop for companies that want to learn about the subtle and not so subtle ways racism impacts the workplace. Michelle utilizes person centred and solution focused approach counselling techniques with a holistic approach to supporting client needs.