Michael Smith (He/Him), MSW, RSW

I’m a cisgender, Black man.  I migrated from Jamaica as a child and raised in Toronto.

Experience / Areas of Expertise

Hello, and welcome! I understand how challenging it can be to juggle responsibilities while adjusting to a new environment, whether you're a local or international student. Balancing academics, personal life, and new surroundings can feel overwhelming. I’m here to support you through these transitions, helping you manage stress, anxiety, fluctuating mood, or uncertainty while building strategies to thrive in your academic and personal life.

In my practice, I integrate psychodynamic theory and family systems theory to fully understand the patterns in your environment, thinking, emotions, and behaviours that may be causing distress. My aim is to help you regain control of your mind, body, and spirit so that you can feel safe, motivated, and confident as you work toward your goals. I also incorporate the concept of social prescription, encouraging activities like social gathering, hobbies, spirituality, and community engagement to support mental wellness.

I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. With training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness, I’m committed to helping you understand patterns that cause distress and guiding you toward empowerment. 

With over a decade of experience working with students and adults in education, healthcare, and community settings, I am dedicated to supporting your emotional wellness. I am a firm believer in the saying, “even broken crayons can still colour the same”.

Things I Love

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy dabbling in entrepreneurship and connecting with people. My favourite pastimes include roasting on the BBQ, watching shows, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends. Engaging in these activities helps me maintain balance and joy, and I encourage you to explore your own passions and interests as part of your journey toward wellness.