Michael Bourke RSW (832436)
Registered Social Worker
Mikisew Cree First Nation
Licensing: Ontario, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Languages: English
Education: Social Service Worker Native Specialization Diploma, Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology
Honors of Bachelors Social Work Degree, Laurentian University
Client base: Children, Adolescents
Born and raised in the NWT and Nunavut. I am of Cree descendent of the Mikisew Cree First Nation located in Alberta. My reserve sits in the Treaty 8 territory.
The principles that guide my practice include: The Seven Grandfather Teachings are central to my work and personal life, guiding me to foster growth, connection, and understanding: Wisdom – Embracing knowledge and life experience to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Love – Approaching every interaction with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Respect – Valuing the dignity and worth of each person, honoring their unique perspectives and experiences. Bravery – Facing challenges with courage and standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations. Honesty – Being truthful and transparent, fostering trust and integrity in relationships. Humility – Acknowledging limitations and being open to learning from others and my own experiences. Truth – Upholding honesty and authenticity in relationships and self-reflection.
My approach to helping might include I aim to walk alongside individuals on their healing journey, building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, safety, and mutual respect. I use humor and transparency to create a comfortable environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. My approach is client-centered, incorporating evidence-based techniques such as:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills
- Harm Reduction strategies
- Motivational Interviewing
I work collaboratively with clients to navigate challenges, explore emotions, and achieve personal goals in a way that respects their unique journey. Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practices are I bring compassion, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to helping individuals uncover their potential and move toward healing. My ability to integrate humor, transparency, and empathy into my practice helps create a safe and open space for exploration and growth. My understanding of the interconnectedness of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being allows me to support clients in a way that honors their whole self.
I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas:
- Youth corrections
- Indigenous children’s aid societies
- Working in Nunavut, which deepened my understanding of diverse Indigenous cultures and enriched my cultural knowledge
- Supporting children, youth, and families dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and other emotional or psychological challenges
Areas of counselling support:
Abuse: Emotional,
Anger Management,
Anxiety,
Child/Youth,
Depression,
Panic Attacks,
Self-Esteem/Confidence,
Self-Harm or Self-Injury,
Stress,
Trauma-Informed Care.
**Johnny Ongahak RTC (839863)
CIWAW (202511)**
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor/Certified Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Worker
Licensing: Northwest Territories
Languages: English
Education: Professional Counselling Diploma - Certified Life Coach, Rhodes Wellness College
Foundations Certification 1&2 (on-going), Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy
Client base: Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Groups
I am Inuit and Dene, born and raised in Yellowknife. My approach is guided by Inuit and Dene laws, combined with a professional, client-centred, do-no-harm ethic. These values ground every part of my work.
I am one of the few Indigenous counsellors who has worked in the addictions sector in the Northwest Territories. Mainly Yellowknife, NT.
The gifts I bring into session include: lived experience, non-judgement, and a deep understanding of addiction and childhood trauma. Coming from both lived experience and modern training, my approach is rooted in a holistic model of healing—mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional. I believe these quadrants are deeply connected and shaped by both traditional teachings and Western knowledge.
My continued training includes Narrative Therapy (Letter Therapy / You’re the Author of Your Story), DBT-based self-regulation practices (containment, grounding, emotional regulation), and somatic approaches that help clients understand where trauma and emotions are held in the body.
Areas of Expertise
Addictions & Recovery,
Anger Management,
Anxiety,
Depression,
Developing Healthy Emotional Expression for Men,
Domestic Violence Gendered violence,
Identity,
Incarceration/ Jail / Prison - healing programs,
Loss and Grief,
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls/ MMIWG Awareness and Prevention,
Panic Attacks,
Self-Esteem / Confidence,
Sharing Circles,
Stress,
Trauma-Informed Care,
Witnessing Violence.
