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.

Michael Bourke RSW (832436) Registered Social Worker Mikisew Cree First Nat... Read More

Sylvia Kablutsiak MSW, BSW, RSW (855408)

Registered Social Worker Arviat, Nunavut

Licensing: Ontario, Nunavut, and Yukon

Languages: English, Inuk

Education: Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work, Laurentian University

Client base: Children, Youth, Adults

I am a Registered Social Worker from Arviat, Nunavut, however I’m currently residing in Waterloo, Ontario.

The principles guiding my practice are rooted in the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, also known as Inuit societal values. The values embedded in my practice include the following:

1. Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (respecting others): My goal is to build relationships rooted in mutual respect, compassion, and non-judgement. In our time together, I will create a safe and welcoming space where you feel heard and valued.

2. Piliriqatigiingniq (working together for a common cause): Healing and finding your truth is not done alone. I will walk alongside you during your healing journey; not for you, but with you. We will find ways to support you best, together.

3. Qanuqtuurniq (being resourceful and innovative): I will adapt my approaches to meet your unique needs by blending counselling methods with Inuit knowledge and practices. I will remain open to creative solutions to best suit your needs.

4. Pijitsirniq (serving others): My work is grounded in service to Inuit and other Indigenous populations. I offer support in Inuktut to allow Inuit to express themselves in their language without language barriers. I approach support through an Inuit lens, while also drawing from the Medicine Wheel to support wholistic wellness.

5. Aajiiqatigiingniq (decision-making through consensus): I value shared decision-making with those I walk with. I will support you in making informed choices and will honour your voice every step of the way.

My approach to helping involves integrating both mainstream and Indigenous worldviews. I incorporate strength-based and trauma-informed approaches, sharing circles, and wholistic frameworks such as the Medicine Wheel. I also incorporate Motivational Interviewing while grounding my work in Inuit ways of knowing that view wellness as a balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practice include deep cultural knowledge rooted in the Inuit way of life, lived experiences of challenges and resilience, and maintaining my first language, Inuktitut. I also carry teachings from Inuit and First Nations Elders that continue to ground me in my work as a helper.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas: mental health and addictions, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, romantic separation, cultural disconnection, navigating systemic barriers, intergenerational trauma, stress related to community and social challenges, and life transitions including culture shock.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Anger Management, Anxiety, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Indian Residential School, Identity Reclamation, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Violence.

Sylvia Kablutsiak MSW, BSW, RSW (855408) Registered Social Worker Arviat, N... Read More