Testimonials

Individual Client Testimonials

“When I first came to see you I suffered from depression and anxiety... with your help I was able to see... ways of coping with my problems. After meeting with you I felt energized. I felt taken to another level knowing such a unique human being as yourself. Your empathy and encouragement helped me feel ready to tackle my next week. There is so much I have learned from you. You reflected to me what my strengths were and supported me in my way to recovery. I learned to cope with my moods better. I feel better with myself and don’t suffer from anxiety attacks or severe depression like I used to.”

“Michelle, I want to thank you for all your time and effort. My self-esteem and assertiveness have improved so much during the therapy as well as my relationship with my husband. The experience was great and you are truly an amazing person who is not just a professional therapist doing a job. Your clients are very lucky to learn the knowledge you are willing to share.”

“Therapy helped me know myself. There were parts of my personality that I ignored or even loathed. I was embarrassed when I looked inwards and saw the person I hated to love or even consider. Through counselling, I feel like I was introduced to myself for the first time. The loathing I felt became compassion for a person who was just trying to cope and survive. I accepted my fumbling, mistakes, and faults as part of me. I am not bad or terrible. I am a person with abilities – able to love and to have joy, be sad or angry – the same as anyone.”

“My goal was to be normal. Now it is to be happy. Michelle, you always made me feel safe. You accepted me the way I was. I learned that the depression, sleeping all day, not participating in life, etc. did not make me a bad person. I never felt judged by you (which I felt in the past by previous counsellors). Your acceptance of me helped me to recover from my depression. Thank you!”

“Michelle knew that I was a visual person and used that (through art work, especially collages) to help me even more. She used the media that came easiest for me to see myself as a whole – not in parts. I would not be where I am without her. Her techniques made me feel safe, that what I felt was important.”

“Michelle Mann participated in our Brief Counselling Project. The Brief Counselling Service, offered trough the Canadian Mental Health Association of Clinical Counsellors, provides adults with low cost, individual counselling, one session per week for a maximum of 8 sessions… Michelle was positive and encouraging. She was attentive and resourceful. Clients indicated positive changes and new directions for them as a result of their brief counselling process with her, as one of them stated: “I noticed each week that I was making progress and feeling more empowered in my own abilities… Michelle has provided me with tools to help myself (e.g. promoting positive thinking, increased self esteem and assertiveness).” We are grateful for Michelle’s valuable contribution to our Brief Counselling Service.” - Martha Dionne, Program Facilitator, Canadian Mental Health Association

Group Testimonials

“Being diagnosed with the ‘C’ word was like falling into a dark well; it was cold, deep and unexpected. In the eye of the storm, I felt being part of a group seemed like the last thing I could manage. After the meetings I came home feeling both excited and apprehensive… I feel very grateful that I had the support and encouragement to continue on. I felt I was given the opportunity to work through what I was not able to do as a young child. I felt safe to participate even when I felt awkward and didn’t understand things. The experience, with all of its challenges, has really helped me recognize some deep issues and gave me a framework for understanding myself. In short—it has been a life changing experience for me. I feel confident and excited about what will unfold. Wherever I go I will be taking the skills I have learned with me—thank you.”

“Participating in the group has changed my life. I have started to talk to my children and wife effectively and in a different way. My relationships have improved and I have learned to cope with my anger. I now know how to better communicate with the meaningful people in my life. I feel calmer and less stressed.”

“I have noticed my interpersonal behaviours change over the course of the program. These changes were brought about by an increased self-awareness... I really enjoyed the creative aspect of the meetings. I have never been one to express myself creatively ... however; I was amazed at how effective our activities were to helping express and recognize emotions and states of being. I hope to use more of these tools in the future for both my own personal development and that of groups with whom I may be working... Thank you again for all of your excellent insights and teachings.”

Student Testimonials

“Michelle Mann has demonstrated a great depth of knowledge in the field of counselling. She set an example of how counsellors should draw on their own life experiences in order to help others... The course is not only great because of the things I’ve learned but also because what I have learned about myself. I have got a better picture of what I want, who I am and who I want to become… I’ve got the concept that there will be good and bad things along the course of life, but …shovelling problems under the rug will never solve them. Just like one student said in the last class, “this course opens windows for us”. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in other classes!” - Diane, Vancouver

“It’s a pleasure that I went through this journey with you. Thank you for all the love, care, patience and wisdom that you brought to us. I learned a lot from you. I feel I gained more personal growth and more self-awareness.” - Elaine, Richmond

“I would like to thank Michelle for her never-ending passion and positive energy. I appreciate her patience and flexibility regarding all of our processes. I truly admire Michelle’s zest for life!” - Jemma, North Vancouver

“Michelle fostered a sense of belonging in the group. Each person felt connected to the other. She clearly demonstrated the importance of our existence. The relationships built with the instructor and amongst the members of the class was an experience that I will never forget. Michelle not only brought awareness but wisdom in her teaching... Her passion to impart knowledge was evident when she engaged her students in the topics discussed in class.” - Julie, Vancouver

“Dr. Mann sets a fine example for us of someone in the field who is always open to learning, and who accepts and values every person she encounters. Thank you so much for all you shared with us to help us grow over the past two months!” - Lorena, Langley

“Michelle is a wonderful teacher and I have learned a lot during my classes. Each one seemed like a jewel to me, I didn't want to miss even one minute of class. We all learned from each other and Michelle helped us to hear our inner voices. Thank you so much for wonderful teaching; I had a great experience.” - Maniya, North Vancouver

“I would like to thank Michelle so much for teaching me such invaluable lessons about myself and the people around me, and for helping to cultivate my awareness in a way that I never expected. I had a wonderful experience in class with Dr. Mann. She inspired me in ways I couldn't have imagined. Thank you.” - Resh, Vancouver

“With my job, working at a youth clinic... I believe in empowering the youth to believe in themselves and what this class helped me realize how to empower them. I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It was an excellent experience and one that I have shared with many of my friends. I have encouraged everyone I work with to take your course because I was surprised with how much I learnt from this experience.”

LinkedIn Recommendations

“Michelle was my teacher at VCC as I studied for my Counseling certification. She taught me Counseling Theories. Michelle was a calming and encouraging teacher. She has broad knowledge in many area of Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Michelle is a mindful group facilitator and individual therapist. I'd highly recommend her to the students and families with whom I work with.

She is the KEY!” - Lu Winters, School Counsellor at KDHS, Vancouver

"Michelle is a loyal and knowledgeable instructor. She creates a wonderful, trusting rapport with her students and connects with them in a nonjudgmental way. Michelle brings abundant enthusiasm and insightful teaching to each class, and I've been very grateful for the unique opportunity and the privilege to be her student in several counselling courses. Through her classes I gained knowledge and awareness in Counselling Skills and Psychotherapy, Cross-Cultural and Diversity Counselling as well as sexuality and human development pathways. I would highly recommend her to counsellors who are seeking Clinical Supervision.
What Michelle has taught us, I will use as my life-guide." -Zari Adbtahi, Counselling Psychology Student

“Michelle is a great educator and therapist. She is trustworthy, kind, caring and passionate about her work. She is a highly skilled listener and her non-judgmental way, empathy and loyalty really stand out.

Dr. Mann is a role model for future counsellors. The work I’ve experienced with her made me choose to go into the field of counseling. Through her “Be The Key” workshop and counselling class, I felt inspired and supported. Her leadership has led to a very positive group dynamic and caring and safe communities were created in her workshops/classes.

Michelle has successfully helped us acquire new tools to achieve personal growth and long-lasting change in our lives. I have learned from her powerful ways of self-expression and communication (e.g. counseling skills, mindfulness and expressive art therapy methods). Michelle can truly make a difference in people’s lives.” - Carine Dias, Research associate at The University of British Columbia

Organization Testimonials

“The [I Am The Key] program was recommended to Mental Health Europe by our national Dutch partner, The Mental Health Institute, Trimbos. ...Mental Health Europe sees the potential of the ‘I Am The Key’ program, therefore it was decided that the program would be recognized in our publication as a promising program in Europe.” - Mary Van Dievel, Direction, Mental Health Europe (2004)

“Michelle’s enthusiasm and welcoming manner create a warm and creative group environment.” - Vancouver Community College Counselling Certificate Program website

“Michelle was employed at Vancouver Coastal Health in a temporary position from September 2007 through June 2008 in the role of School Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Clinician. Michelle assisted the Vancouver School Board in conducting a preliminary needs assessment in the area of school mental health. Michelle is extremely knowledgeable in the field of school mental health promotion and prevention. Her research will help inform and shape the future direction of school mental health services in Vancouver. Michelle is well organized and thorough in setting up large-scale projects, and is a strong advocate for the delivery of a wide range of mental health promotion and prevention services in schools.” - Mark Rayter, Manager of Child and Youth Mental Health Services at Vancouver Coastal Health

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