Anxiety & Panic
Learn ways to respond to worry or panic and build confidence facing situations you’ve started to avoid.
Saskatoon & across Saskatchewan
You Belong Here.
Counselling for adults, youth and people in relationships. A place to talk about what’s hard, feel understood and get the support you need.
Michelle Ausfresser, MACP, CCC Canadian Certified Counsellor
At your pace
Neurodiversity affirming
2SLGBTQIA+ affirming
Neurodiversity affirming
2SLGBTQIA+ affirming
Common areas of support
How I Can Help
Bring whatever feels most pressing. If you’re worn out, stressed or stuck in a pattern, we can start with one small change that fits your day.
Burnout & Demanding Careers
Notice what’s draining you, set boundaries you can keep, and make room for rest when people count on you at work.
Depression & Low Mood
Find small ways to reconnect with what matters to you and build routines for sleep and daily life that feel doable.
Neurodiversity Counselling
Support for ADHD, autism, AuDHD and other neurodivergent experiences. We can talk about masking, sensory needs and ways to make everyday demands more manageable.
Chronic Illness, Medical Trauma & Caregiving
Talk through what it’s like to live with chronic illness, cope with medical trauma or care for someone you love. We can make room for grief, guilt or compassion fatigue and look for practical ways to ease the strain.
Identity & Relationships
Space to explore gender, sexuality, communication and connection. I welcome queer and trans clients, couples and people in consensually non-monogamous relationships.
Trauma Counselling
I offer counselling for trauma related to childhood experiences, relationships, abuse, accidents or other distressing events. We can talk about how those experiences affect you today and work through them at a pace that feels right for you.
Benefits of Therapy With Me
A safe, welcoming space to say things out loud and talk through what’s been weighing on you.
- Make sense of what’s weighing on you and notice patterns that keep repeating.
- Find words for what you need and practice asking for it at home or at work.
- Build practical tools for handling overwhelm, setting boundaries and making changes at a pace you can keep up with.
What to expect
How I Work
I offer evidence-informed care with everyday kindness, from the first time you reach out to your final follow-up.
Client-Centred
I meet you where you’re at. We’ll start with what matters most to you, and together we’ll decide what to focus on and how quickly to go. Some days you might want practical tools. Other days you might need space to talk things through. We can adjust as your needs change.
The Relationship Comes First
I believe good therapy starts with feeling heard and being able to say what’s helping. You know your life; I bring my training and experience. We’ll take time to build trust, and if something isn’t working for you, I want you to feel comfortable telling me so we can adjust together.
An Integrative Approach
I combine approaches based on what you need that day and what you want to work toward. I draw on CBT, EFT, ACT and the Gottman Method within an approach that’s person-centred, trauma-informed and grounded in your strengths. One session might be about getting through an overwhelming week. Another might be about understanding a pattern in a relationship.
Culturally and Gender-Affirming
I welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. You’re welcome to talk about what matters to you without judgement. We can adapt sessions to your sensory and communication preferences, too.
Practical and Skills-Focused
We can work on ways to manage stress and strong emotions, communicate clearly, set boundaries and handle challenges at work.
Meet your counsellor
Hi, I’m Michelle.
Michelle Ausfresser, MACP, CCC
Personal Fun Facts
I’m a mom to kids, furry pets and one very sweet Sphynx cat who doesn’t quite fit that last category. Being neurodivergent has helped me approach people with empathy and understanding and appreciate how differently we can experience the same situation.
I’ve lived with chronic illness and cared for others living with it, too. Those experiences taught me how much it can mean to have someone listen without assuming they know what it’s like.
On my days off, I like spending time with my family, getting outdoors (unless it’s minus 20), working out (yes, for fun), travelling and trying new foods. I’m always up for a local market or street fair. I also volunteer when I can, and disability advocacy is close to my heart. I care about making it easier for people to get the support they need.
Professional Experience
I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a master’s in counselling psychology, a bachelor’s in psychology and additional training in neurodiversity. I support adults, youth and couples with concerns including anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, caregiving, and questions about identity, gender and sexuality.
My career has had a lot of fun chapters over the past two decades. I’ve worked in a women’s domestic violence shelter, directed youth programs, helped people access income support and worked in emergency services. My adventurous side led me to volunteer firefighting and even zookeeping. I really did feed lemurs and bears!
I kept coming back to helping people through hard times. Eventually I returned to my love of counselling and therapy, where I felt I could make the most difference. In sessions, I show up as myself. I take the work seriously, and I want it to feel like you’re talking with a real person. I’ll listen, stay curious and give you time to tell me what matters to you.
Before your first visit
A Few Practical Details
Where do sessions take place?
In-person sessions take place at Queen Street Health Collective, 716 Queen Street in Saskatoon. Online and phone sessions are available in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan.
What happens in a first session?
We’ll have a conversation about what brought you in, what’s been happening lately and what you’d like help with. You can share as much of your story as you feel ready to share. I’ll explain confidentiality and its limits, and we’ll go over session length, fees and the cancellation policy.
We can agree on a first step, talk about longer-term goals and discuss whether individual, couples or family sessions make sense for what you need. You can ask questions and see how it feels to work together.
Can we talk about scheduling or accessibility?
Yes. If work or caregiving makes scheduling tricky, ask what appointment times are available. In my office, we can dim the lights, and there’s always a basket of fidgets, some stuffies and a warm blanket if you’d like them.
You’re welcome to reach out before we meet to talk about any other accommodations that would make sessions easier for you.
What are your fees, and can I use insurance?
A 60-minute session is $160, and a 90-minute session is $240.
I can provide receipts for you to submit to your insurer. Check whether your specific plan covers a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
How do I book?
Email me to ask about availability and arrange your first session. You can keep your first message brief.
Get in touch
Let’s Find a Time to Talk.
Email me to book your first session. Let me know what days usually work for you and whether you’d prefer to meet in person, online or by phone. A short note is enough.
michelleausfresserpsych@gmail.comQuestions? 780-937-2259
View my Psychology Today profileIn person
Queen Street Health Collective 716 Queen StreetSaskatoon, Saskatchewan View my Queen Street profile Get directions
