Looking for a counsellor?

In-Person & Online Counselling Based in Victoria, BC

Book a FREE 20-minute consultation with Mike Shaw, Registered Clinical Counsellor.

100% confidential. No pressure; just a conversation to see if counselling with Mike feels like the right fit.

TRUSTED By PROFESSIONALS, ATHLETES, AND PEOPLE REBUILDING AFTER LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES

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  • Your thoughts spiral, race, or feel hard to shut off

  • You feel low, heavy, or disconnected from yourself

  • You’re more reactive or irritable than you want to be

  • Stress is affecting your relationships or performance

  • You keep repeating patterns you thought you’d outgrown

  • You don’t like how you’ve been showing up lately

  • You’re handling a lot, but it’s starting to take a toll

  • Or… Life has thrown you a curveball.

YOU MIGHT BE HERE BECAUSE:

You know you want to talk to someone, but you’re not exactly sure what kind of support you need

COUNSELLING THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU'RE AT

Mike works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD, stress, anger, confidence and self-esteem challenges, as well as people navigating significant life changes, high-pressure environments and recovery after injury.

His work also includes supporting men’s mental health, youth, athletes, leaders and professionals.

If you’re not sure what kind of support you're looking for, that's okay. Your free 20-minute consultation is a chance to talk about what's going on and see if Mike is the right fit.

Support That Fits Your Life

Gratus Health offers in-person counselling in Victoria, walk-and-talk therapy in Greater Victoria, and virtual counselling across BC.

WHY GRATUS HEALTH?

1. Real-World Perspective

Mike brings lived experience with significant adversity and recovery alongside his clinical training.

2. In-Person Counselling in Victoria

Meet at the downtown Victoria office or explore walk-and-talk therapy.

3. Discreet Virtual Counselling

Private, convenient and flexible online sessions are available across BC.

4. Direct Billing Available

For most insurance providers.

5. Goal-Oriented Support

Work toward greater clarity, practical strategies and meaningful progress.

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MEET MIKE SHAW

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Victoria, BC.

“I know how hard it might feel for you right now, but optimal mental, emotional, and physical health is not out of reach.”

*If you’re looking for a counsellor near you, book in-person sessions at our downtown office in the Cook Street Medical Building, walk-and-talk therapy, or virtual sessions.

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MY STORY

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Olympic Half Pipe Coach, Mike Shaw and a group of five skiers standing together on snow at a ski resort, all wearing helmets and goggles, with a ski jump halfpipe and tall trees in the background.
An image of Mike Shaw as a patient lying in a hospital bed receiving medical care from two healthcare workers in a hospital room, recovering from his spinal cord injury

In 2013, while coaching the Canadian National Development Half Pipe Ski Team, my life changed instantly.

A ski crash and devastating spinal cord injury left me paralyzed from the neck down. Through resilience and a transformative mindset rooted in gratitude,  I defied the odds and experienced a miraculous recovery—but it wasn’t all based on luck.

My own physical, mental and emotional recovery gave me firsthand insight into how deeply injury and adversity can affect confidence, identity, relationships and your sense of direction. That experience now helps to inform how I support clients as they navigate their own challenges, setbacks and recovery.

With Gratus Health, I draw on this lived experience alongside my clinical training to support clients through their own peaks and valleys.

I'm here to listen to your story and help you move forward.

Mike's journey to counselling is documented in his book Never Part of the Plan, his TEDx Talk 'Grief Happens,' and the Red Bull TV documentary The Healing Agent.

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MY APPROACH

STRUCTURED therapy grounded in clinical training and experience

I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with lived experience to help you navigate significant adversity. My work focuses on helping clients regulate their nervous systems, rebuild confidence after setbacks, and develop practical strategies that create resilience and real momentum.

Therapy with Gratus Health is collaborative, goal-oriented, and focused on measurable progress. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, emotional stability, and a stronger sense of direction.

WHAT MIKE’S CLIENTS ARE SAYING

  • Tried many therapists, but Mike is different.

    “Have tried many different therapists, and most were solid. Mike Shaw brings so much more to the table. His experiences, training, and aptitude make him so much more valuable.

    I recommend Mike whether you’re dealing with anxiety, family issues, athletics, goal setting, self improvement, substance abuse, and many more to list.

    It doesn’t matter who you are, Mike will be a great fit!”

    —AD, Father, Husband, Skier & Sales Manager

  • Facing a significant injury and rehab process

    “When facing a significant injury and dealing with a long rehab process, Mike was a pleasure to work with, focusing on the positives, leaning into gratitude, and exploring how the mind can help heal the body.

    Mike cares deeply about who he works with and couldn't be a nicer person. It's been a pleasure working with him, and I couldn't recommend him more when faced with adversity.”

    —JK, Injured Athlete & Financial Analyst

  • Imposter Syndrome, Trauma, and Self-Worth

    “Mike Shaw at Gratus Health Inc. has been instrumental in shaping my new path.

    If you are challenged by childhood trauma, imposter syndrome or even just not feeling enough, and could use an incredible support system, Mike is your guy. He has helped me in so many ways, and has implemented some amazing strategies to reframe my thinking, not only in my personal life, but as importantly in my business life.

    He is a true professional. He cares and he can also relate as he has been through an incredible journey of his own. I can't express how much I appreciate his ongoing commitment to making me the best version of myself. If you are struggling in any way and could use some direction from someone like the above, I wouldn't hesitate to reach out to Mike.

    I feel truly blessed to have connected with Gratus and Mike Shaw.”

    —LN, Father, Athlete for Life & Entrepreneur

  • I always feel truly heard and understood during our talks

    “I’ve known Mike Shaw for a while, and I can’t recommend him enough.

    He helped me improve my relationship with my partner in ways I never expected, and he’s been a huge support as I’ve worked through the emotions of watching my parents grow older.

    He’s incredibly easy to talk to, and I always felt truly heard and understood during our walk-and-talks. His approach is thoughtful, compassionate, and genuinely effective.

    If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and knows how to help, this is the guy.”

    —NC, Outdoor Adventurer & Operations Manager

  • Things don't happen to you, they happen for you.

    “Mike, I just wanted you to know that the talks we had really helped and are still helping today.

    I will use the tools you taught me for the rest of my life, I've even used them to help my friends.

    I'll never forget the quote, "It's not happening to you; it's happening for you."

    I just truly want to say thank you, for everything. I couldn't be more grateful for the support you've given me.”

    —MH, Trauma Survivor & Financial Advisor

  • Noticed real progress in only a few sessions

    “We had a wonderful experience with Mike for our daughter.

    He is kind, patient, and truly attentive to her needs.

    We noticed real progress, and it’s only been a few sessions! Highly recommended !!”

    —DG, Mother

  • Gratitude will change the way you see things and bring clarity.

    “I can’t say enough good things about Mike—both his outlook on life and the way he works.

    His gratitude-first mentality has done more for me than I can fully describe. It pulls you out of worrying about the future and replaying the past, and brings you back into the present moment. From there, you’re able to think clearly, move forward with purpose, and actually create direction in your life.

    What makes Mike rare is that he doesn’t just teach these ideas—he’s lived them. He’s been through some of the darkest experiences a person can face, and he’s come out the other side with a perspective that genuinely helps others.

    I highly recommend working with Mike. It will change the way you see things and bring a level of calm and clarity that’s hard to find.”

    —JD, Athlete & Entrepreneur

What HAPPENS NEXT?

1. Book your free, no-pressure consultation

20 minutes by phone or virtually.

2. Tell Mike what's going on

Talk about what brought you here and what you'd like support with. This isn't therapy yet. It's a conversation about where you're at and how counselling may be able to help.

3. Decide if it's the right fit

No obligation or pressure to continue.

*Sessions are available in person at the downtown Victoria office, through walk-and-talk therapy in Greater Victoria, or virtually across BC.

The GRATUS PHILOSPHY

‘Gratus’ is the Latin word meaning ‘thankful,’ ‘grace,’ or ‘gratitude.’

Gratitude is more than just a concept—it’s the foundation of healing and growth. At Gratus Health, we use gratitude to shift perspectives, overcome adversity & foster a sense of purpose that helps you thrive in all aspects of life.

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