BUILT ON GRATITUDE, GROUNDED IN RESILIENCE and CLARITY
Online Counselling Services, Proudly Based in BC
Choosing the right counsellor is an important step
Reaching out can be tough—you might not be sure what kind of support you need or even where to start. That’s okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
Every counsellor brings their own style and approach, and it’s important to find the right fit. Let’s have a conversation and see if I’m the right person to help you navigate whatever you’re facing.
It’s crucial to work with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
MIKE’S JOURNEY AND THE LAUNCH OF GRATUS HEALTH
Gratus Health was born from a deep understanding of resilience and gratitude.
Founder, Mike Shaw’s life changed forever in 2013 when a devastating spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. Against all odds and a bleak medical prognosis, fueled by relentless determination and a mindset rooted in gratitude, Mike walked out of the hospital just months later. He has since conquered mountains and reached new heights.
MIKE’S MISSION IS CLEAR
Gratus Health is here to guide you through life's deepest valleys and empower you to ascend to your highest peaks. This mission goes beyond healing—it’s about fostering optimal mental and physical health and creating a path toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Before launching Gratus Health, Mike was a professional freestyle skier and Olympic development coach, helping Canada’s top athletes reach their peak potential.
In the years following his accident, Mike has shared his experience with thousands as a professional speaker and author. His experiences—from coaching elite athletes to overcoming life’s toughest challenges—shaped his passion for helping others.
Today, Mike brings his unique perspective, professional experience, personal resilience, and gratitude to Gratus Health.
Bachelor of Business Administration from UBC Okanagan,
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
Resilience in Action
Dive in to conversations with Mike Shaw on healing, growth, and mental resilience
TEDx Talk:
Grief Happens
Red Bull TV Documentary:
Mike Shaw The Healing Agent
Published Author:
Never Part of THe Plan
Why GRATUS Health?
THE GRATUS PHILOSOPHY
At Gratus Health, we believe in the transformative power of gratitude. Derived from the Latin word ‘Gratus,’ meaning ‘thankful,’ gratitude is more than just a concept—it’s a mindset that builds resilience, fosters growth, and turns challenges into opportunities.
Gratitude forms the foundation of healing and growth. Our approach integrates gratitude with practical, goal-oriented counselling to help clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve clarity, strength, and holistic well-being.
MIKE’S MILESTONES OF RESILIENCE
2013: Paralyzed after a life-changing ski accident and spinal cord injury.
2014: Defied the odds, walking out of the hospital months later and skiing again on the anniversary of his crash.
2015: BC Rehab’s Gert Vorsteher Memorial Award Recipient.
2016: Featured in a Redbull TV film documenting his return to the mountains called Mike Shaw The Healing Agent.
2017: Delivered a TEDx Talk on grief and resilience to thousands at TEDx Stanley Park.
2017: Launched www.mikeshawski.com, a professional public-speaking business.
2018: Conquered the Redbull 400 Race, the steepest running race in the world
2018: Founded a coach and athlete performance and injury prevention training program called HeadStartPro Performance Training.
2019: Team Captained over 700 Canadians on #TeamCoast2Coast, uniting Canada’s fundraising efforts for spinal cord injury research in the Wings For Life World Run.
2020: Published a book, Never Part of the Plan and launched virtual workshops.
2021: Married the love of his life and went backcountry skiing for the first time since his accident!
2023: Conquered a massive 7-day backcountry ski-touring trip to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his injury.
2024: Finished the Kelowna Marathon
2024: Completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University
2025: Founded Gratus Health to provide support to individuals struggling with their mental health.
2025: Started a family
#GRATEFULEVERYDAY
