Hi there–I’m Michael. My own healing journey has led me around the globe, studying various healing modalities to learn how people heal themselves (and each other). My mission as a counselor is to assist and support individuals so they can live more authentic, meaningful, and productive lives, in harmony with their families and communities. If there is one truth I’ve come across, it is this: the World needs you. The World needs your unique qualities, talents, and skills. The World needs your authentic, honest perspective. The World needs you to be healthy, joyful, and connected. Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to learn who you are, what you have to offer, and then share it, first with yourself and then with your community. My unique gift is helping you in this process.
Working Together
My primary intention when we work together is to develop, maintain and foster a healthy, trusting, and honest relationship with you. There is plenty of evidence that shows what “works” in therapy has very little to do with technique or modality and almost everything to do with the relationship between the counselor and client. There will be structure to our sessions but, overall, fostering trust and acceptance between us is my aim. If you’re interested in what modalities and techniques I study regularly (and will bring into session), then please visit some of the links below, or read the summaries nested beneath each link:
- Common-factor Theory
- The theory, and body of evidence, that describes what factors lead to “positive outcomes” in therapy; they are: goal consensus & collaboration, empathy, alliance, positive regard & affirmation, and genuineness.
- Motivational Interviewing
- A conversational style which will help move you from feeling stuck to feeling capable of (and open to) change. This is the gold-standard of talk therapy if addiction is the concern.
- Existential Therapy
- There are five existential concerns that are a part of being Human: 1) Death; 2) Isolation; 3) Identity/Self-discrimination; 4) Freedom/Responsibility; 5) Meaning. Using these as a framework, we’ll explore the bigger questions of life and uncover small adjustments to make life more meaningful, or, at very least, more tolerable.
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy
- Mindfulness practice can be used to observe thought patterns so you can begin to have more space for your feelings and greater ability to adjust behaviors.
- Solution-focused Brief Therapy
- The name sums up the practice: a flexible, goal-oriented approach to chipping away at issues in your life.
- Strengths-based Practice
- You have plenty of strengths and it’s my mission to highlight, bolster, and encourage you to use those strengths to tackle the issues you’re dealing with.
Specialty & Other Types of Therapy
My specialty and distinct interest is helping individuals, and families, overcome video game addiction. If you’re interested in my ideas regarding this topic, I have a presentation (specifically for families, although applicable to individuals) that encapsulates my thoughts on how to move towards a state of balance regarding maladaptive video game use.
And, there are other issues and types of therapy I feel competent assisting with:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Behavioral Issues
- Children or Adolescent
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Chronic Emotional Disturbance
- Internet Addiction
- Life Transitions
- Men’s Issues
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Spirituality & Identity Conflicts
- Chronic & Short-term Stress
- Substance Use
- Suicidal Ideation
What I offer is genuine, supportive advocacy; I’m truly on your side. My intention is to be honest, compassionate and challenging so that together we can move you closer to where you need (and want) to be. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel called to do so–I’ll be here.