Are you having a hard time and in need of someone to listen and help you figure things out? Then now is the time to begin therapy. Hello, I am Michael Zwizanski, a licensed therapist based in Philadelphia, working with individual clients throughout Pennsylvania. I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in 2017. In my work, I seek to make a connection that will cultivate a safe, judgement-free space to work through challenging issues & promote self-discovery. My stance in life and in my practice is anti-racist, sex positive, LGBTQ+ competent and gender affirming. I recognize my privilege as a cis-gender, white, male professional and strive to position myself as an equal collaborator in the processes of growth and change within my clients. Coming from an entertainment industry background, I have worked extensively with artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs and understand the creative process, along with the self-determination that pushes it forward and the self-doubt that can hold it in stagnation. I also specialize in working with clients experiencing major life transitions, such as; becoming a parent, getting married or starting a long-term relationship, experiencing separation or divorce, major career changes, graduating from school, health changes and loss and grief. I have experience working with queer, gay, lesbian, non-binary and transgender clients of various cultural backgrounds and have supported clients along their journey to finding their authentic self and identity. I am also competent in understanding and working with ethical non-monogamous individuals. Reaching out for support is not easy. I commend you on taking the first step toward a more compassionate and insightful understanding of yourself and thank you for putting your trust in me to accompany you on that journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
We will begin by addressing the reason you decided to seek support. What is going on in your life and why is now the time for therapy? From there we will establish goals and together, begin to create a vision of how your life will look as you move closer to reaching those goals. We will take a deep dive into your childhood, looking at relationships with caregivers, family members, friends and those with whom you felt securely attached as you grew up. As we learn more about you, we will work collaboratively to find answers, tools and solutions that will allow you to move forward in your life with a deeper understanding and stronger sense of self.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I work from a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on what is needed with each client in each moment. My training as a Marriage & Family Therapist enables me to work with a variety of relationship issues and informs my systemic approach allowing me to view your life in a holistic way paying close attention to family dynamics, identity, culture and community. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to tune into your emotional experiences from the past and present and establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I work from an Internal Family Systems approach to help clients get in touch with the various parts of themselves and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help you change the way you think and behave.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to listen and provide a safe, judgment-free space to process the hard stuff from the past, work through challenges in the present and develop a vision for a healthier and happier future. You are the expert on your life. You probably already know what has to change and where growth is needed. I will be there with you to help uncover those answers.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
artists, musicians, LGBTQ+, college, family conflict