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Michael Vargas

Michael Vargas

(he/him)

LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual

Hey there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Chicago. I received my Masters from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC. I have been practicing for 6 years and I am passionate about supporting your healing process. I help young adults, couples, and teens struggling with life stressors, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I am to create a space that is safe to know each other and develop a collaborative relationship that will set you up for success.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we will start with introductions, and also gather some background information. We will set goals and plans to aid you in your therapeutic journey. We also focus on any immediate concerns that are being influenced by any challenges you are facing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have had experience working with individuals from various backgrounds for the past 6 years. I have developed an intuition that allows me to support my clients in understanding the root causes of challenges. I also like to make the space inviting through humor, openness, and empathy. Clients have also shared their appreciation of my ability to be gentle and direct when pointing out patterns that are no longer serving them.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am passionate about working with Latinx individuals who are struggling to navigate life stressors, complex family dynamics, and identity. My clients are motivated to dive deep into vulnerable places to acknowledge parts that need some nurturing. Many of my other clients are also seeking guidance with managing stress, depression, and organizational skills. I look forward to supporting them by also showing up in the therapeutic space in a compassionate way as well.

About Michael Vargas

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Free consults, virtual

My treatment methods

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

We can focus on parts of who we are and the systems they play into within by developing relationships with them. I utilize this method for myself to make sense of who I am and why I do the things I do. I have guided clients in the past toward self-reliance by developing their awareness of the parts they are working with.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

We will focus on negative beliefs, core beliefs, and behaviors that reinforce unhealthy coping methods. I will often guide you toward reframing thoughts constructively and realistically.

Couples Counseling

I utilize EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Gottman models of therapy to support your process. I also strive to remain authentic by modeling communication methods to help reduce conflicts in relationships. I will often work with clients to identify the root cause of their relational injuries to break patterns that are not serving the relationship.

Compassion Focused

I enjoy creating a space that allows you to feel safe and free of judgment. We can focus on negative self-talk that may need some nurturing from within. I will often model concepts of compassion and challenge you to be kinder to yourself. We are all deserving of self-love and compassion can help us break down any barriers to your healing.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I strive to focus on your experience based on the environments, people, traditions, and systems that influence your cultural identity. By getting an understanding of this we can identify patterns affecting your well-being.