Michael Shippole
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I want you to know you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m a licensed mental health counselor, and I help people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other tough life challenges. A treatment plans is developed around your individual needs and goals, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches to support your progress and well-being. Together, we’ll use practical tools to help you understand your emotions, build healthy coping skills, and set goals that matter to you.
Together, we will carefully identify your presenting issues and concerns, exploring the patterns, emotions, and experiences that have shaped your current challenges.
My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, understood in a safe and supportive environment and that you’ll feel more confident navigating life’s challenges, recognize the progress you’re making, and feel closer to the life you want to live. I offer both in-person and remote therapy, so you can choose the option that works best for you.
First session
When we meet for the first time, you can expect a warm, judgment-free space. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. We’ll talk about what’s going on in your life and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. From there, we’ll work together to set goals and identify a path forward that feels right for you. This is your journey, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Strengths
My greatest strength is my strong empathy and active listening skills, which help clients feel safe enough to open up about difficult emotions, experiences, and challenges they may have never shared before. I approach each session with genuine curiosity and a nonjudgmental attitude, allowing clients to feel truly seen and valued. I've provided counseling over many years in various settings that includes academic, community, and non profit institutions. My current individual formal training in evidence-based therapeutic techniques enables me to guide clients toward practical, achievable strategies for healing and personal growth. I believe that true progress is a collaborative journey, where clients not only gain insight but also develop concrete skills to navigate life’s obstacles. This combination of empathy and clinical expertise empowers clients to build resilience, foster self-acceptance, and make meaningful, lasting changes that align with their values and goals. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where every client has the opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for something in their life to change. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, relationship difficulties, or other tough life challenges. You might be going through a major life transition, struggling with difficult emotions, or trying to better understand yourself and the patterns affecting your well-being. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You may simply know that something doesn’t feel right or that the ways you’ve been coping are no longer helping as much as they once did. I enjoy working with people who want therapy to feel supportive, practical, and collaborative. Together, we can explore what you’re experiencing, identify what matters most to you, and develop healthy ways to cope with challenges and move forward. Your goals may include feeling less overwhelmed, improving relationships, building confidence, managing emotions, healing from difficult experiences, or simply creating a life that feels healthier and more fulfilling. Wherever you are in your journey, therapy can be a place to feel heard, gain a better understanding of yourself, and begin making changes that are meaningful to you.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through structured sessions, I guide the client to recognize distorted thinking, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. By practicing these skills, clients learn to manage their emotions better, improve decision-making, and build more positive habits in everyday life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used to help clients manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build coping skills. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies, teaching clients how to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and communicate more effectively. Through individual therapy clients learn to find balance between acceptance and change in their lives.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on a person's present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences. Instead of analyzing problems, the therapist helps the client identify their strengths, resources, and what is already working for them to build solutions for the future.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1635 S Ridgewood Ave, South Daytona, FL 32119