Michael Shippole
I'm a licensed mental health counselor with a genuine passion for helping people improve their overall mental health and well-being. I help individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and other difficult life challenges. I understand that reaching out isn't always easy, and beginning therapy can feel like a deeply personal decision. My approach is compassionate, straightforward, and focused on making therapy a comfortable and meaningful experience. You'll find a welcoming, judgment-free environment where your concerns are taken seriously, your time is valued, and you can feel genuinely heard and understood.
Together, we will carefully identify your presenting issues and concerns, exploring the patterns, emotions, and experiences that have shaped your current challenges.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult time, or simply looking for more balance in your life, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. I offer both in-person and remote therapy, giving you the flexibility to choose the setting that works best for you while we focus on what matters most in your life.
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
One of my greatest strengths as a counselor is listening with empathy, patience, and understanding while helping clients feel comfortable discussing what matters most to them. I believe therapy should be a straightforward, collaborative experience where your concerns, goals, and time are respected. My years of counseling experience in academic, community, and nonprofit settings have given me an appreciation for the different challenges people face. Combined with my clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches, I develop individualized treatment plans that focus on your specific needs and goals. During our sessions, we'll focus on understanding your concerns, exploring practical solutions, and developing healthy coping strategies you can use in everyday life. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling that your time was well spent, with greater clarity, useful insights, and a sense of direction toward the changes you hope to achieve.
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