LMHC, 15 years of experience
New to Grow
Michael holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Applied Counseling from Lynn University, specializing in mental health and addiction. He’s driven by the transformative “breakthrough moments” when clients gain new clarity—whether through a fresh insight, a life-changing decision, or witnessing a loved one’s growth. "Every person's journey unfolds at their own pace," Michael reflects. "Being present for those transformative moments—when everything clicks into place—reminds me why I chose this path. If you've ever experienced that sudden clarity, you know exactly what I mean. It's what makes this work endlessly rewarding."
A welcoming, nonjudgmental space to share what's bringing them to therapy A focus on understanding their story, especially around mental health and/or addiction Exploration of goals—what clarity, change, or breakthrough they're hoping for Michael observing patterns and helping the client begin to see their situation with fresh perspective Possibly the beginning of identifying a pivotal insight or shift, even in early conversations
Insight-Oriented Approach: He excels at guiding clients toward moments of clarity and breakthrough. Specialization in Mental Health & Addiction: His focused expertise allows for deep understanding of complex, overlapping issues. Empathy & Presence: He creates a safe space where clients feel seen and supported during vulnerable moments. Transformational Focus: He’s passionate about helping clients experience meaningful change, not just surface-level improvement. Strong Educational Foundation: With degrees in Psychology and Applied Counseling, he brings both academic and practical knowledge to his work.
Someone struggling with mental health and/or addiction Open to personal growth and self-reflection Seeking clarity or change in their life Motivated by transformative moments or breakthroughs
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a core treatment modality in my clinical practice. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals presenting with a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and stress-related issues. CBT has consistently proven to be an effective, evidence-based approach for helping clients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. In my practice, I tailor CBT to meet the specific needs of each client. I begin with a thorough assessment to understand their current struggles, underlying thought patterns, and behavioral responses. From there, I collaboratively develop treatment goals and use CBT techniques
I have experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in both individual and group settings, particularly with clients experiencing emotion dysregulation, self-harming behaviors, borderline personality disorder, and other complex mood-related issues. DBT’s structured and skills-based approach has been incredibly effective in helping clients build resilience, manage distress, and improve their interpersonal functioning. In my practice, I implement DBT in line with its four core modules: Mindfulness – to help clients develop present-moment awareness and reduce impulsivity. Distress Tolerance – for building coping strategies during emotional crises without resorting to harmful behaviors. Emotion Regulation – to assist clients in identifying and managing intense emotions more effectively. Interpersonal Effectiveness – to improve communication skills and help clients establish and maintain healthy boundaries and relationships. I typically begin by orienting clients to the DBT framework, setting clear treatment goals, and establishing commitment to the process. I incorporate diary cards and behavior chain analyses to help clients track their emotions, urges, and behaviors, which guides our sessions and identifies targets for intervention. In individual sessions, I focus on helping clients apply DBT skills in real-life situations, work through obstacles to using those skills, and address therapy-interfering behaviors when necessary. When possible, I also encourage participation in DBT skills groups and maintain phone coaching or outside-session support to reinforce skill use in the moment. Overall, I find DBT particularly impactful for clients who have struggled with traditional talk therapy approaches. It balances acceptance and change, offering clients both compassion and accountability, which fosters meaningful, sustainable progress.