Michael Durrigan
Choosing a therapist can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand what therapy actually involves. At its core, therapy is a unique relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine human connection. My first priority is creating a non‑shaming, supportive environment where you feel understood and comfortable sharing your story. I primarily work with individuals at this time and accept a limited number of couples when appropriate. My approach is experiential and attachment‑based, meaning we explore emotions, patterns, and relationships in a way that helps you make sense of what you’re feeling and move toward meaningful change. You can expect empathy, authenticity, and a collaborative process where your goals guide our work.
I am very effective with adolescents and young adults, and people working in the stressful world of business, hi tech and active military service members, and veterans.
I’m especially effective with adolescents, young adults, people navigating high‑stress careers in tech or business, active-duty service members, veterans, and anyone seeking clarity, emotional grounding, or healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Clients often describe me as caring, steady, and deeply invested in their wellbeing. If what you’ve read resonates, I’d be glad to connect and explore whether we’re a good fit. Sincerely, Michael Durrigan, LMFT (131635)
First session
Our first session will be dedicated to determining if telehealth therapy is appropriate and starting to look at your situation as you perceive it forming the therapeutic bond and moving forward with exploring the situation.
Strengths
I bring a strong foundation in Emotional Intelligence and healing to my work, and I often provide psychoeducation when it supports your growth. My strengths include helping clients develop self‑awareness, emotional regulation, perseverance, empathy, compassion, mindfulness, acceptance, healthy boundaries, and effective communication. For clients who value spirituality, I’m trained in transpersonal approaches and can integrate that into our work. When working with couples or families, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy, a highly effective, evidence‑based method that helps people understand emotional patterns and strengthen connection.
Ideal clients
I am very open in my practice and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals, adolescents, couples (married or not married), Families and members of the LBGTQ+ community.
Treatment methods
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Used for couples, family and individuals. This is a method that has much research establishing its effectiveness. I often combine with other methods such as REBT/CBT, mindfulness, and combine with aspects of Accelerated Experiential -Dynamic Psychotherapy
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Can be effective for individuals with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and personal growth issues. My special areas within DBT are: emotional regulation, mindfulness and social skill enhancements.
Motivational Interviewing
A process that is used with any therapy method - Client oriented aiding the development of goals for change and plans for change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This therapy modality emphasizes empathy, genuineness / congruence & acceptance which assists clients. There is evidence it is effective for many forms of challenges such as depression, anxiety and so on. Focuses strongly on the Client-Therapist Bond.
Attachment-based
Helps clients understand the inherent need we have for bonding and our styles of attachment / bonding with others. and is an important part of Emotionally focused therapy.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 131635