Mike Ornelas, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Mike Ornelas

Mike Ornelas

(he/him)

LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual

My values as a therapist include openness, non-judgment, empathy, cultural humility, strength based, and unconditional positive regard. My approach is integrative and centers the needs of my clients; I utilize active interventions involving cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused-therapy, motivational interviewing, grief and loss, to name a few. I aspire to cultivate a trusting, safe and empowering space for the people I serve. I place a lot of emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship with patients that allows for authentic self-expression.

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

Once we decide on the direction of our work, I will invite you into reflection and action, offering tools and resources along the way to assist you in practicing more supportive and sustainable ways of relating to self and others.

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

By fostering a compassionate, non-judgmental therapeutic environment, I ensure my patients feel hear, supported, and empowered in their healing journey. I believe in creating a strong working alliance with my patients.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize CBT to help my patients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns. I have used CBT to treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD with both children and adults.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I utilize DBT to help patients develop emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. I have been using DBT to help patients ranging from adolescence to adults living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and BPD.

Motivational Interviewing

I use motivational interviewing to help my patients find internal motivation to change unhealthy behaviors. I have found MI useful to help with issues such as chronic disease management and lifestyle changes.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I find SFT useful for patients who can use help identifying and build on their strengths and resources to create positive change. SFT can help encourage patients to envision their desired future and take small, practical steps towards achieving it.