I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 21 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients manage stress, anxiety and depressed mood, cope with grief and loss, boost motivation, and improve self-esteem and confidence. My approach is grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I am committed to tailoring our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am proud of you for embarking on this journey!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During your first visit, you can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where you feel safe and welcome. We'll spend time getting to know each other, discussing your reasons for seeking help, your background, and any current issues you're facing. I will work to establish a strong rapport with you, actively listening to your concerns and responding with empathy and support. We'll also talk about my approach to therapy, so you know what to expect in future sessions. This initial session is an opportunity for us to build a trusting relationship and start identifying clear therapeutic goals and a personalized plan of action tailored to your needs. You have the option to decide if you'd like to continue working with me, and I will fully respect your decision. Many of my clients experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms within the first month, with sustained progress over time.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Seeking therapy is a brave decision, and I'm here to provide unwavering support every step of the way. My strengths as a provider lie in my unconditional positive regard, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I understand the courage it takes to pursue personal growth and to move past behaviors that no longer serve you. As a psychotherapist, I focus on your unique needs and experiences, adapting my approach to best serve you. I draw from various theoretical frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based approaches, Solution Focused Brief Treatment, and Person-centered (Rogerian) therapy. My aim is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can heal and develop effective coping skills. I'm proud of you for taking this important step, and I'm here to help you on your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My dream client is motivated and eager to work together to reclaim their life. They are dedicated to making meaningful changes, prioritizing their emotional well-being, engaging in self-care, and establishing healthy boundaries. They are ready to work with me to overcome any obstacles and start living the life they truly deserve.
About Michael Schwing
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy stresses the role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. It is based on the belief that thoughts, rather than people or events, cause our negative feelings. I assist the client in identifying, testing the reality of, and correcting dysfunctional beliefs underlying his or her thinking. I then help the client modify those thoughts and the behaviors that flow from them. CBT is a structured collaboration between therapist and client and often calls for homework assignments. CBT has been clinically proven to help clients in a relatively short amount of time with a wide range of disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a method of therapy that works to engage the motivation of clients to change their behavior. Clients are encouraged to explore and confront their ambivalence. Therapists attempt to influence their clients to consider making changes, rather than non-directively explore themselves. Motivational Interviewing is frequently used in cases of problem drinking or mild addictions.
Strength-Based
Strength-based therapy is a type of positive psychotherapy and counseling that focuses more on your internal strengths and resourcefulness, and less on weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings. This focus sets up a positive mindset that helps you build on you best qualities, find your strengths, improve resilience and change worldview to one that is more positive. A positive attitude, in turn, can help your expectations of yourself and others become more reasonable.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
solution-focused brief therapy to help people of all ages address everything from normal, everyday stressors to high-impact life events, including child behavioral problems, family dysfunction, domestic or child abuse, drug addiction or alcohol use disorder, and marriage or relationship challenges.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy uses a non-authoritative approach that allows clients to take more of a lead in discussions so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions. The therapist acts as a compassionate facilitator, listening without judgment and acknowledging the client's experience without moving the conversation in another direction. The therapist is there to encourage and support the client and to guide the therapeutic process without interrupting or interfering with the client's process of self-discovery.