LP, 42 years of experience
Hello, My name is Michael Berler, Ph.D., I'm a psychologist from San Antonio. I have a background in private practice and leadership roles at teaching hospitals in Houston and San Antonio. I define the process of therapy as a temporary, guided journey of healthy changes, in a judgement free zone. The other main element that specifically differentiates the process of therapy is confidentiality. Confidentiality can be thought of as a " steel vault" containing anything and everything you tell me in our sessions. It remains locked in your vault; and only you have the combination. There are exceptions to confidentiality that we'll discuss during out first session. I combine the two most effective treatment models that have been proven empirically that these models give a person a "system of change." Meaning these models of therapy have been studied and researched, and their effectiveness data have been submitted and published in the professional literature over many decades. The first model that's referred to as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) examines the powerful domino effect between our thoughts, feelings, and behavior choice patterns of the individual seeking therapy. The other model I practice examines the domains of the biological origins of feelings and behaviors, and how this domain interacts with the internal way we think of ourselves, which impacts the important relationships in our lives, inside and outside of our family. I look forward to and appreciate those who ask me to join them, as a temporary guide, on their therapeutic journey. As I remain a neutral "consultant" regarding one's efforts to become the best possible version of their internal sense of self. The process of therapy is more like a marathon than a sprint. Although remember that both of these metaphorical examples have their own time intervals as well.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then eventually dive into the specific "high priority" issues you're facing and want to change. I have found over many years that there isn't usually and urgent need to talk about 100% of every detail of every challenge you're facing, all in our very first "meeting"; which is not technically a therapy "session." There is no rush. That said, we of course will eventually define and intervene in every specific area that you feel is essential to make changes within that area. This will help me create a tailored treatment plan for you as we work through the process of health change in our follow-up sessions. I believe in a couple of important relationships that the process of therapy always reveals. The first is what I refer to as the "symptom-to cause-axis." The second is what I refer to as the "crisis-to-opportunity-axis." I think that these relationships can be best understood by speaking with each other in our sessions.
The answer to this question comes from my patients. Historically, they've told me I possess: 1. Empathy 2. Unconditional support 3. Knowledge of a broad scope 4. Accessible 5. Funny 6. Effective I have been so very fortunate to have had both the academic and clinical experiences that has characterized my career. I have been a licensed psychologist in The Great State of Texas since 1983. I have had "boots on the ground" positions at a Veterans Medical Center and prestigious teaching hospitals such as Texas Children's Hospital as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Pediatrics of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Followed by being appointed Chief Psychologist at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital in San Antonio. Concurrently, while achieving a successful private practice where my associates and I provided psychological services to adults, children, and adolescents. Perhaps the origin of one of my most significant strengths as a provider can be attributed to my lifelong history of being in therapy myself. That started as a requirement of my doctoral program. Then I quickly gained insight into how therapy was an incredibly powerful change agent. Both in my personal and professional lives. So, I've continued my therapy to this very day. Finally, as we continue forward into this brave, yet not so new anymore, but nevertheless a one-of-a-kind frontier of remote-tele therapy, that has given such an awesome degree of access to so many other people who, perhaps wouldn't have chosen to engage in the in-person therapy format. Because of all the advantages that remote therapy brings to them. They too are now hopefully experiencing the potential for healthy changes that the process of therapy opens up to all adults, families, children and adolescents.
My academic training and clinical experiences which started in 1981; have prepared me to be a confident, competent and effective provider of multiple therapeutic modalities, with adults, children and adolescents. I am well prepared in the major modalities of therapy. Combined with a broad scope of experience conducting individual, family and couple's therapy. Although it's quite important that before a treatment modality is chosen, as the primary modality of a treatment plan, a thorough history of your life is essential.
3 ratings with written reviews
June 30, 2025
Very down to earth and friendly. I feel understood
May 7, 2025
He gives me direct advice and doesn’t sugarcoat things to sympathize with my situation. I need a stern therapist who understands my mindset. His approach has placed me on a path to a healthy lifestyle and making good decisions so I can have a stable life. I am following his advice and have already seen significant progress.
April 2, 2025
Perfect for my needs!
I’ve been practicing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for 4 decades. This treatment model has helped many of my patients to gain control of their "nagging" and reoccurring thoughts, particularly those that elements of irrational or illogical thought. This well studied and documented treatment model holds a significant potential for many individuals to improve their skill set of "managing down" their disturbing thoughts and feelings"; the very purpose that every person wants, who is seeking healthy changes in general, and specifically through one of the most effective treatment models like CBT. If practiced, in sessions and between sessions; most individuals find that they have a much improved sense of control and management of their ever decreasing levels of anxiety and mood related symptoms. As a direct results of leveraging the powerful domino effect that defines the CBT model of treatment. Please write down: T-F-B. I'll have many things to say about these 3 letters (domains) that will most likely represent the origin of many healthy changes you're likely to gain from this treatment model. If, CBT is determined to be an appropriate component of your treatment plan. When CBT is specifically defined and or perhaps decided to re-define your primary treatment plan. CBT is likely to be synced with other effective treatment models. That when your treatment plan is well thought through and developed around your specific, presenting high priority issues; it will likely serve as road map for your entire course of therapy.