Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 46 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 7 more.
(he/him)
Florida Therapist for High-Achieving Adults: ADHD, Burnout & Trauma Recovery I'm Michael Blake Edwards, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida, working with driven adults — executives, entrepreneurs, first responders, and veterans — who look like they have it together from the outside but feel scattered, on edge, or disconnected on the inside. If you've built the career, stayed disciplined, and kept pushing, and something still feels off, that's not a character flaw. It's usually a sign your mind and body are asking for something you haven't addressed yet. My work focuses on the root causes behind distraction, restlessness, and burnout — often unrecognized adult ADHD, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma hiding underneath a high-functioning exterior. I integrate EMDR (trained through the Trauma Therapist Institute) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with a practical, goal-oriented approach, so sessions build tools you can use immediately — not just insight you sit with. Areas of focus: adult ADHD assessment and coaching, trauma and PTSD (EMDR/ART), high-functioning anxiety, burnout and nervous system regulation, men's issues, and military and first-responder mental health. With 14+ years of clinical experience, I hold licensure as an LMHC, plus certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional (CMIP), and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). I've also completed Harvard Medical School Executive Education in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching and trained in Mindful Hypnosis. I offer secure telehealth sessions across all 67 Florida counties and work with most major insurance plans, so cost doesn't have to be the barrier to getting real help. New clients are currently welcome. This isn't about becoming someone different. It's about clearing out what's in the way so the version of you who already knows how to lead, adapt, and perform under pressure can actually feel steady doing it.
Our first session is about setting the foundation for real progress. We’ll begin with a structured clinical interview where I’ll ask detailed questions about different parts of your life, your work, habits, routines, childhood, and family dynamics. This gives us a clear, comprehensive picture of what’s working and what’s getting in your way. The goal of this first meeting is clarity. By the end of the session, I’ll share a provisional diagnosis and initial impressions so we can identify the key patterns and stressors behind your current challenges. From there, we’ll outline a personalized plan focused on measurable change, whether that means improving focus, managing stress more effectively, or resolving unresolved trauma that’s been slowing you down. You can expect the process to be professional, conversational, and focused on getting actionable insights right from the start. My approach is direct but supportive. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and help you form connections that bring your goals within reach. The first session isn’t just about assessment; it’s about setting you up for success mentally, emotionally, and physically.
What sets my approach apart is the balance between structure and depth. I don’t believe in “talk therapy” that drifts without direction. Our work is goal‑driven — rooted in understanding where your patterns come from, and building the tools and mindset to create meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in helping clients manage mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders — including PTSD and complex trauma — as well as the co‑occurring challenges that often come with them, like distraction, burnout, or substance use. My background spans community mental health, inpatient rehab, and trauma-focused therapy, which taught me that real progress happens when insight meets consistent action. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed mindfulness. These aren’t abstract frameworks — they’re focused methods designed to help you calm your nervous system, sharpen focus, and regain control of your emotional regulation.
I specialize in working with people navigating the long-term effects of trauma and ADHD, especially when those challenges show up as chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, focus issues, or feeling stuck in patterns that don’t make sense. I support first responders and frontline professionals, including military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, healthcare workers, and civil servants, who carry the weight of responsibility in high-stress or traumatic environments and are often expected to “keep going” without space to process what they’ve been through. I work with survivors of abuse, sexual assault, or natural disasters who are seeking safety, healing, and a deeper sense of control in their lives. I help creative professionals and artists who feel intensely, think deeply, and may struggle with perfectionism, burnout, or emotional dysregulation in fast-moving or emotionally vulnerable environments. I offer affirming, inclusive care for LGBTQ individuals navigating identity, relationships, or the layered impact of trauma and social stressors in daily life. I also work with men who feel like they should “have it all together” but are quietly battling self-doubt, irritability, or disconnection from themselves and others. My practice is rooted in the belief that healing is never one-size-fits-all. I hold space for complexity, and I’m here to support you through the messy, layered, and very human process of change.
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
My journey began in 2012, working with children and families in a community setting. I've honed my skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) over the years, finding it particularly effective in helping individuals overcome depression and anxiety. I'm informed in the Unified Protocol (UP) and often incorporate exposure-based techniques into treatment. This might involve gentle, guided exercises between sessions to help you face your fears and build resilience.
I have utilized Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy (MBCT) in group and individual sessions since 2020. This approach may look like participating in specific meditations or psychological exercises during and in between sessions. This may also include breathing exercises, homework, and tasks between sessions. I hold certification as a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Practitioner (CMIP) and offer Mindful Hypnosis ™. Mindful Hypnosis ™ (also referred to as Mindful Hypnotherapy) is an evidence-backed treatment that combines clinical hypnotherapy with mindfulness practices. It uses deep nervous system relaxation and focused attention to help adjust thinking patterns, reduce stress, manage anxiety, and improve sleep. Clinical research, including studies from institutions like Baylor University, has demonstrated Mindful Hypnosis' ™ effectiveness for several conditions: stress and anxiety; significantly decreases perceived distress and increases baseline mindfulness, sleep issues; helps calm an overactive mind, allowing you to drift off into deep sleep and stay asleep, pain and fatigue; aids in reducing symptoms associated with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis., and habit change; helps address underlying emotional triggers for behaviors like smoking, overeating, or negative thought loops.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a therapy that fosters rapid recovery by changing how the brain stores traumatic memories and imagery. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) takes the best of well-known therapies including Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Exposure (imaginal, in-vivo), relaxation techniques, and Brief Psychodynamic therapy and combines them with eye movements similar to those we using during the (REM) Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep. ART utilizes a re-scripting process called Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR) to assist clients in replacing negative images with positive ones. I am a basic ART practitioner and have a basic certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) since 2021. ART is similar to Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Both therapies use bilateral stimulation and have both been proven effective for the treatment of PTSD and other disorders. I tailor each client's treatment plan to their own specific and unique needs and utilize this treatment method when appropriate. Length: Approx. 1-5 sessions.
I have worked with CPT in community settings to address trauma-related disorders since 2019. This may look like writing and re-writing about traumatic or upsetting events and processing the emotions and thoughts in session. Typically some work is done to establish safety before we tackle this task.
I am EMDR-trained as of 2025. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by past experiences, or find that old wounds still impact your daily life, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy may be the breakthrough you're looking for. I specialize in helping professionals and high-functioning adults process trauma, anxiety, and limiting beliefs that hold them back. EMDR is a research-backed, efficient therapy approach designed to help your brain reprocess painful memories and reduce emotional distress, without needing to relive every detail. Whether you're managing past trauma, work-related stress, or personal challenges, EMDR can help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. How does EMDR work? EMDR uses guided "bilateral stimulation"—such as side-to-side eye movements—to help the brain safely reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and vividness. What does EMDR treat? Beyond trauma, research shows EMDR is highly effective for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and addiction. Trusted Worldwide EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by top global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Let's work together to create space for growth, clarity, and long-term healing.
8 ratings with written reviews
July 3, 2026
He is a very direct yet warm therapist. He will ask the questions that need to be asked and listen with an open mind.
April 8, 2026
He is professional and for anyone who is serious about getting help. Open minded and goal driven. He makes it very easy to talk to and get to the root of issues and help you navigate them with solutions. He has a nice and inviting approach, but is so attentive to the details. Overall, an Amazing psychotherapist for any professional that will explore the issues known and unknown.
March 31, 2026
I simply felt like he listened to me.