Michael Christopher "Mikie" Blake Edwards
Some things stay with us long after they happen. They show up as being on edge for no clear reason, shutting down, or reacting harder than the moment calls for. If talk therapy alone hasn't been enough, EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) work with the nervous system directly, and they don't require you to retell every detail. You set the pace. My job is to keep the work steady, structured, and safe. Michael Blake Edwards, MS, NCC, LMHC-QS, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP. 14+ years of experience across community mental health, inpatient rehabilitation, and trauma recovery. Trained in EMDR and ART, mindfulness-based approaches, and CBT, with Harvard Medical School Executive Education in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching.
I integrate evidence‑based methods like EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with a practical, goal‑oriented approach that meets you where you are.
First session
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.
Strengths
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.
Ideal clients
You're good at your job, and everyone assumes you have it handled. Privately, you feel scattered, on edge, or running on autopilot, and pushing harder has stopped working. I work with driven professionals to find what's underneath the burnout, whether that's chronic stress, unrecognized ADHD, or old experiences your nervous system never fully settled. You don't need to become someone different. We rebuild focus, calm, and steadiness so you keep your edge without paying for it.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've used CBT since 2012, beginning with children and families in community settings, and I use it with adults for anxiety, depression, and stress. Sessions are practical: we spot the thought and behavior patterns keeping you stuck and build skills to change them. I'm trained in the Unified Protocol and use gentle, guided exposure when it fits, with practice between sessions at a pace you agree to. You'll leave each session with a clear plan.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I've used Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in group and individual work since 2020, and I'm a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional (CMIP). Expect short practices such as breathing, meditation, or grounding, with simple exercises between sessions. I also offer Mindful Hypnosis™, which combines clinical hypnosis with mindfulness to support deep relaxation and focused attention. Research, including work from Baylor University, has examined it for stress, anxiety, and sleep. Results vary, and it is not a substitute for medical care.
Eclectic
I'm a basic-certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) practitioner (since 2021). ART uses guided eye movements, similar to the bilateral stimulation in EMDR, along with a visualization step called Voluntary Image Replacement to change how distressing memories and images are held. You don't need to describe every detail out loud. ART is often brief, with many clients working through a target in about 1-5 sessions, though length varies. I use it when it fits your plan.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I've used Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in community settings since 2019 for trauma-related concerns. CPT is structured: we first build safety and skills, then you write about a difficult event and we examine the thoughts and beliefs that formed around it, such as self-blame or loss of trust. It suits people who want a clear, step-by-step process. If you're in an active crisis or an unsafe situation, we stabilize first or I refer you to a higher level of care.
EMDR
I completed Basic EMDR training in 2025 and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with professionals and high-functioning adults carrying stress, anxiety, or past experiences that still affect daily life. Guided bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, helps your brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose intensity, and you don't have to relive every detail. EMDR is recognized for treating PTSD by the World Health Organization and the U.S. VA/DoD. We prepare carefully first, and you set the pace.
Location
Virtual sessions
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MH21208