I'm Dr. Michael Moates, and I'm here to help you find relief and work through whatever challenges you're facing. Whether it's anxiety, depression, struggles with focus, or the impact of past experiences, my goal is to work with you to create positive change. I hold a doctorate in education from Fielding Graduate University as well as 2 masters degrees. My licenses include psychology, mental health counseling, behavior analysis, and addiction counseling. I have been in the mental health system since 2015 working in various settings including in home, school , center, hospital, private practice, and virtual programs. I have worked with a wide variety of cases but my heart lies with general psychology (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.) as well as forensic (domestic violence, divorce, criminal justice, etc.) and special education/behavior (ARD/IED/504, Autism, ADHD, Dysgraphia, ODD, etc.). I know, a very wide range of experience, but I love helping people. I understand that seeking help can be daunting, so my approach is to create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your concerns. I use proven techniques to help you understand your patterns, develop new coping skills, and ultimately build a life that feels more fulfilling. I'm also licensed in several states, offering flexibility for where we can work together. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk about beginning the therapy process. *I want to be clear that I hold a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), not a Ph.D. and I have notified Grow Therapy of this on multiple occasions. They refuse to update my profile.*
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My main goal for our first session is to get to know you and understand what brought you to therapy. We'll do this in a comfortable space, whether that's in my office or online. I want this to feel like a partnership, and a safe environment for you to share your story. I'll start by telling you a little bit about myself and how I work. I want you to feel fully informed about the process, including how I keep your information private and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. It's important to me that you feel secure in knowing your privacy is protected. Most of our time will be spent talking about your current situation, what challenges you're facing, and what you hope to get out of our work together. There's no pressure to have everything figured out right away; this first session is about exploration and understanding where you are right now. Together, we'll start setting some goals for therapy. This might mean focusing on building coping skills, addressing specific anxieties, or working through past experiences. We might also discuss different ways I can help, but it's your choice what feels right. We'll discuss how often we might meet and what the next few sessions might look like, ensuring it aligns with your needs and schedule. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions at any time! Whether you have concerns about the process, about my approach, or simply need clarification on something we're discussing, I'm here to listen and provide support. This is your therapy journey, and I want you to feel empowered to ask for what you need.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
A Personalized Approach to Your Mental Well-being Navigating mental health challenges can be a complex and isolating process. I understand the courage it takes to seek support, and I commend you for taking this important step. My background in diverse areas of mental health means I have a well-stocked toolbox of techniques and approaches to draw upon, but it's all about finding what works for you. I'm committed to providing a personalized and compassionate environment to guide you toward healing and growth. Therapy Tailored to Your Needs My therapeutic approach is rooted in understanding your unique struggles and tailoring a plan that aligns with your goals. Here's a glimpse into some of the potential paths we may explore: Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts: Our thoughts hold immense power over our emotions and behaviors. If anxiety, depression, or other challenges are fueled by negative thinking patterns, we can work together to identify these thought traps and develop strategies for replacing them with more balanced and helpful perspectives. Embracing Mindfulness and Acceptance: When difficult emotions seem overwhelming, mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches can help. We'll focus on developing skills to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing for a less reactive and more compassionate relationship with yourself. Developing Healthy Habits and Coping Skills: Therapy can empower you to create sustainable changes in your life. We might explore healthy stress management techniques, ways to improve sleep or self-care routines, or develop strategies for navigating triggers and difficult situations. Understanding the Impacts of Trauma: Sometimes past experiences, whether big or small, continue to impact our present lives. If this is an area you'd like to explore, I offer a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety and helps you process these experiences to reduce their hold over your well-being. Collaboration is Key I firmly believe the most effective therapy is rooted in a trusting collaboration between therapist and client. You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide expertise in mental health, offer guidance, and help you tap into your inner resources. I'll encourage you to give open feedback about what's working and what's not, so we continuously adjust our approach to best meet your needs.
About Dr. Michael Moates
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
My approach to therapy is a bit different than what you might expect. It's focused on understanding your own goals and motivations for change. Think of me like your teammate who helps you find your own reasons to take steps towards the life you want. Sometimes we might talk about the challenges you're facing and the benefits of making changes. Other times, we might explore your strengths and successes from the past to remind you of what's possible. You're the one calling the shots – I'm here to listen, offer support, and help you tap into your own reasons for wanting things to be different. The main idea is that lasting change comes from within. I'll help you understand your own mixed feelings and find the spark that will keep you moving forward.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and actions all work together. Sometimes, we get stuck in negative thinking patterns that can make us feel worse or lead to unhelpful behaviors. My job is to help you become more aware of those patterns. We'll look at real-life examples of when your thoughts might be getting the best of you. Then, we'll practice ways to challenge those negative thoughts and come up with more balanced ways of thinking. We'll also work on developing helpful coping skills for when things get tough. It's a very practical approach, like learning a new skillset for your mind. The goal is to give you tools so you can better manage your emotions and make choices that feel right for you.
Mind-body approach
The mind-body approach is all about understanding the powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and your physical health. It's the idea that your mind and body aren't separate things – they constantly influence each other. For example, when you're stressed, you might get headaches, tense muscles, or have trouble sleeping. On the flip side, learning ways to calm your mind can actually improve physical symptoms and boost your overall well-being. Mind-body techniques are tools that help you tap into this connection. Things like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or guided imagery can all teach you to manage stress, reduce tension, and even boost your immune system. The goal is to give you more control over your own health and well-being. It's about working with both your body and mind to feel your best.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a type of therapy that takes a unique approach to difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to change or get rid of them, it teaches you how to step back and just observe them without getting completely caught up in them. Think of it like watching clouds pass by in the sky – they're still there, but they don't control you. ACT also focuses on what truly matters to you – your values. We'll work together to figure out the kind of life you want to build. Then, we'll find ways to take steps in that direction, even when those difficult thoughts and feelings show up. The idea is that instead of fighting a constant battle with your mind, you learn to accept what's there and focus your energy on living a meaningful life. It's about developing greater flexibility so you can handle the ups and downs that life inevitably brings.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is about creating a safe space to work together on improving your relationship. It's normal for couples to go through tough times where communication breaks down or you feel stuck in old patterns. My role is to be a neutral guide. I'll help you both learn to express yourselves in a way that the other person can hear, without things escalating into arguments. We'll look at how you handle disagreements, how you support each other, and ways to reconnect on a deeper level. It's not about picking sides or finding someone to blame. The goal is to help you both see your part in the patterns that are keeping you stuck. It's about learning new skills to build a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling partnership. Think of it less like traditional therapy and more like going to relationship school together.