I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. In my practice, I’ve had the privilege of supporting military Servicemembers, Veterans, gay men, and transgender individuals. I particularly value helping people navigate life transitions, manage mood disorders, process trauma related to PTSD, address substance use concerns, and develop strategies for living well with chronic health conditions.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect a collaborative and supportive conversation focused on understanding their concerns, goals, and personal history. I take time to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to explore what brings them to therapy. We’ll also discuss what approaches might be most helpful—whether evidence-based or supportive—and work together to establish a plan that feels comfortable and aligned with their needs.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include my ability to balance being direct and honest with genuine warmth and support. Patients often share that they appreciate my straightforward approach, as it helps them gain clarity and insight into their experiences. I provide constructive, actionable feedback in sessions and maintain an interactive style, actively engaging with clients to create a collaborative and dynamic therapeutic environment.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are looking for either evidence-based treatment or supportive psychotherapy, depending on their needs and goals. With experience working with Veterans, Servicemembers, and LGBTQ+ individuals, I tailor my approach to each person—whether that involves structured, goal-oriented therapies like CBT and Prolonged Exposure or a more exploratory, supportive space to process life transitions, identity, or chronic stress.
About Michael Potoczniak
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
In my private practice, I draw on my experience in the Army and the VA to use Motivational Interviewing with patients facing substance use disorders. I apply this evidence-based approach to help individuals explore their ambivalence, clarify their personal values, and build motivation for change, fostering a respectful and collaborative path toward recovery.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
In my private practice, I use Prolonged Exposure therapy to treat patients with PTSD, drawing on my experience working with Veterans in the Army and the VA. This structured, evidence-based approach helps patients gradually process trauma by repeatedly confronting distressing memories and avoided situations in a safe, controlled manner—reducing symptoms over time and restoring a greater sense of control and well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my private practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Drawing on my training at UC Berkeley and my clinical experience working with Veterans in the VA and Servicemembers in the Army, I apply CBT to address conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety—focusing on building practical coping strategies, improving daily functioning, and supporting long-term recovery.
Eclectic
In my private practice, I use an eclectic style of therapy, drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches to best meet the individual needs of each patient. Grounded in my training at UC Berkeley and clinical experience with Veterans in the VA and Servicemembers in the Army, I integrate techniques from CBT, Prolonged Exposure, Motivational Interviewing, and supportive therapy. This flexible approach allows me to tailor treatment based on each person’s goals, preferences, and evolving challenges—fostering meaningful progress and lasting change.