A Little More About Mike

Opinions on Politics | Religion

I find it important to explore your sense of community and belonging. I don't think we have to agree politically or religiously to work together. These are two areas I prefer to keep private, as the nation is divided on these topics. However, I find it important for individuals to explore their beliefs and stances in both these topics, and potentially find community within them. Research shows we tend to gain more in finding connection with others than finding division.

As a Veteran, I place emphasis on individuals and the rights outlined by our Constitution. In therapy, I am focused on the rights of the person (people) sitting with me, and do not engage in policy discussion or promotion of specific advocacy groups aimed towards specific political view points.

Therapy is about making the most of what you have and connecting with a community that serves you. If you are interested in changing policy or politics, you are better off engaging in an advocacy/political group.

Gender Identity and Sexuality

I find it important to understand matters of gender and sexuality, as well as how this impacts interpersonal, social, and economic circumstances. I view therapy as a place for you to explore yourself and grow into the truly powerful and magnificent person you can be.​ I do not engage in therapies focused on changing sexual/gender identity. Your identity is yours, and not to be defined, created, or changed by anyone other than you.

It is my opinion, the therapeutic journey is one focused on meaningful change towards issues negatively impacting your life. Though identity definitely impacts social engagement, the issue is managing our experience within our identity.

Passion in Trauma

As a Veteran who has recovered from Trauma, I find this a passion of mine to assist others in their recovery. 

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The illness of trauma is when the human mind gets stuck inside a horrible event, resulting in your mind reliving it through dreams or experiences long after the event. I have many tools and experiences to aid in the recovery journey, and enjoy exploring unique applications of these tools to help those struggling with seeing results in their recovery. 

Passion in Obsessive Compulsion

I find myself intrigued with the experiences of having to do something every day. We all do some things compulsively, such as which foot goes up the stairs first, or do you see your left hand fingers when you fold your arms or not.

When I see compulsive behaviors, it seems to be a similar response, but more in a way that makes daily living challenging. I love exploring options with clients and seeing how they apply techniques from our sessions.  

Couples | Family Therapy

The truth is, I initially chose to pursue couples therapy as an interest to improve my skills, but didn't know what I was doing. In this journey I have learned where my skills lay. I specialize in keeping families together. I am not a good resource if your plan is to pursue divorce or only want co-parenting in a family in separate homes.

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In knowing the dynamics of relationships, I have learned to watch for the destroyers of relationships and help couples develop an understanding of these as well as apply useful skills to combat them. Then, we work on quieting the negative self-talk and partner-talk that impairs our abilities to communicate and grow together. When the family members want to stay together, and apply these skills, there is success in sustaining the relationship.