Services
- Individual
- Couples
- Family
- Adolescent/Teen
About My Clients
People often seek counseling to improve their relationships, to find hopeful solutions, or to seek different perspectives. Talking about difficult situations or feelings, including infidelity, trauma, and abuse, will probably be upsetting. Although people generally feel better after a few weeks of counseling, they may first experience more intense feelings. Discussing your thoughts and feelings in therapy is an important part of your growth and of ultimately turning these risks into benefits.
My Background and Approach
The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship. Michael uses a therapeutic approach in his work with families, children, adolescents, and individuals that Dr. Linda Metcalf developed over the past 26 years. This approach blends solution-focused and narrative therapies. Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy harnesses the power of both models—the strengths-based, solution-building approach of Solution-Focused Therapy and the value-honoring and re-descriptive approach of Narrative Therapy—to offer clients brief, effective help that builds on their strengths and abilities to envision and craft preferred outcomes. This integrative approach has been used in dealing with trauma, addictions, grief, relationship issues, and mood issues.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
Therapy is guided discovery! Invite peace into your relationships! Collaborate with Michael to find solutions and exceptions to your perceived problems. Strive to achieve unique outcomes by honoring your values and embracing your strengths. Work hopefully toward a miraculous future of peace and joy. Changes in relationship dynamics are common goals of therapy. Some members of relationships, however, may be reticent to change; and this might cause conflict. On the other hand, avoidance of conflict does not usually resolve relationship issues. When these issues are handled with positivity and respect, family members can grow closer and ultimately strengthen their bonds.