My Approach
I utilize a constructivist framework, working from the assumption that humans are in a constant process of becoming. From this foundation I strive to provide clients with a holistic awareness of how they became who they are and assist them in discovering who they hope to become.
Who makes the choices in our lives? Which parts of ourselves feel authentic? I provide clients with a unique opportunity to make contact with core aspects of themselves. From this place of contact, clients will engage primarily in talk therapy but, should the need arise, we may find an alternative mode is preferable. In these cases, we may engage in some of the following; meditation, journal writing and interpretation, dream work, art therapy, walk and talk sessions, etc.
By discovering ourselves in our relationships, our development, and our values, we can begin to know our true selves more deeply. This is a process of alleviating internal struggle, of fostering new sources of strength, of creating new opportunities for humility and grace, and for practicing and promoting self-compassion.
Background
Michael grew up in Massachusetts where he fell in love with transcendentalist writing and philosophy. He studied Western philosophy and writing at the University of Massachusetts before moving to Portland, OR in 2005. In Portland he worked as a writer, activist, and organizer with local environmental education and awareness programs.
In 2008 Michael moved to Vietnam where he worked at an international school as a writing tutor and educator. While in Vietnam, Michael traveled extensively while deepening his relationship with Eastern philosophy and meditation practices. It was here that he became more curious about how we create our own stories and how our cultural/ancestral experiences and locations can inform our world view and shape our experiences.
In 2011 Michael moved to New York City and enrolled in Brooklyn College to study psychology full time. During his time in New York he studied cognitive development, comparative psychology, and learning systems. Upon graduating from Brooklyn College he continued his work as a researcher and lab director in the Arts and Development Lab at CUNY. In 2015 he left Brooklyn to move back to Portland, OR in order acquire his MA in Professional Mental Health Counseling at Lewis & Clark. Classes at Lewis & Clark included ecopsychology, expressive arts, emotion focused couple’s therapy, building cultural competency, existential and humanistic theories, and constructivist psychotherapy techniques.
Michael has led seminars and workshops focusing on such topics as: CBT, DBT, and ACT methodologies; meditation and mindfulness skills training; perfectionism; parenting; and coping with loved ones who meet criteria for Borderline/Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Michael is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Portland, OR where he enjoys reading, camping with his family, and playing board games with friends.
