A little about Michael…

For the past two decades I've been studying and practicing various healing traditions from around the world. In my practice as a therapist, I am drawn to the “common factors” that are the essence of various healing modalities and psychotherapies. Of most importance in any context is the quality of the therapeutic relationship.

I work at the crossroads of love and protection. I am trained in several approaches to working with trauma and personally value deep thinking and feeling as well as empowered relationships and experiential spirituality.

I place relationship at the forefront of personal wellbeing and resiliency.

I focus on relationship and trauma to help individuals, couples, and families live a more fulfilling life. Relationships are the renewable resource of the future that can help fortify people in times of trouble. Relationship is resilience. Dr. Judith Herman calls trauma a “violation of human connection,” trauma and relationship are interwoven on the path to healing. I believe that therapy that includes an attachment figure such as your romantic partner drives change and growth in powerful ways. In my work with individuals, couples, and families, I lean heavily on my own life changing experience with emotionally focused therapy, an experiential, attachment-based therapy which places relationships at the forefront of personal wellbeing and resiliency.

Couples therapy strengthens bonds.

My commitment to your relationship is illustrated through my attainment of certification as an EFT therapist from the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. This process was both rigorous and fulfilling. Furthermore, I am dedicated to continuously advancing my skills through advanced training and supervision in EFT. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with EFT, but it is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for relationship healing. It offers a precise approach to identifying relationship struggles and restoring connection. EFT resonates with me on a personal level as it has improved my own relationships, and I see it benefiting my clients every day.

If you feel like your relationship could benefit from my work with EFT, please reach out and book a consult. I look forward to getting to know you.

Education

Associate of Arts in Behavioral & Social Science from College of the Redwoods, High Honors

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Humboldt State University, Summa Cum Laude

Master of Social Work with a concentration on Native American and rural populations from Humboldt State University

Certified EFT therapist from International Centre for excellence in Emotionally Focused therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy Training

EFT Externship (de Bruin)

EFT Core Skills (de Bruin)

Facing the Dragon (Johnson)

Tango Workshop (Clark)

Going into the Fire (Faller)

Sex in the Cycle (Watson)

EFT For Seasoned Therapists (Faller)

Vulnerable View of Self (Faller & Hawkins)

EFT for Healing Trauma in Couples (Olden & Rheem)

Ongoing with EFT Cafe & Success and Vulnerability

EFT Core Skills Volunteer Helper (Rana)

Certified EFT Therapist (ICEEFT)

Other Training & Professional Development

Darkness to Light: Childhood Sexual Assault

Sources of Strength: Suicide Prevention

Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention

Swords to Plowshares: Combat PTSD

Zendo: Harm Reduction

Mandated Reporter Training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Attachment Focused EMDR: Healing Relational Trauma

Humboldt County Mental Health Crisis Intervention

Resource Family: Foster Caregiver

Body Keeps the Score: Trauma Training

Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors

Mediation & Conflict Resolution

Basic Restorative Practices