About Mike
My personality is somewhere between New York and Asheville. I am passionate about both the science and the art of therapy, and my approach is to balance the two. I care deeply about helping my clients to stop struggling, and start thriving. While I’m happy to just listen whenever you need me to, that doesn’t always get results. I nerd out on teaching you concrete tools and methods for coping and working through the things that brought you to therapy. I have worked in various settings, with many different types of people and challenges, which I believe has made me a well-rounded and adaptable clinician- I custom tailor my approach to every individual who walks through my door.
I strive to create a non-judgmental atmosphere and cultivate positive therapeutic relationships, where clients can feel authentic and empowered. With this as the foundation, we can utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based therapies to meet your therapy goals.
Areas of Interest:
Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Meditation/Mindfulness, Substance Use/Addiction, Self-Esteem, Emotion Regulation, Self-Development, LGBTQ issues, Men’s Issues, Buddhist Practice.
Background:
I began my journey to becoming a therapist long before starting clinical studies. In 2006 I began practicing meditation and mindfulness in an effort to ease my own anxiety and understand the mind. Teachers and mentors have helped provide me with a systematic method that I have incorporated into my work with clients.
The practice of meditation exposes the suffering that all humans experience, and some of the ways in which it can be alleviated, and I have spent nearly every day of the last ten-plus years engaging in some form of meditation or mindfulness practice.
The fundamental basis of meditation, which is now supported by ample studies in neuroscience, is that the mind is not fixed, but pliable – able to change in many ways if the right techniques are employed.
In 2012 I also received formal training in the fields of Yoga and Holistic Health Counseling. These disciplines seek to widen the perspective on the mind and body, emphasizing that every issue must be looked at in the context of the whole person. This means that an individual’s environment, lifestyle, internal and external stressors, physical health, career, thoughts, and emotions are all interrelated. By engaging with these interdependent aspects of your life, you can begin to progress in accordance with your goals.
Specialization in Anxiety:
One of the reasons I was inspired to become a therapist was because of my own struggles with an anxiety disorder. It took me a long time to figure out the right tools for coping with and overcoming severe anxiety, and I hope that my experience can be beneficial to others who are currently struggling. I have learned so much through these experiences and am passionate about guiding others through similar issues. Things can always get better, and I’m here to help show you how!
Work History:
Before making the leap into starting my own therapy practice, I worked in various other settings.
Most recently, I served as a therapist at a residential center for teenage boys who primarily struggled with addiction. This experience taught me so much about how to work with people at every stage of the therapeutic process, and allowed me to dive deeply into family systems work and honing therapeutic relationships.
Previously, I worked at NYC Cognitive Therapy doing individual, group, and couples therapy. While there I was dedicated to studying and training in CBT, Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT), ACT, DBT, and Mindfulness-based therapies because I believe that (based on both clinical data and personal experience) these are some of the most effective tools that I can pass on to my clients.
Prior to NYC Cognitive Therapy, I spent time as a mental health counselor at GMAD (Gay Men of African Descent) in Brooklyn. Some of the issues that my clients and I worked through together included depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, trauma, homelessness, chronic illness (including HIV), relationship struggles, identity issues, systemic oppression, and substance use.
I completed my Master’s of Social Work at New York University, a program with an emphasis on clinical practice and scientifically verifiable methods. In my time there I was fortunate enough to learn from some of the best social workers in New York City.
Education:
New York University, Master of Clinical Social Work
Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Holistic Health Coaching
Five Towns College, BPS in Business with a concentration in Audio Recording Technology
Certification:
Diplomate, Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy Certification
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Basic Training Certification
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Certification
Certified Holistic Health Coach (Institute of Integrative Nutrition, certified by American Association of Drugless Practitioners)
Certified 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher (Integral Yoga Institute)
NYS Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene HIV 101 Certification
Mental Health Services at Strive On Counseling
Whether you are learning how to manage anxiety or are coping with substance abuse, we would love to see you in our Asheville, NC counseling office. Learn more about what forms of therapy I use, including EMDR for trauma, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. If you are looking for an Asheville based counselor, I would love to talk more. Contact me to set up a free consultation.