Dr. Michael Black

Many of the people I work with are high-functioning by every external measure — capable, driven, the one others lean on — while privately carrying anxiety, burnout, shame, or a quiet sense of disconnection from themselves or the people they love. If that's you, you don't need to be told to slow down. You need someone who can help you understand the patterns underneath it and actually change them.

I'm a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D., working with adults and couples. My style is warm and direct: I'll listen closely, and I'll also tell you what I'm seeing. The aim is lasting change — understanding what's been driving the pattern so you can do something different, rather than just managing symptoms.

I work from a cognitive-behavioral foundation, with a strong emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The core premise is simple: much of what keeps capable people stuck isn't their circumstances, but patterns of thought they've come to treat as fact. We'll identify those patterns, loosen their grip, and reconnect you with what actually matters to you — then move toward it.

Expect genuine warmth, and expect me to be direct. When I see something keeping you stuck, I'll name it — that's usually where the change lives. My aim is for you to leave more capable of running your own life, not more reliant on the room.

The first session is low-pressure. We'll talk about what brought you in, some of your history and what you've already tried, and what you're hoping will be different. There's no expectation that you share more than you're ready to. By the end, you'll have a feel for how I work and whether we're a good fit — with no obligation to continue if we're not.

Taking the first step is the hardest part. Once you're in the room, I make the rest easy.