Michael Epstein

I'm a direct, practical, and occasionally humorous therapist — I believe real progress happens when you feel both supported and challenged, not just listened to. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families through some of the hardest seasons of life: chronic illness, grief, relationship breakdown, ADHD, eating disorders, anger, and major life transitions. As a single father who raised three kids over 15 years, I understand family life from lived experience, not just theory. I've also spent significant time working with military families and first responders, and I bring that same steady, no-nonsense approach to every client I work with. My Australian Shepherd occasionally joins sessions — let me know if you'd prefer otherwise.

I pull primarily from CBT, REBT, and family systems theory — but I tailor everything to what actually works for you. I'm less interested in managing symptoms than in understanding the patterns underneath them. Expect direct questions, honest feedback, and practical tools you can use between sessions. I often encourage clients to keep a simple journal to track emotional triggers and recurring themes, because awareness is where real change begins. I'll offer support, challenge, or accountability depending on what you need most — sometimes all three in the same session.

Come ready to talk — our first session is a real conversation, not an intake form. We'll dig into your concerns, your goals, and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. You're welcome to take notes, ask questions, or record the session if that's helpful. You might leave with more questions than answers — that's often where meaningful growth starts. My goal is for you to walk out with a clearer sense of direction, some concrete next steps, and the sense that this might actually go somewhere.