Michael Hotz

I’m a licensed professional counselor with more than 30 years of experience working with adults and individuals facing complex mental-health and behavioral challenges. My background includes community mental health, schools, correctional mental health, substance-use treatment, and work with veterans and underserved populations.

My counseling style is straightforward, conversational, practical, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy works best when we can have an honest conversation about what is happening in your life and then work together on realistic changes that fit your situation.

I have a particular interest in gambling addiction and behavioral addictions, including helping people understand the patterns behind compulsive behaviors and develop strategies for managing urges, triggers, thoughts, and relapse risk. I also work with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and other behavioral and mental-health issues.

I draw from CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and relapse-prevention strategies, adapting the approach to the individual rather than relying on one method for everyone.

You don't need to know exactly what you need from therapy before starting. We can begin by identifying what's going on, what you would like to change, and what practical steps can help you move forward.

My goal is to provide a safe, respectful environment where you can be yourself, talk openly, and make meaningful progress.

My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping clients make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe counseling should be a conversation where you feel heard, respected, and understood—not judged.

I use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, solution-focused therapy, and relapse prevention, adapting them to each person's needs and goals.

We’ll look at the thoughts, behaviors, patterns, and circumstances that may be keeping you stuck and work together on practical strategies for moving forward. My goal is to help you understand what is happening, build on your strengths, and develop tools you can use outside of therapy.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. The focus is on you, your goals, and what works for you.

The first session is about getting to know you, understanding what brought you to counseling, and identifying what you want to change.

We’ll discuss your concerns, relevant history, and goals for counseling. This is a conversation, not an interrogation, and you can share at your own pace.

You can expect to be treated with respect, honesty, and without judgment. Together, we’ll begin identifying practical steps and tools to help you move forward.