Dr. Michael Lax

I believe that long-standing problems do not necessarily require long-term therapy. By utilizing evidence-based treatments and focusing on interventions that create lasting change, my goal is to help clients make meaningful progress as efficiently as possible. Clients often describe me as patient, empathic, and easy to talk to. I work hard to understand your experiences from your perspective so that we can create a treatment plan that is personalized and practical.

Therapy with me is collaborative and active. Rather than simply discussing problems, we focus on developing skills and strategies that you can continue to use long after therapy ends. My goal is not to create dependence on therapy, but to help you become your own therapist by teaching techniques that promote resilience, confidence, and long-term emotional well-being.

My approach is grounded primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most extensively researched and effective treatments available for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and many other concerns. I also integrate additional evidence-based approaches when appropriate to best meet each client's individual needs.

I believe therapy should be goal-oriented, practical, and focused on helping clients create durable change in the shortest reasonable timeframe. Together, we identify patterns of thinking and behavior that may be keeping you stuck and develop new strategies that align with your values and goals. An important part of my work involves helping clients view challenges not simply as obstacles to happiness, but as opportunities for growth, learning, and greater psychological flexibility.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and determine how I can best help you. We will discuss the concerns that brought you to therapy, your personal history, your goals for treatment, and any factors that may be contributing to your current difficulties.

I also want to understand your strengths, resources, and what has helped or not helped in the past. By the end of the session, clients can typically expect to have a clearer understanding of their difficulties, an initial treatment plan, and a sense of the direction our work together will take. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path forward.