Michael Naughton

I have practiced as a therapist for over 22 years. I have worked with various populations, including clients with the following: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders. I have worked with clients with issues ranging from every day stressors to clients with severe mental illness. I have extensive experience with clients in crisis. I have assisted people in dealing with advanced care planning and dealing with advanced medical conditions. I have experience with all ages from pediatrics to the elderly.

I think it’s vital to establish trust and rapport early on in the therapeutic relationship. I emphasize a calm and comfortable environment for clients so they can feel free to express what is most important to them. I think that’s essential for people to best set goals and to figure out next steps. I work from a client centered perspective emphasizing the areas in which people want to make changes in their lives. I work with clients to try and help them have the healthiest and most rational perspective and mindset to accomplish whatever they’re looking to achieve.

I think it’s very important for a therapist to get to know their client and really understand their client to best understand how to help. So the first session is really about getting to know the client and understanding them as a person and their experiences to give a springboard into future sessions. I believe it’s very important early on to establish trust and to establish an environment where a client is comfortable with their therapist. This will allow for a foundation for setting goals.