Hello! My name is Michael Sickels and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I earned my M.S.Ed. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University in 2016 and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne in 2022. I primarily specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression.
My approach to therapy is mainly informed by two approaches: cognitive behavior therapy and existential psychotherapy. I believe that clients can feel empowered by making changes to their thoughts and actions, which can then bring about helpful emotional change. I also believe that clients navigate experiences in life that are unique yet also universal in nature, and that helping to promote both insight and action regarding these experiences helps to inform meaningful change.
During their first session, clients can expect to share what brings them into counseling and to identify what goals they would like to work toward in our sessions. I believe that facilitating an open and accepting therapeutic environment serves as a foundation for clients to explore pertinent topics . I work together with clients to co-identify goals that align with their value system and to establish the beginnings of our therapeutic alliance.
