Michael Smith

I'm glad you landed on my profile. Hi, I'm Michael, a psychotherapist and executive coach. People often come to counseling when they feel they've tried every solution they can think of and are starting to lose hope. When you've been deep in your own situation for a long time, it's hard to see clearly, but it is never too late to start healing.

Maybe you're stuck in old patterns and ADHD is making everything harder. Maybe you want to bring a better version of yourself to personal relationships and a stronger handle on your emotions. Maybe a major life change or unresolved trauma has you frozen and you just need someone to think it through with. Or maybe you're in recovery, or wondering if it's time to start. Whatever brings you here, I'd love to hear from you.

I work with adults from all walks of life on ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues. I also provide LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, support for military members and veterans, and substance abuse recovery. I help with burnout, life transitions, grief, and living with chronic illness or disability.

We'll build on your strengths, grow your self-awareness, and create practical strategies so you can lead your life with more clarity and confidence.

I am not one to simply sit back and listen; I'm engaging, collaborative, and solutions driven, with plenty of suggestions along the way, and I'll be direct when it helps. I'm also a little dry and I like to keep it honest and human.

Outside of work, I'm a creative at heart. I write poetry, I'm an avid reader, and I'm about to publish a book. I play guitar and drums, and now I produce my own music. If you've read The Myth of Normal, one of my favorites, I'd love to hear what you thought.

I take an integrated, eclectic approach and adapt it to each person. I often draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative, and Psychodynamic therapy, and I do a lot of shame-based work. I also focus on emotional intelligence. In plain terms:

• IFS: We get to know the different "parts" of you, like the inner critic or the part that wants to hide, and help them work together instead of against you.
• Narrative: We look at the story you tell about yourself and make room for a truer, kinder one.
• Psychodynamic: We explore how your past shapes how you feel and react today.
• Shame-based work: We loosen shame's grip so you can build a real sense of self-worth.

We'll also challenge the negative or faulty beliefs you may hold about yourself and the world. That makes room for a more thoughtful, realistic perspective, and helps you find strengths you didn't know you had.

Our sessions will provide a safe space for you to feel differently about past hurts and traumas, viewing them through a lens of healing and understanding. An integral part of this experience is developing compassion for yourself and the struggles you've faced. Ultimately, my process aims to cultivate a profound sense of personal value and self-worth, which will be beneficial in all aspects of your life.