LGBT therapists in Sarasota, FL

Mental health therapy can be a challenge for any person regardless of situation, circumstance, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or any other entity that is viewed as the precursor to the mental health issue at hand. My mission is to enhance the quality of life for the individual and/or family unit by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques that is intended to change irrational thought patterns that manifest debilitating feelings and can lead to irrational behaviors. For those who are looking to obtain skills and tools to overcome mental health obstacles, it is my intention to provide the necessary information via cognitive restructuring techniques to assist in all facets of life. This includes mental health issues taking place in the home, community, workplace, or school. Establishing meaningful and measurable mental health goals is necessary to achieve mental health solidity. I truly enjoy working in the clinical setting with patients and it is my belief that after developing measurable treatment goals, tackling mental health issues will be much more achievable and enhance the quality of life for the patient.

Hi, I’m Michael, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 27 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate both difficult and meaningful life transitions.

Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, anxiety, or feeling stuck, I offer a compassionate, direct, practical, and occasionally humorous approach to therapy. My work is grounded in Systems Theory, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Cognitive-Behavioral strategies, helping clients better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that shape their lives.

I have extensive experience working with military families, first responders, and individuals facing crisis situations. My goal is to help you develop greater emotional resilience, stronger relationships, and practical tools that continue serving you long after therapy ends.

I strive to create a judgment-free environment where honest conversations can lead to meaningful change. I offer evening and weekend appointments and can occasionally accommodate other scheduling needs. As a single father, I raised three children over a 15-year period, an experience that deeply informs my understanding of life’s challenges and responsibilities. My Australian Shepherd service dog may occasionally be present during sessions unless you prefer otherwise.

I am an honest and compassionate therapist with a direct approach to therapy. I believe therapy works best when communication is open, clear, and collaborative. I encourage curiosity, openness, and personal growth, and I aim to empower clients to take an active role in their healing and decision-making process.

Drawing from twenty years of experience in education and principal of therapeutic schools, I have developed the art of conflict resolution with reticent learners, with parents, with couples and individuals. I have the skillset to support people and transform their perceptions of self to cope with communication issues, anger, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. My empathetic approach offers people to find positive and creative techniques. I am highly gifted in working to establish and enhance relationships between parent and child/husband and wife using conflict resolution to create opportunities. As a clinician of almost ten years, I interact exceedingly well with individuals and couples to support positive communication and achieve personal growth whether it be in a marriage, parenting/school skills, or within oneself. My understanding, compassion, and acceptance of people when they enter therapy create a safe and trusting environment to unpack problems and develop strategies that enhance well-being, stability, and alternative perspectives on how to address struggles/conflicts.

I graduated with honors from National Louis University with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I received a bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2013 from Walsh University in Ohio. I taught children with varying exceptionalities and learning differences for five years. I have over ten years of experience working with children and adults with autism, ADHD, and various learning disabilities.

I utilize interventions of various approaches to best assist my clients in accomplishing their individual goals. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I am also a certified yoga teacher.

Hi! I am a fully licensed mental health therapist. I have been in the business of helping people for over 15 years. I am direct and solution oriented, but will not rush the process.