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Hi, I'm Mike! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida who enjoys helping people become the best version of themselves.
My approach
My approach is focused on normalizing a person's unique experience and helping them see a path forward without judgment, holding them accountable to do the work to promote self-growth and healing along that path. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and overall eclectic use of several other therapeutic strategies tailoring treatment to the person, as experiences are usually unique - and treatment is rarely one-dimensional.
My focus
My specialty would tend to be clients that suffer from anxiety or depression. I have a unique perspective on internet addiction and gaming addiction, and negative symptoms stemming from those behaviors. I also do well with coaching parents in regard to these topics.
My communication style
I am a very friendly person, open to new experiences and people. I take my work very seriously in that I strive to never make a person feel judged, and I hope that working with me feels like you're being supported and encouraged to do the work yourself rather than feeling like all of the work is being done for you.
My journey to mental healthcare
I've always wanted to be a therapist. Since high-school people nicknamed me Dr. Dent. I grew up with a dent in my chest. The scientific term is Pectus Excavatum. The Dr. part was because everyone always came to me to talk about tough topics - I have always been open-minded and tried to be friendly. The Dent part was something that for a brief time I was bullied for, but eventually came to accept that physical deformity as part of who I am and developed my identity including it, rather than avoiding it. I went through depression myself after graduating with my Bachelor's Degree, which led me to take a break from school and work jobs I ended up hating. I decided to use my degree and worked in a drug rehab center for about a year, loving the experience so much that it inspired me to get back on track with school. I went for my masters the next year and continued my schooling until beginning work in a Private Practice, where I have been ever since. Now I am looking to spread my skillset as far as I can to reach as many people as possible - to do the most good.
My goals for you
I like to set short, realistic goals early on to help people feel like they have a path forward. In my experience, there's nothing worse than feeling stuck and alone.
My first session with you
First sessions with me are usually surface-level interactions to get to know one another and to help me get a general understanding of what brings you to therapy. I try not to dig too deep during the first sessions so that your experience leaving the session can be light and educational.
