My name is Michael and I have worked as a social worker/mental health counselor for the past 5 years. I went to Boston University where I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology. I then went on and received my Masters degree, in social work, at Simmons University. After graduation, I was hired by Beth Israel Lahey Health; one of the two largest hospital systems in MA. In my first few years, I worked in the outpatient oncology department providing 1 on 1 mental health counseling to patients newly diagnosed with cancer. I also worked on the inpatient liver transplant unit where I dealt with patients who struggled with issues like addiction, depression, strained family dynamics and trauma.
In both settings, I gained valuable experience working with patients using different modalities such as psychodynamic perspectives, CBT, mindfulness, attachment therapy, solution focused and narrative therapy as well as motivational interviewing. Through my journey working at the hospital, I also learned that many patients do not have access to providers after 4:00pm. I saw a need to create another resource for working professionals, single parents taking care of young children and others struggling with chronic illnesses (often unable to attend in-person visits). To that end, I started my own virtual clinic, Gaia Counseling Center, LLC where I saw patients at night and on the weekends. I ultimately decided to partner with better help because I truly believe in their mission to try and make mental health care accessible to everyone.
My goal as a clinician is to create a space where every patient feels safe and respected. I know how hard working the process can be, but you do not have to do it alone. If you or your loved ones are struggling with mental health symptoms please reach out to the better help team. There are many clinicians, including myself, who are waiting and willing to help. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this profile and I hope you have a wonderful day.
-Michael
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, First Responder Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
MA LICSW 122322