About Michael
Michael Garrison is a licensed clinical social worker based in Michigan with ten years of experience. He combines school social work and community mental health work to help people navigate anxiety, trauma, addiction, mood struggles, and relationship concerns. Michael uses a direct, validating approach that aims to build a strong connection from the start.
He draws on a mix of practical methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Background and approach
Michael also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and motivational interviewing techniques when they fit a person's goals. Sessions focus on clear goals, reflection, and skills practice rather than long explanations. Michael has worked across school settings and community agencies, including time supporting people with severe and persistent mental illness.
That breadth gives him experience with crises, grief, panic, and ongoing mood or personality struggles. He also helps people with sleep, eating, career stress, and parenting challenges by addressing day-to-day patterns. In sessions he offers support, feedback, and concrete strategies.
People can expect to talk through triggers, practice coping tools, and set step-by-step goals. He emphasizes building insight through conversation and practice, not quick fixes. Michael aims to tailor plans to each person’s needs and pace.
He will collaborate on priorities and adjust methods based on what helps most. The focus is on practical change that fits into a person's life.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Michael commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood problems.He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. DBT-style tools can help when emotions feel overwhelming or relationships are strained.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will talk with each person about their goals and try methods that fit their situation, adjusting the plan as needed in collaboration with the client.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls work well for longer therapy sessions and visual connection, while phone sessions can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text messaging can suit brief check-ins, quick skill practice, or when people prefer written communication. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and different routines.
Questions people ask
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What this therapist works with
Also listed
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Body image
- Career difficulties
- Co-morbidity
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Forgiveness
- Impulsivity
- Jealousy
- LGBT
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Self-love
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleeping disorders
- Stress, Anxiety
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 10 years
- Licensed
- Michigan, Oregon
- Languages
- English
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