In counseling, Michael teaches MINDFULNESS SKILLS to help ADOLESCENTS and ADULTS live and behave in ways consistent with their PERSONAL VALUES while also developing PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY. This approach is an integral part of ACCEPTANCE and COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)—a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—which invites the person to open up to unpleasant feelings, and learn not to overreact to them—not avoiding situations when the feelings surface.
ACT is particularly effective in treating ANXIETY, GRIEF AND LOSS, DEPRESSION, and ANGER issues—areas where unpleasant feelings abound. But Michael also has expertise with substance abuse, multicultural conflicts, personality disorders, and other specialties that require the problem-solving skills that Michael possesses.
Currently, Michael is pursuing a doctorate in psychology with an emphasis on neuropsychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago.
