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MG Portrait of Michael Garrison

Michael Garrison

Compassionate, goal-focused therapy with practical tools

LMSW, LCSW Michigan

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Languages
English
Explore online therapy options

About Michael

Michael Garrison brings a decade of clinical experience to his work as a licensed social worker in Michigan.

Background and approach

He has spent several years supporting students in school settings and nearly ten years in community mental health agencies where he worked with people across a wide range of challenges, including trauma, addiction, personality and mood disorders.

Michael combines practical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic connection. His approach centers on support, validation, and collaborative problem solving.

Michael draws on parent management strategies when appropriate and helps clients develop insight through reflection, discussion, and practice. He aims to meet people where they are and to focus sessions on concrete goals that promote wellbeing, resilience, and healthier relationships.

Michael holds LMSW and LCSW credentials and frames his work around establishing trust and working alongside clients toward meaningful change.

How practical therapy approaches translate to online care

CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it uses structured exercises and skill-building to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns. DBT blends skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for managing strong emotions and improving relationships. EMDR is a trauma-focused approach that uses structured processing to help people reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to consider needs, goals, and preferences and may draw from different methods over time to find the best fit. That collaborative exploration helps tailor the work to practical outcomes and individual readiness.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility in scheduling and communication. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, school, or caregiving responsibilities while still accessing licensed professionals for ongoing therapeutic work.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Michael commonly address?
He works with a broad range of concerns including trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, self esteem, stress, anxiety, and addictions, along with mood disorders such as bipolar and depression.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He emphasizes support, validation, and a strong therapeutic connection while encouraging insight through reflection, discussion, and practice to reach concrete goals.
What is his professional background?
Michael has about 10 years of experience working in community mental health agencies and several years as a school social worker working with children, adults, and couples.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds LMSW and LCSW credentials with license details MI LMSW 6801097735 and OR LCSW L15000, and he practices in Michigan.
Which languages does he provide services in?
Services are offered in English; he is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for working together?
He offers several remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Body imageCo-morbidityCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessImpulsivityJealousyMen's issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexual dysfunction

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Michigan, Oregon

Languages

English