Addiction Counseling

I have specific training around working with people struggling with addiction, specifically around alternatives to 12-step models.

I view substance misuse as a coping mechanism that seems to work...until it doesn't. Maybe anonymous peer support groups such as AA/NA work for you, maybe you just don't connect with them. Either way, I am here to help you figure out what you see as the best version of you and to develop healthier coping skills that help keep you aligned with your best Self. No judgment, no shame. Whether you are seeking abstinence or harm reduction, I am here to help you.

I have worked at every level of substance abuse and addiction treatment, from inpatient to outpatient to community education. I work with individuals coming in through self-referral and those with court involvement. Glad to help you work on your addictive compulsions in intensive or regular outpatient treatment.

Micheal has provided counseling in a treatment setting for drug and alcohol since 2002 as an individual therapist to a group counselor. Micheal has worked for drug court, some of his clients will go to 12 step meetings, and Micheal will write letters to the court for proper documentation. Micheal encourages his clients to get the help and support that they need from various entities so that his client’s don’t become dependent on him as the therapist. Treatment plans are individualized.

I have worked with adolescents when I was in the Marines back in 2001 and started working with adults in 2003. I have led groups and I have worked with clients whom were in drug court. I believe in being honest with my clients and will hold them accountable and I am open to talking with them about everything that involves their addiction from trauma to their use, to the dysfunction that they grew up in as a child.

Quitting or slowing down on any addiction is scary. I work with motivational interviewing to get down to the true meaning of addiction and what you are really looking for from life so you can be more fulfilled than you ever thought possible.

Working with addiction is about accepting who you are while also asking you to change. People with addictions are blamed, and yes you need to be held responsible, but you also need to find the part of yourself that knows that you didn't consciously choose this for yourself and that you want better for yourself and others...in spite of all of the evidence others have of you being selfish, uncaring, and irresponsible.

As a specialist in addiction therapy, I provide personalized, evidence-based care for those struggling with substance use disorders. I create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop effective coping strategies. My expertise allows me to guide individuals on their journey to recovery, helping them reclaim their lives.

Addictions (substances or behaviors) are all defenses based in physical and/or psychological pain reduction. If we can eliminate the cause of the pain, the need for the addiction can go as well. While this may sound simple, that doesn’t mean it’s easy or painless to do. We will address the pains that lead you to your addiction and work through the obstacles to abstinence and sobriety, if that is what you want, whether you choose to do so via a 12-step program or without it.

I help individuals to understand the reasons as to why they use. I also challenge negative coping mechanisms and encourage different types of reovery.

While working in an outpatient treatment center for substance use disorders I would provide counseling for relapse prevention, education around drugs/alcohol, family support, safety planning, and sobriety management

Identify and address triggers

With extensive experience supporting individuals through the recovery process, I specialize in identifying the emotional, behavioral, and psychological roots of addiction. My approach integrates relapse prevention planning, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care to support lasting transformation. I offer a nonjudgmental space where clients can rebuild self-trust and create sustainable, healthy habits.

I'm in expert in this area because I completed professional training over 30 years ago and have frequently used it in my practice to help numerous people.

I approach addiction as something that started as a coping strategy and turned into a self-reinforcing nightmare. Addiction is - to me - the product of a desperate desire to numb pain caused by others, underlying mental health concerns, or life circumstances generally. Each individual's experience of addiction is different, and treatment requires diving into core/foundational issues creating and reinforcing the addiction rather than simply addressing the symptoms of the addiction itself.