I am licensed as an LICSW and have worked for over three decades in private practice and also in the mental health public sector. I'm experienced in GLBTQ+-related issues; couples counseling and relationship issues; grief and loss issues; EAP issues; intimacy issues; abuse, trauma and gaslighting. I hope to help you work through the effects of unfinished business from the past and a range of other issues, including some of the more existential issues of this moment.
My preferred approach is existential and psychodynamic, which explores feelings, instincts and unconscious processes, as distinguished from an approach that is more cognitive and behavioral.
I'm spiritual but not religious. Although much of the therapy I do is short term, and we will discuss that early on, I'm also available for long term therapy, with an end result that may lead to an increased sense of wholeness and an enhanced ability to connect with the world without a lot of amount of repression, self-judgment, dissociation and noise, all of which tends to get in the way of spontaneity, creativity and emotional authenticity.
I call myself a psychodynamically-oriented therapist not because I believe that the unconscious exists in the same way that gravity or the moon exist, although there are certain parallels, but because acknowledging the existence of unconscious defenses/agendas can lead to some very powerful insights that would otherwise fly under the radar. In our highly technocratic and materialistic culture, that can be a challenge but IMO, it's a challenge well-worth taking on.
You should know that while I don't send out a lot of Better Help worksheets and the like, I will frequently point my clients to sources, links, articles, books, poetry and research which are relevant to our work together and/or in which we have an interest.
Finally, I have a strong aversion to treating clients like self-contained widgets who exist strictly in their heads while compartmentalizing-off their socioeconomic situation, which may be directly contributing to their depression, alienation and angst.
If you're struggling with survival issues, however, I believe that grounding is essential, not a lot of speculation on the stars. Our therapeutic goals, therefore, should acknowledge that as well.
While I'm eclectic in my approach, please know that there are no rabbits I can pull out of a hat. I can, however, try to better understand your weaknesses and leverage your strengths. Taking that first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You took that step in signing up with Better Help. I am here to help support you in that process.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Cancer, Communication problems, Family problems, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexuality, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Jungian Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Internal Family Systems
WA LICSW LW 00004169
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michael Green. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Michael is amazing! He meets me where I'm at, remains engaged in a dynamic conversation, and offers breadcrumbs that lead me towards more positive & accurate thinking!
Written on Dec 26, 2024 after therapy with Michael for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Michael helped immensely with some questions I had about how to move forward in repairing a relationship with my adult child. He did not tell me what to do, but we worked together to help me consider my actions. He helped me find a path forward. I found his easy-going style great. He emphasized how much she cared about the match.
Written on Dec 23, 2024 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
As someone for whom English is not the first language, I was worried about being fully understood in therapy. But Michael has always made sure I feel comfortable and understood, even when language is a challenge. Michael has been incredibly supportive and attentive, and I’m grateful for his patience and care.
Written on Aug 24, 2024 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem