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Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW

LCSW and EMDR certified trauma therapist
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Family and parenting
  • DBT and CBT

About Michael Garrison

Michael Garrison is a Michigan-based school social worker and licensed clinical social worker with ten years of experience in mental health practice. He has spent several years working directly in school settings with children and nearly a decade in community mental health agencies serving people with severe and persistent mental illness, and supporting children, adults, and couples.

His work with families includes Parent Management Training - Oregon Model (PMTO), which helps caregivers develop positive parenting strategies that promote safety, respect, and consistent guidance. He has clinical experience addressing trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and mood disorders, and he brings that background to both individual and family work.

Michael is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and he is a certified EMDR therapist, meaning he has completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma-focused treatment. His credentials include LMSW and LCSW - Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, reflecting his advanced social work training and clinical licensure.

He emphasizes support and validation in therapy and views the therapeutic relationship as central to change. Michael encourages insight through reflection, discussion, and practical skill-building, meeting clients where they are and focusing on goals that foster wellness and a more fulfilling life. He is not currently accepting clients.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Michael Garrison have?

Michael Garrison has 10 years of experience in social work and mental health practice.

Is Michael Garrison a licensed therapist?

Yes. He holds LMSW and LCSW credentials - Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: MI LMSW 6801097735, OR LCSW L15000.

In which languages does Michael Garrison provide therapy?

Michael Garrison provides therapy in English.

Where is Michael Garrison located?

He is located in Michigan.

How can I work with Michael Garrison as my therapist?

You can work with Michael Garrison through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Please note that he is not currently accepting clients.

Does Michael Garrison work with international clients?

No. Michael Garrison does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Michael Garrison cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward: click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging. Please note that Michael Garrison is not currently accepting clients.

Therapeutic approaches and online therapy options

Michael Garrison draws on several evidence-informed approaches to tailor treatment to each person's needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and can be especially helpful for mood instability and impulsivity. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method designed to help people process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact, used for post-traumatic stress and related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael works with clients and licensed professionals to evaluate goals, preferences, and presenting concerns and then adapts techniques so treatment fits the person's life and priorities.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility limitations, and it can make regular appointments easier to maintain. These options support continuity of care and allow therapists and clients to focus on progress and skill practice without geographic constraints. Michael is not currently accepting clients.

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