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LMSW, LCSW

Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW

  • Experience10 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasADHD, Trauma and abuse, and Grief
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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About Michael

Michael Garrison is a licensed social worker with ten years of clinical experience in Michigan, combining school-based practice and community mental health work.

Background and approach

He holds both LMSW and LCSW credentials and has spent much of his career supporting people facing trauma, mood and personality disorders, addiction, and a wide range of life stressors. His background includes work with children, adults, and couples, and he has applied parent management training techniques to help caregivers build respectful, safe family routines.

His therapeutic stance emphasizes validation and a collaborative connection; he views the relationship between therapist and client as central to meaningful change. Michael draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help clients explore patterns, build coping skills, and practice new ways of responding.

He aims to meet clients where they are, helping them set practical goals that support improved functioning, stronger relationships, and greater wellbeing. Michael is comfortable addressing concerns that include anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, intimacy and relationship issues, anger, and substance use.

He works with clients to reflect, rehearse healthier responses, and pursue objectives that feel relevant and attainable in daily life.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Care



Michael commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing into his work. CBT involves examining and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or problematic coping patterns. EMDR uses guided processing techniques to help people revisit and reprocess traumatic memories so they become less disruptive in daily life.

He also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills and mindfulness practices to strengthen emotion regulation and present-moment awareness when relevant. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process; the therapist and client evaluate needs, preferences, and goals together and adapt methods over time to find what fits best.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and access support from wherever the client is located within Michigan. Licensed professionals can tailor pacing and tools to suit each person’s circumstances, helping therapy remain practical and accessible.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can I bring to therapy?
Michael works with a broad range of issues including trauma and abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, self-esteem, stress, and many mood and personality-related difficulties.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He emphasizes a validating, collaborative relationship and uses reflection, discussion, and practical skill-building to help clients reach their goals.
What kind of experience does he have?
He has ten years of experience working in Michigan in both school settings and community mental health agencies, serving children, adults, and couples.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is licensed as LMSW and LCSW with license details MI LMSW 6801097735 and OR LCSW L15000, and he practices in Michigan.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats does he offer?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist 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

What Michael can help with

Michael Garrison works with clients on trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and self esteem.

Michael is a school social worker in Michigan and has experience working in the school setting with kids for the past several years.

Michael has spent close to a decade working in the community mental health agencies working with the SPMI (Severe and persistent mental illness), children, adults, and couples.

How Michael approaches therapy

Michael's clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Michael is a Licensed Masters Social Worker practicing in Michigan, with 10 years of clinical experience.