Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW
Calm, practical support for parenting and life
Explore online therapy options- Years in practice
- 10
- Credentials
- LMSW, LCSW
- Licensed in
- Michigan, Oregon
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Grief
About Michael
Michael Garrison is a licensed social worker based in Michigan with ten years of clinical experience. He has worked in schools and community mental health settings, helping people with trauma, addiction, mood concerns, and parenting challenges. Michael uses a practical, down-to-earth style and focuses on building a supportive connection with each person.
He spends much of his time helping parents strengthen routines, encourage positive behavior, and model respectful interactions. He draws on parent management strategies to make small, practical changes that reduce daily stress and improve family interactions.
Background and approach
Sessions often include concrete steps a parent can try between meetings. Michael blends several therapeutic approaches to match a person's needs. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, dialectical behavior skills for emotional regulation, and eye movement methods for processing traumatic memories.
Mindfulness and motivational interviewing also appear in his work when useful. His style is validating and collaborative. He asks questions, reflects what he hears, and helps people set short-term goals they can measure.
He emphasizes the relationship in therapy as the space where change starts to happen. People who choose him can expect a mix of talk, skill practice, and problem-solving. Michael aims to meet each person where they are, prioritize goals, and focus on steps that support better day-to-day functioning and wellbeing.
What Michael works with
Everything Michael lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Michael helps people with.
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Body image
- Co-morbidity
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Forgiveness
- Impulsivity
- Jealousy
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Sexual dysfunction
Approaches Michael lists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online options
Michael often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this approach is useful for anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. He also brings dialectical behavior therapy skills into sessions to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness for those who struggle with intense emotions. When trauma is a central concern, he employs eye movement based techniques to help process distressing memories and reduce their emotional hold.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about their history, goals, and preferences, and then recommend techniques that match those needs. Adjustments are made over time so the plan stays practical and relevant.
Online therapy offers flexibility for busy families and individuals. Video calls allow full conversation and visual cues, phone sessions work well when bandwidth or camera use is limited, and live chat or text-based messaging can serve as shorter check-ins or a way to track progress between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, school, and parenting schedules while keeping focus on goal-oriented work.
Questions people ask about Michael
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including trauma and abuse, addiction, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and parenting challenges.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He offers a validating, practical style that combines reflection, skill practice, and goal setting. The approach emphasizes building a working relationship and using concrete steps between sessions.
What is his background and experience?
He has ten years of experience in school social work and community mental health, working with children, adults, and couples in a range of clinical settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the credentials LMSW and LCSW and practices in Michigan.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does he use?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
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