Michael Ferguson

I chose to become a clinical social worker mental health provider because I wanted to help people feel seen, understood, and supported during difficult times. My own experience in substance abuse recovery, with a sobriety date of September 28, 2012, gives this work deep personal meaning. As an LCSW, I bring both professional experience in a personal understanding of recovery to my practice. I strive to honor each person story, recognize their strengths, and help find them a path toward healing, grounded in compassion, and the belief that meaningful change is possible.

 I worked best with adults and teens who are seeking understanding, greater emotional stability, and meaningful change. They may be navigating trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, or substance use in recovery. Some feel overwhelmed or stuck; others want to better understanding their patterns and develop practical tools for daily life. My collaborative, compassionate styles, especially suited to people who value both a space to process their experiences and concrete strategies for moving forward. You don't need to have clear goals or feel fully ready to change - we can explore what matters to you and build from there. As an LCSW with personal experience in recovery, I bring empathy, respect, and hope to that process while recognizing that your journey is uniquely your own.

One thing I wish every client knew is that you don't have to be at your lowest point - oh no exactly what to say - to deserve support. Healing isn't always a straight path, and difficult day doesn't erase your progress. You can come as you are; we'll work together at a pace that respects your needs, your story, and what matters to you.

 In our first session, my priority is to help you feel comfortable, her, and respect it. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping to change, and any experiences or concerns you feel ready to share. You don't need to have your story organized or disclose everything at once - this is a space to begin getting to know each other. In the early stages, we're focusing on building, trust, exploring your strengths, and identifying goals that feel meaningful to you. I'll explain my approach, answer your questions, and offer education about the concerns you're experiencing. We may also begin exploring practical coping strategies, you can use between sessions. Throughout the process, will work collaboratively, checking in about what feels helpful in adjusting our pace to your needs.

My years in long-term recovery, beginning with my sobriety date of September 28, 2012, and my experience growing up in a family shaped by divorce inform the compassion, understanding, and respect I bring to my practice. My motto, "one day at a time", and my commitment to living life on life terms guide how I support clients and navigating hardship, accepting what they cannot control, moving toward meaningful change.

I Taylor therapy by getting to know you as a whole person - your experiences, strength, values, challenges, and hopes - not just your diagnosis. Together, we identify meaningful goals and develop a personalized approach, drawing from EMDR, DBT, cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused interventions based on your needs and preferences. Whether you need space to process difficult experiences, practical tools for everyday challenges, or combination of both, I adapt our pace and regularly check in to ensure our work feels supportive, relevant, and align with what matters to you.