Michael Picucci

Professional Life
Michael Picucci holds a doctorate in psychology of addictions psychotherapy. He is a Master Addiction Counselor and a private practice psychologist who specializes in treating the emotional effects of gay lifestyles, HIV, Aids, and addiction. As a gay man and long-term survivor of trauma, lymphoma, and HIV, Picucci has been able to use his personal experiences to create groundbreaking therapeutic techniques, including Authentic Process Therapy and Focalizing.

Picucci leads an annual retreat for gay and bi-sexual men and has been recognized by several organizations for his accomplishments. He was the recipient of the “Outstanding Leadership in Research” award, presented by The National Institutes on Health, the National Association of Alcoholism and Addiction Counselors and The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Picucci is an accomplished author as well, and continues to practice in New York.

Contribution to Psychology
Focalizing is a therapeutic technique that allows a person to use the wisdom of their unconscious to overcome psychological obstacles. Many people who have suffered traumatic experiences, like loss, abandonment, or abuse, create emotional blocks that prevent them from adequately adjusting to ever changing life situations. By being able to set aside conscious thoughts that can impair forward progress, a client can focus on unconscious patterns and habits resulting from traumatic experiences and their accompanying emotions, and make positive changes to these in order to achieve their goals. When circumstances become overwhelming, focalizing can be a powerful tool to help an individual cope during that stressful time. Focalizing allows a client to concentrate on their inner wisdom and set aside their consuming conscious thoughts. By tapping into the knowledge within, a client is able to tap into their resources in order to develop the skills necessary to manage the conditions and any other challenges that present themselves.

Focalizing is usually conducted in group settings which provide the opportunity for the release of a stronger energy force. Picucci believes that the emotional and psychological changes that occur during focalizing rely on inner energy, and collective energy is more powerful than individual energy. The release of the energy allows for the eradication of emotional blocks and permits the body to engage the healthier, unconscious resources within.