Michele Gustafson, Clinical Social Worker in Grand Blanc, 48439

Michele J Gustafson, LMSW, DCSW

Profession(s):
Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMSW - 6801018984

My Approach to Helping

When people come to therapy they have usually been struggling for awhile and have been trying to feel better and do better. A skilled therapist can change this struggle into a coherent process that results in significant changes in thoughts, feelings and behavior.

More Info About My Practice

My primary practice is in a clinic affiliated with a large medical center, which is fully accredited and takes nearly all insurances. This practice operates on a medical model and has 4 full-time psychiatrists on staff. I've been in this group practice for over 20 years and am proud to be affiliated with it. We are considered by most to be the premier mental health facility in our area.
I also practice independently at a small office where I do more innovative treatment approaches that don't fit neatly into the medical format. More information about therapy in general, my practice approaches and how to contact me is available on my website.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy(tm) and Clinical Hypnosis with Rapid Trauma Resolution(tm) developed by Jon Connelly PhD. These treatment techniques are the most effective I have used in nearly 30 years of practice. I consistently achieve life-changing results in alleviating panic, anxiety, guilt, anger, frozen grief and all kinds of trauma. I continue to train in these techniques on a daily basis and as a certified practitioner, I am committed to providing services to those who cannot afford treatment, especially victims of sexual violence/trauma and military veterans.

My Guiding Ethical Principles

My guiding ethical principles start from the view that therapy is about the client and for the client. The therapeutic alliance/relationship is the vehicle for achieving the intended outcome, but the relationship is not a mutual one. The therapist takes primary responsibility for the work that is done and the results of that work. I don't see the client as taking responsibility for the outcome of therapy any more than I see the patient taking responsibility for the outcome of dentistry or surgery. It's up to the therapist to clearly understand the problem(s), get agreement on an intended outcome and employ their skills and techniques to achieve that outcome, all the while demonstrating respect for the client. Yes, sometimes the client's primary objective in coming to therapy is to be heard and understood, or to have an expanded perspective on their issue and that is certainly worthwhile. However, I do not think it is ethical for a therapist to merely provide those things when the client is seeking more, for example the alleviation of a symptom or a troubling emotion. If listening, validating and interpreting is what the client is seeking, fine, but when they are asking for relief, I firmly believe I had better know how to do what the client needs done, or refer them to someone who does.