Michael Carroll, Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical

I would say a common trait in folks I work with is the desire to know oneself in a deep and meaningful way. I tend to work with people in pain or struggling with something emotionally. Sometimes, this is an actual mood disorder, like depression or anxiety. Other times, potential patients are coming to me with relationship difficulties, difficult life transitions, or just problems with feelings in some way. In my experience, every person's treatment is completely unique. We all come to treatment with different pasts, family histories, and presentations. This is part of therapy that I really appreciate as a professional. Everyone is different. Our feelings can be intense sometimes. Many times our inclination is get rid of bad feelings. I think therapy can help one transform their feelings and relationships. I work with many people from all sorts of backgrounds and presentations. In treatment, you and I will try to understand your mind. I will ask you to start talking wherever feels comfortable, and I will make observations, ask questions, or just listen. The idea is for us to help you put words to your feelings. I want to hear anything and everything that is on your mind. Talking about hard things gives them less weight. You do not have to carry around emotional pain. It can be transformed. Our work together will be collaborative. I will encourage you to talk about what comes to mind while we are in session. In this way, we are trying to understand what is happening for you on a more in-depth level and seeing what your mind associates. The point is to resolve conflicts that are less conscious, so they do not have to keep one in a painful or agitated state. I will sometimes encourage more frequent sessions when I believe they would be useful. I think of it similarly to learning an instrument: the more practice, the better. I have a number of years of experience. Please feel free to send a message or call. You will be directly connected to me. We will work on it together.

I am in training to become a psychoanalyst. I feel very passionate about this work and am always actively learning and growing. Our feelings are signals and are there to help us. Emotions are one of the core aspects of consciousness. However, when they are painful, it can feel intense. Psychoanalysis tries to help one understand and cope with feelings by helping put words to feelings. We will talk about less conscious feelings, thoughts, wishes, etc.... I also view the therapeutic relationship as important. We will use the relationship to guide our work.