My Approach to Helping
I'm Micheal Franklin, and my therapy journey began in a blue-collar family where my relatives worked in textile mills, battery plants, and furniture factories. Growing up, I aspired to carve a different path, aiming to be the first in my family to earn a college degree. I graduated from Western Piedmont Community College in Drug and Alcohol Technology and earned an Associate of Arts in 1996. I then continued my education at Gardner-Webb University, obtaining my Bachelor's in Science in Human Services.
Recognizing that the job market wouldn't provide enough financial stability, I joined the Marines in 1998. During my service, I got married and welcomed a baby boy, which motivated me to seek part-time work with troubled adolescents and teens facing addiction issues. After leaving the Marines in 2003, I worked in a group home for adolescents and later became a Prevention Supervisor for adolescent substance use treatment. I also served as the lead treatment therapist for a Men's Intensive Outpatient Program at the Cognitive Connection in Hickory, NC.
My passion for helping others led me to teach parenting classes and collaborate with Child Protective Services. I pursued my Master's degree in Social Work at the University of West Florida while gaining experience in Community Mental Health. I also worked in a drug court program for two years. Since becoming licensed in 2014, I have dedicated my career to supporting clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, personality issues, and life transitions.