Michael Mays (He, Him, His)

I have worked with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, specifically focusing on Black and Latinx communities. I understand the deep, systemic issues that affect these communities while taking into account individual experience and expression of cultural identities.

I have significant experience working in the field of substance use treatment and approach my work from the perspective of a clinician and individual who has been impacted by the pervasiveness of substance use issues within my family of origin and community.

My approach to counseling is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and constantly working toward understanding the complexities of the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. I have personal experience doing the difficult work of healing and recovering from PTSD while living with the reality of its impact across multiple areas of functioning in my life.

I utilize a trauma-informed approach highlighting the need to approach healing from a multidimensional (mind, body, spirit) standpoint.

I have received specific training in Existential Counseling and emphasize existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.

I have significant experience working in the field of substance use treatment and utilize Existential Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based techniques and Harm-Reduction strategies to assist people in the process of recovering from substance use disorders.