Dr. Michael Woulas, LMFT

Dr. Michael Woulas, Ph.D., is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with a forty-one year career focused on behavioral medicine and the treatment of mood and addictive disorders. He combines psychological training with osteopathic medical education to inform a practical, clinically oriented approach to conditions such as anxiety, most forms of depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, chronic pain syndrome, and addictions. Over decades of practice he has worked with adults and children, diagnosing and treating a broad range of mood-related and behavioral concerns.

Early in his career he consulted with law enforcement, helping to establish the first psychological screening program for recruit selection in Central Massachusetts, and later created the first training program in Florida for jail suicide prevention after relocating. He has also provided consultation to real estate firms on personnel recruitment and presented public seminars and discussion groups on domestic and social violence, as well as trainings in marital and family relations.

In private practice in Southwest Florida since 1985, he lives locally with his wife and is the father of three sons. He is the author of The Ticking Time Bomb: Anger, Rage, and Emotional Volatility of Bipolar Disorder, Type II, a practical guide aimed at raising awareness about causes of violence in families and society, available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon. He also coauthored Focus on You; Your Needs Matter Too with April O'Leary of O'Leary Publishing in Naples, FL.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Options with Dr. Michael Woulas

Dr. Woulas integrates behavioral medicine principles into practice, focusing on how thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms interact. This approach supports work with chronic pain, mood disorders, and stress-related conditions by identifying patterns and teaching practical strategies to reduce symptom impact.

He also often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, a short-term, evidence-based method that helps clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related difficulties, and anger management. In his family-oriented work he applies systems and family therapy techniques to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships among partners and family members.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and then tailors methods and pacing so the therapeutic plan fits the client’s needs.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter exchanges can happen via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy schedules, and access licensed professionals from different locations.