Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW

Michael Garrison is a Michigan-based school social worker and licensed clinician who combines experience in school settings with extensive work in community mental health. He has spent several years supporting children in schools and close to a decade working in community mental health agencies with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, including children, adults, and couples.

He has worked directly with children and parents using PMTO (parent management training - Oregon model), helping caregivers adopt positive role modeling and practices that emphasize respect and safety. His clinical experience includes treating trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and mood disorders, with a focus on practical strategies that support daily functioning and relationships.

Michael holds professional social work credentials as an LMSW and an LCSW, and he is a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. He also has training in DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. His approach emphasizes support and validation, and he views the therapeutic relationship as a central factor in growth and change. He invites clients to explore insight through reflection, discussion, and practice, meeting them where they are and concentrating on achievable goals that promote a sense of wellness and a more fulfilling life.

He looks forward to the opportunity to meet and work alongside people seeking change and improved mental health.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Michael integrates several evidence-informed approaches to meet different needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns by teaching practical skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It is helpful for people who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship challenges and provides concrete tools for managing crises and improving communication.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. As a certified EMDR therapist, Michael can offer this option for people working through traumatic experiences.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and he tailors treatment over time so the approach fits the client rather than the other way around.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by enabling sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from the client’s location, all while preserving the therapeutic connection and progress.