Dr. Michael Vigil, LPC

Dr. Michael Vigil is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who combines advanced academic training with practical, clinical experience. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical-community psychology and a Master of Science in clinical psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, along with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Guam. He is an American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow, a professional recognition from the APA, and holds the LPC credential which authorizes him to practice professional counseling.

With 11 years of experience, Dr. Vigil has worked across a variety of behavioral health settings, including Veterans Affairs, substance use treatment programs, college counseling centers, community mental health outpatient services, and psychiatric emergency stabilization. He provides care for adolescents, adults across the lifespan, and couples, addressing concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, depression, family issues, grief, intimacy-related problems, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

Dr. Vigil emphasizes cultural context and has experience working with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, integrating that understanding into treatment planning. He practices from an assimilative orientation grounded in person-centered and behavioral theories and follows a strength-based framework that builds on clients' internal resources. He is formally trained in a range of evidence-based therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (CBT-SUD), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT).

Evidence-based approaches and online therapy options

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and take committed action toward those values while learning skills to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions where avoidance limits engagement in meaningful activities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is frequently used for mood disorders, anxiety, addictions, and relationship-related concerns because it teaches practical coping skills and problem-solving strategies.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, giving clients space to explore their experiences and find their own solutions. This approach supports self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, and personal growth by building on the client's strengths.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Michael Vigil works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods or combination of methods fit best with their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and adjusts the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit care into a busy life or reach clients who live far from offices. These options help maintain continuity of care and provide accessible ways to engage with licensed professionals and therapists from different locations.