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Michael Gardner, LMHC

Michael Gardner, LMHC

Psychotherapist, New York


Specializing in Holistic Psychotherapy, Anxiety, and Trauma in Adults, Adolescents, Children, and Couples


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As an African American psychotherapist, I understand the importance of cultural identity and its impact on mental health. I am deeply committed to supporting my clients on their journeys toward healing and personal empowerment. My primary goal is to help individuals foster self-discovery and resilience, creating lasting emotional well-being. By cultivating a trusting, understanding environment, I guide clients in navigating their paths to recovery and self-improvement, ensuring they feel empowered to take control of their own lives.


Areas of Focus

I primarily work with adults, but also provide therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and couples, helping them manage personal challenges and navigate mental health concerns. My primary areas of focus include:

  • Anxiety: Helping clients manage and alleviate anxiety through evidence-based techniques.
  • Trauma: Guiding clients through the healing process from traumatic experiences to foster resilience.
  • Holistic Psychotherapy: Addressing mental, emotional, and physical well-being to create a balanced, comprehensive approach to healing.

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach is client-centered and multidimensional, tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques to ensure comprehensive care:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring unconscious processes and their influence on current behavior and emotional well-being.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to dysfunctional behaviors.
  • Reality Therapy: Encouraging clients to focus on their present circumstances and take control of their lives.
  • Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizing personal growth, self-awareness, and self-actualization.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combining cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques to prevent the relapse of depression and anxiety.
  • Motivational Interviewing: Helping clients find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their goals.
  • Narrative Therapy: Assisting clients in reshaping their personal stories to create more empowering life narratives.
  • Multicultural Counseling: Providing culturally sensitive therapy that respects each client’s diverse background and identity.
  • Positive Psychology: Focusing on strengths and virtues that promote resilience and personal flourishing.
  • Gender Affirming Care: Providing affirming, supportive therapy for transgender and gender-diverse individuals to explore identity, navigate transitions, and build confidence.

Specializations

I specialize in:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Utilizing CBT, mindfulness, and other interventions to help clients manage generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety.
  • Trauma Recovery: Providing trauma-informed care that supports clients in processing and recovering from complex trauma, PTSD, and acute stress.
  • Stress Management: Assisting individuals in managing stress related to work, relationships, or major life transitions by integrating holistic and evidence-based approaches.
  • Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation: Using mindfulness techniques to help clients stay grounded and regulate emotions in times of stress or distress.
  • Self-Esteem and Identity Issues: Supporting individuals in building self-worth and navigating personal identity challenges to foster personal growth.

Education

  • Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mental Health CounselingAlfred University
  • MSEd in Counselor Education (School Counseling)Lehman College, City University of New York

Personal Interests

Outside of my professional work, I value the benefits of therapy, having been a regular attendee myself. I enjoy incorporating interactive games like Jenga, card decks, or cup pong into my daily routine, bringing a sense of fun and engagement into my life. In my free time, I’m passionate about reading, focused on self-growth, and am eager to learn how to play a musical instrument.


🏥 Accepted Insurance Plan

This therapist is licensed in New York and in-network with: 

Aetna, Cigna Evernorth, MagnaCare, Anthem (Empire BCBS), and Optum (UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Oxford, UBH, Oscar – NY).