Mental Health Counselor-Limited Permit

Commitment

Michael Gardner is deeply committed to supporting his clients’ journeys toward healing and personal empowerment. His primary goal is to facilitate self-discovery and resilience-building, enabling clients to achieve personal growth and lasting well-being. By cultivating a trusting and understanding environment, he helps individuals navigate their paths to recovery and self-improvement.

Areas of Focus

Michael provides therapeutic support primarily to adults, helping them navigate personal challenges and mental health issues.

Therapeutic Approach

Michael utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each client:

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring unconscious processes and their influence on current behavior.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing negative patterns of thought that lead to dysfunctional behaviors.
• Functional Family Therapy: Working with families to resolve systemic issues and improve communication.
• Reality Therapy: Focusing on present circumstances and encouraging clients to take control of their lives.
• Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combining cognitive therapy with mindfulness strategies to prevent the relapse of depression and other mental health issues.
• Motivational Interviewing: Encouraging clients to find the motivation to make positive decisions and accomplish their goals.
• Narrative Therapy: Helping clients reshape their narratives to create empowering stories about their lives.
• Multicultural Counseling: Providing culturally sensitive therapy that respects and incorporates clients' diverse backgrounds.
• Positive Psychology: Focusing on strengths and virtues that enable individuals to thrive.

Specializations

Michael specializes in:

• Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Providing support for adults grappling with the dual challenges of chronic physical illnesses and mental health conditions.
• Crisis Management: Offering strategies and support for adults in crisis situations, focusing on immediate recovery and long-term stabilization.
• Workplace Stress: Helping professionals manage and mitigate stress related to their careers and work environments.
• Career Counseling: Guiding individuals in career choices and transitions, helping them navigate the challenges and decisions related to their professional lives.
• LGBTQIA+ Advocacy: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through specialized counseling and advocacy, addressing unique challenges and promoting mental well-being.

Education

• Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University
• MAEd in Counselor Education (School Counseling) from Lehman College of the City University of New York, New York, NY

Professional Disclosure Statement

Qualifications: Michael Gardner is in the process of accumulating clinical hours towards his license in Mental Health Counseling. He serves as a Mental Health Counselor with a Limited Permit, operating under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Supervision: Michael Gardner’s practice is conducted under the guidance of Sherene Henry, LMHC, LPC, NCC (License #012789), and Theresa Timmons (License #083231). This supervisory relationship supports his professional development and enhances his ability to provide effective mental health care. Similar to the treating clinician, supervisors maintain the same level of client confidentiality, ensuring ethical and private treatment of all cases.