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 specializes in assisting adults who face a range of mental health challenges. His extensive experience includes working with:

• 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 recovery and stabilization.
• Workplace Stress: Helping professionals manage and mitigate stress related to their careers and work environments.

Therapeutic Approach

Michael’s therapeutic techniques are diverse and tailored to fit the unique needs of each client. His approach includes:

• 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.

Specializations

Michael specializes in:

• Career Counseling: Guiding individuals in career choices and transitions.
• Mental Health First Aid: Equipping clients with the tools to manage initial stages of mental health issues.
• LGBTQIA+ Advocacy: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through specialized counseling and advocacy.

Professional Disclosure Statement

Education: Master of Science in Education, School Counseling, Lehman College

Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling, Alfred University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

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.