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public speaking
I am available for public speaking engagements, offering insights on gay men's issues, LGBTQ+ identity, addiction, chem-sex, trauma treatment, and ketamine therapy. With years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a dynamic and knowledgeable approach to each event, whether as a keynote speaker, panelist, or workshop leader.
Get To Know Michael
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #120508
Michael is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a Bachelor’s Degree in media and communication from New York University. He runs a private practice in West Hollywood, CA where he treats both individuals and couples.
Michael began his clinical work studying psychoanalysis at Valley Community Counseling Clinic. He then gained clinical experience at several addiction and mental health and facilities throughout the Los Angeles area, such as The Camden Center and Center for Healthy Sex.
In his practice, Michael focuses on healing trauma, helping gay men and treating substance use disorders. He is certified in several specialized modalities including: trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-focused EMDR and ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Michael was born and raised in the heart of New York City: Hell’s Kitchen. He now lives in West Hollywood with his husband and their two dogs. Outside of work, Michael is heavily involved in the local LGBTQ+ recovery community and is an avid plant collector.
He is a board member of the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles, a frequent contributor to the Weho Times, and an adjust professor at Antioch University. Partnering with Aids Health Foundation, he recently founded the Gay Men’s Sexual Trauma Treatment Network. You can also see him in the upcoming documentary “Speaking Out.”
In The Press
OUT Magazine - September 2023 Issue
WeHo Times - 'Trauma Therapy in the LGBTQ+ Community'
WeHo Times - 'Gay Men & Validation Dysphoria'
'Gay Men Over 40' Podcast - Gay Men & The Party Scene
'Gay Men Going Deeper Podast' - Sexual Trauma
'Gay Men Going Depper Podcast' - Therapy vs. Coaching
'Gay Men Going Deeper Podcast' - Falling for the Fantasy
Weho Times - How can I be gay AND Sober?
Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Podcast
Dr. Tyler Hendrix Podcast - The Mean Gays
Handsome Magazine - Gay Men & Grief
Element Q Podcast - LGBTQ Affirming Therapy
Clinical Training & Expertise
Clinical Training:
The Camden Center - Addiction & LGBTQ treatment
Center for Healthy Sex - Sex addiction & sexual health
Impulse United - Gay Men's Mental Health program
La Fuente Treatment Center - LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment
Evolve- Dual Diagnosis Adolescent Treatment
Valley Community Counseling Clinic - Psychoanalytic Training
Certifications:
Attachment-Focused EMDR
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are therapists objective?
Therapists are not objective. Let me say that again: therapists are not objective. We’re deeply influenced by our personal perspectives and the therapeutic modalities we choose to practice. Therapy isn’t like medicine — it’s not a standardized chemical formula. Each therapist brings their individuality to the work. For example, my approach synthesizes the best elements from several modalities I trust, while excluding others I don’t find effective. Just as no two people are the same, no two therapists are either. The truth is, none of us — not even therapists — ever see things exactly as they are.
What is “Good” Mental Health?
Freud described healthy psychology as the ability to love and work — to be a productive, self-sufficient individual who can form meaningful relationships. I believe this idea remains just as relevant today.
Is it weird to want therapy even if my life looks “fine” on the outside?
Not weird at all. Many people appear high-functioning but are quietly struggling underneath. Just because things look okay doesn’t mean they feel okay. Therapy can offer a space where you can finally stop performing and start being your authentic self.
What are your topics of interest?
I’m deeply passionate about gay male psychology. It’s exciting to see more content tailored to gay men across social media, YouTube, and podcasts. I hope we can use these platforms to reach gay men who may be struggling with their mental health but either lack access to therapy or aren’t quite ready to begin.
I’ve always been the one other people lean on — can I really be the one who needs help?
Yes, and you absolutely deserve support too. Being strong for others doesn’t mean you have to carry everything alone. Therapy can be the one place where you get held, instead of doing all the holding.