Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW
Michigan social worker specializing in trauma recovery
- Trauma-informed care
- EMDR certified
- Family-focused support
About Michael Garrison
Michael Garrison, LMSW, LCSW, is a Michigan-based school social worker who has spent several years supporting students in school settings and close to a decade working in community mental health agencies. LMSW stands for Licensed Master Social Worker and LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker; these credentials reflect master's-level social work training and clinical licensure to provide psychotherapy. Over the course of his work he has supported children, adults, and couples, including people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI).
He brings experience with trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and mood disorders, and has worked directly with families using PMTO (parent management training - Oregon model) to encourage parents to be positive role models and to foster respect and safety at home. Michael has training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and he is a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist.
Michael emphasizes a supportive, validating therapy style and views the therapeutic relationship as a key factor in change and growth. He encourages clients to develop insight through reflection, discussion, and practice, meeting people where they are and focusing on concrete goals and objectives that promote a greater sense of wellness and a more fulfilling life. He looks forward to the opportunity to meet and work alongside clients.
He brings experience with trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and mood disorders, and has worked directly with families using PMTO (parent management training - Oregon model) to encourage parents to be positive role models and to foster respect and safety at home. Michael has training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and he is a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist.
Michael emphasizes a supportive, validating therapy style and views the therapeutic relationship as a key factor in change and growth. He encourages clients to develop insight through reflection, discussion, and practice, meeting people where they are and focusing on concrete goals and objectives that promote a greater sense of wellness and a more fulfilling life. He looks forward to the opportunity to meet and work alongside clients.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Body imageCo-morbidityCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessImpulsivityJealousyMen's issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexual dysfunction
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Michael Garrison have?
Michael Garrison has 10 years of professional experience in social work and mental health settings.
Is Michael Garrison a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credentials LMSW and LCSW. License details are MI LMSW 6801097735 and OR LCSW L15000.
In which languages does Michael Garrison provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Michael Garrison located?
Michael Garrison is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Michael Garrison as my therapist?
You can work with Michael Garrison through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Michael Garrison work with international clients?
Michael Garrison does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Michael Garrison cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Clinical Approaches and Online Care with Michael Garrison
Michael uses several evidence-informed approaches to help people manage symptoms and reach their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical skills to change behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life transitions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be particularly helpful for managing intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship struggles. As a certified EMDR therapist, Michael also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support processing of traumatic memories and reduce the emotional impact of past events.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michael works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He combines clinical frameworks with validation and practical skill-building so clients can make meaningful changes at their own pace.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain regular contact with licensed professionals and continue work on goals without the need to travel, supporting continuity of care and access to therapy from home or other convenient locations.