Michael Sweeney, Licensed Mental Health Counselor was taught from an early age not to judge others by outward appearances. 

By learning how to observe and respond to people and situations, rather than make assumptions about them, Michael discovered the healing power of human relationships to transform suffering and promote mindfulness and compassion. 

Decades later, Michael worked closely with children and adolescents as a guidance counselor in the public school setting. He went on to earn his Masters of Arts in Counseling and has since worked with children, adolescents, parents, veterans, and adults of all backgrounds and identities struggling with a variety of mental health and life challenges. 

Michael is deeply committed to forming supportive and genuine connections with clients. 

“Every time I meet a client, it’s like riding a new wave,” says Michael. “I don’t know exactly where the process is going, or when change will take place, but I’m dedicated to guiding the client towards the path that will encourage transformation and growth.”

We sat down with Michael to learn more about his approach to working with clients online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Natick office.

How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I have a lot of theatre in my background which has taught me the importance of staying present, listening to the clients body language, and responding from a place of calm awareness and curiosity. 

I’m trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and attachment based family therapy.

I’ll utilize psychodynamic therapy to guide clients towards a better understanding of themselves and what is going on under the surface. We’ll focus on the full range of what a client is experiencing, unconscious conflicts, and conscious thoughts. We’ll also explore recurring patterns of thought and behavior that may be unintentionally delaying a client’s growth and development. I’ll safely guide clients to explore their early life experiences and how past experiences may shape their present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

I like to pull from psychoeducation to help clients learn about and understand mental health conditions and symptoms they may experience. It’s important for clients to know how their brain and body reacts to certain stressors, and how they can better take care of themselves. 

Much of my skills are grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, an evidence-based approach which helps clients gain greater awareness of, as a result become more intentional with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. Clients will learn how to identify and replace maladaptive thoughts and behaviors to improve their state of wellbeing on a daily basis. 

I also like to utilize mindfulness techniques to help clients recognize not only what they’re feeling, but how they can better respond to challenging emotions and situations.

How do you connect with clients?

As a teacher and school guidance counselor, I learned that kids respond well to validation. It’s no different when working with adults, and it’s a fundamental aspect of connecting with people that fosters a sense of trust and safety. 

I always strive to validate the clients feelings, hold compassion for their struggles, and recognize their progress and improvement.  

Humor and comedy can be brilliant techniques when used appropriately. Laughter can take the weight off a person’s shoulders and allow them to look at situations from a different perspective. 

It’s also important for people to know that mental health conditions and symptoms they may be experiencing do not define them.

What mental health challenges and life situations do you offer treatment for?

I’m here to support adults and couples experiencing the following mental health conditions and life challenges: 

• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Gender Identity
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias 
• Trauma
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-Harm
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)
• Divorce/Custody Disputes
• LGBTQIA+ issues 
• Adjustment Disorder
• Attachment Disorder
• Parenting Issues
• Learning Disorder

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

I love the moments when a client steps back, pauses, and recognizes the growth they’ve made. 

One song that comes to mind is Change by Blind Melon. He sings the following, 

“When life is hard, you have to change.” 

Life can be difficult, painful, and uncomfortable. Simultaneously, we all have the ability to change, and though change cannot happen overnight, we can take steps towards moving in a new direction.

Start working with Michael Sweeney, LMHC today:

If you’re looking for an empathetic counselor who will guide you towards the unique and individual path forward, Michael Sweeney, LMHC is here for you.

Michael works with adult clients and couples online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Natick office. 

To start working with Michael today, contact us at (413) 343-4357.

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