Therapists in Royal Oak, MI

Are you feeling stuck in a situation, a relationship or pondering a career change? Are you seeking healthy and meaningful connections however, are uncertain where to begin? As we experience life, we develop strategies to help us get through these difficult times, which are either constructive or destructive and may lead us further away from the best version of ourselves. To fully immerse ourselves in our true potential, we need to feel safe, supported and empowered.

I am a Master's level clinical social worker who specializes in helping teens and young adults feel in control of their symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression. I have experience working with families through stressful life transitions and conflict for the past 10 years. I value mindfulness techniques and specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Family Systems Approach.

The single most important factor in successful psychotherapy is the relationship between patient and therapist; effective therapy starts from the moment of contact. If you feel unsure, please call and talk with me about setting up your first appointment.

I provide individual sessions for children, adolescents and adults; specializing in depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, mood disorders, ADHD, life transitions, self-esteem, and behavior modification. My background in education as a school social worker, combined with my clinical social work experience, enables me to provide guidance for both home, school, and life difficulties. I have experience working with children who have difficulty with regulating their emotions and executive functioning. Working together, we can take the next step in your journey; I am just a phone call away.

No matter how hard you try to move forward, you feel like your taking one step back. You’re a high performer with perfectionism tendencies and always put on a smile, which helps you forget your pain. You feel you will never be fully happy and never be able to fully enjoy life how others do, because of your many losses, attributing to your decreased self esteem. You may keep friends and family at a distance, to protect yourself from yet another inevitable loss. You may have stopped exercising and taking care of yourself the way you used to, since it takes too much work and you're just surviving at the end of another long day.

My professional orientation is informed by varied experiences I've had. I received my BA in psychology from Michigan State University in 2006, and also studied overseas, spending a semester traveling with the Semester At Sea program. I furthered my education at both The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and The Michigan School of Professional Psychology, receiving my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from The Michigan School in 2009. I've worked in private settings, community mental health, and local correctional facilities for both adults and adolescents.

Have you ever thought that some of your behaviors are addictive in nature? Do you ever feel out-of-control with substances, food, sex, shopping and money? Have you ever felt that you put the needs of others above your own in order to feel good about yourself and fulfilled? Learn effective ways to feel complete with yourself without having to do any destructive behaviors or lower your self-esteem. One can be kind and gentle with themselves and still be giving to others in a healthy way. I have been working successfully with individuals, couples and families on these issues for 25+ years.

Michael A. Conat is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor affiliated with Smith Counseling Centres. He is passionate about helping people overcome their life challenges and work toward becoming the best-version-of-themselves. Michael works with clients dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and loss. He brings a wealth of knowledge learned from a plethora of practical life experience.

Are you experiencing challenges with feeling stuck and uncertain of your future? Do you often feel overwhelmed in achieving your desired goals? Are you finding yourself possibly taking the path of most resistance? Do you feel like you have been struggling through your journey alone? You are a high performer with perfectionism tendencies however, it feels like the more you try, the more difficult it is to achieve acceptance, healing and forgiveness. Feeling overwhelmed can often create a sense of helplessness and a sense of being out of control.

I am state-licensed therapist serving Pleasant Ridge and the Metro Detroit area. I offer psychotherapy and counseling services, helping people overcome life's challenges. My specialties include the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD and mood disorders. I build a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs, and then take you through the process at your own pace. Opening up your soul to a stranger requires a great deal of trust. I provide a comfortable and private setting for you to share your feelings.

You have lost your way, due to life’s ever-changing circumstances. If you allow yourself to truly stop and sit with your thoughts, you’re uncertain what may occur. Maybe you have spent so much time taking care of others that you have forgotten how to take care of yourself. You yearn to begin to build healthier, stronger relationships while participating in activities that make your life enjoyable and meaningful again. Imagine relief from the pain, frustration and uncertainty that have consumed your thoughts.

Most people will experience emotional and psychological distress at some point in their lives. And, most people will go through it without seeking help, thereby prolonging their suffering unnecessarily. Some people choose to do this because they are unsure about what therapy can provide. Therapy helps by trying to make sense out of our experiences, by trying to figure out why we feel and do the things that we feel and do. By making sense of our experiences, it helps us to understand ourselves, to change and to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

I help preteens, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, preteen and teen behavioral issues, and more. I take my time to get to know my clients, see clients as experts, and I view the therapeutic relationship as a team effort.

Are you feeling sad, depressed or lonely? Do you long for greater happiness & intimacy in your relationships? As a creative & skilled psychotherapist, I bring over 25 years of experience working with individuals & couples, teaching them how to transform conflicts into closeness; to overcome infidelity and trust issues; to learn effective problem-solving skills; and to develop a deeper, more respectful & loving relationship with themselves and others.

Life in general can be very challenging. Struggles with relationships, life stressors, fear, and self-judgment of not being ‘good enough’ can be difficult to navigate and sometimes we feel as if we can barely keep our heads above water. I know this personally as I’ve felt I was drowning at times myself. But there is a way out. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings to better understand and find solutions to life’s challenges. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel safe, supported, and seen. Thus, opening the door for you to deeper self-exploration and growth.

My work is based on respect for the client and the strength of our relationship. I work with adults and adolescents who have a variety of personal concerns. These include anxiety,depression, women's issues, work problems, anger, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transition, aging concerns, grief and loss, and stress. I believe that empathy and the ability to listen well are two of the most important qualities that a therapist can have in order to help a client make changes.