Play Therapy in Syracuse, NY

I work hard and collaboratively with my clients who are seeking counseling as well as life coaching. My desire is to help clients work through their issues (such as trauma, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, sexuality, addiction, parenting, spirituality, etc.) so they are able to development of a more integrated sense of self, experience increased individual meaning and purpose and have respectful and enduring relationships with others. In my work I like to come alongside people so they can put their past behind them, experience restoration and live life to the fullest potential.

Do you find that the traditional model of therapy isn't for you? Whether this is a result from a medical condition, transportation limitations, childcare needs - no matter what the reason - Cornerstone provides a unique option for individuals throughout NYS that have barriers to their emotional needs being met in an office. Our unique mobile counseling model links you with a local counselor that comes right to your home, or through telehealth. We pride ourselves on never having a wait list connecting clients with licensed counselors quickly. We aim to have appointments on the calendar within 48 hours after you call or text.

Hello, my name is Michael Morgan, LCSW. Originally from New York City, I got my first experience with therapy as a crisis phone counselor at an LGBTQ organization. From there, I ventured into social work, focusing on teenagers living with mental illness. I have been a social worker for over 16 years and now focus my trauma work supporting adolescents and emerging adults. I believe that a consistent caring adult can help heal wounds through an ongoing therapeutic relationship. I value creating therapeutic space and practice the art of active listening so that the client can vent and, together, we can process.

Welcome! I subscribe to the power of the mind-body connection and holistic practices to achieve healing. Have you ever felt stress in your shoulders or anxiety in your hands? That’s the mind-body connection! I encourage you to tap into your body and offer somatic and behavioral tools to complement our talk therapy work. Therapy is collaborative. Together, we’ll create a welcoming space for partnership and growth. You’ll guide your own care, and I’ll provide support as you work toward your goals. I practice from a person-centered, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive mindset that honors your dynamic personal history.

Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.

Need a space to care for yourself and tend to your own needs? I welcome you. Healing through therapy, although sometimes stigmatized, is an experience that most of us need in the current world. Our lives have been disrupted by unexpected and devastating events, which intensifies our stress, anxiety and loneliness. There is no better time to connect. Partnering with me, you can create a space where you feel comfortable connecting with your tender parts, discovering your strength, and most importantly, being your genuine self with no apology. That’s my experience as a client of therapy, and also what I want to offer you.

Do you ever feel weighted down by feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, or interpersonal struggles? Life can be tough at times and finding a trusted person to support you is important. I strive to build a therapeutic relationship through trust, caring and respect. I utilize a holistic approach to meet you where you are at. I am trained in various modalities including: cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing and trauma focused approaches. I offer individual, group, couples, and family counseling in person therapy or via telehealth (HIPAA compliant video counseling).

If you are dealing with anxiety, poor body image, trust or intimacy issues, suicidal thoughts, mood swings, a complicated relationship with eating, and recent or past traumas, I want you to know that feeling grounded and connected is within reach. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with these exact concerns for years. Your life's problems may seem impossible or difficult to overcome, and you may feel anxious about "explaining it all" to a therapist who is also a stranger. My goal is to lay those fears to rest.

Sometimes we feel invisible to ourselves and within our social networks. We don't often get the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what we want for ourselves rather than what society or our families have taught us to prioritize. I help people feel seen and heard and to develop a sense of their presence and impact in the world and within their most important relationships.

Life is not an easy road. New worries come with every stage and it can feel helpless to face those challenges on your own. I am dedicated to helping clients with anxiety, ADHD, depression, managing new changes and stress, and improving self-esteem. If you want to make a change, are motivated, and are ready to work, I'd love to be able to help. I hope to offer my clients a safe space to explore themselves in-depth without fear of judgment and work together to bring about lasting change.

I have been working with clients for over 15 years. I feel most comfortable addressing individual struggles from a strength based perspective. Anxiety, depression and trauma related issues are addressed by utilizing a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as from a Family Systems perspective. This, I believe, allows the client to achieve the most success and a clearer understanding of their own struggles and how to overcome them.

There is hope! With a varied and vast personal and educational background my strength, first and foremost, is connecting with my clients. I am truly honored by the opportunity to walk with my clients through to the other side of their personal healing. As we collaborate on how to reach your goals, with hope and compassion you CAN experience greater peace, joy, and improved mental health! Some focus areas include Couples and Families in distress, Special Needs individuals /Families, Children/Adolescents, Couples surviving sexual betrayal, and relief from Anxiety/Depression.

It can be overwhelming trying to find "the right fit". During our first meeting I learn about what you would like to get out of counseling and how to work together to achieve your goals. I strive to build a comfortable place to establish a relationship by respecting each person's timeline for opening up and sharing details of their life. I provide a safe environment to foster healing and growth through supporting and empowering you on your personal journey. I have experience in mind and body connection, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral challenges in children and teenagers, relationship challenges, and substance abuse.

**Not accepting new clients** I am pleased that you have found my private teletherapy practice. Reaching out for support for you and/or your loved one takes tremendous courage. We can conquer this journey together now that you have one of the hardest steps behind you. I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to walk beside you on your journey to a better life! The teletherapy platform is easy, private, safe, efficient and flexible with improved and streamlined communication. Just imagine participating in therapy in your pajamas under your favorite blanket. That is what I am offering on a 100% HIPAA compliant platform.

Are you considering therapy to be better with the ones you love, to improve your life, to gain clarity, to find new energy, to heal, to make sense of a complex world, to find your power, or just stop hurting? I can help you create new possibilities, whether you are looking for skills and training or a safe space to unfold. I am committed to respectfully supporting people from diverse worldviews and will take time to understand your life and relationships from your perspective. We can start with a free 15 min. call to explore whether therapy with me is a good fit for your needs, and to answer your questions.