Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT (he, him)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

7 Endorsed

6302 Odana Road, Suite 101, Madison, WI 53719

(608) 407-7490

Let's Connect (608) 407-7490

I understand firsthand how the hurdles we've faced in life shape who we are. As a cancer survivor and adoptive parent, I have a passion for guiding others through challenging personal terrain. I help couples reduce conflict and rebuild trust, and support teens and families coping with stress, identity, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, systemic, and identity-affirming. I specialize in couples therapy, teen counseling, family therapy, and adoption or medical-related support.

I help couples grow closer with the Gottman Method, strengthening friendship, communication, and conflict skills. With teens, I foster confidence and resilience in a safe space, often with family support. My focus includes adoption, divorce, school, and identity.

I offer a welcoming, nonjudgemental space for all my clients. I believe strongly in using the here-and-now to build relationships and offer myself authentically to each client. Call, email, or text me today to set up a free consultation to see how I can help.

Call or Email Surefoot Psychotherapy now for a free 15 minute consultation - (608) 407-7490

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

6302 Odana Road

Suite 101

Madison, WI 53719 map

(608) 407-7490

If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, I offer free consultations so we can talk about your needs.

I specialize in Depression, Anxiety and Marital and Premarital

$120 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Call, text, or email today to set up a free consultation.

Let's Connect (608) 407-7490

Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

6302 Odana Road

Suite 101

Madison, WI 53719 map

(608) 407-7490

If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, I offer free consultations so we can talk about your needs.

I specialize in Depression, Anxiety and Marital and Premarital

$120 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Call, text, or email today to set up a free consultation.

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $120
Couple Sessions $150
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Check, Mastercard, Venmo, Visa

I offer sliding scale fees through Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

I offer sliding scale fees through Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

Qualifications

Marriage & Family Therapist: Michael Lawler

Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of Wisconsin / 1160 - 228 Supervised by Michael Thalasinos (Wisconsin / 793-124) Michael Lawler

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 1 year

Attended Edgewood College, MS, Marriage and Family Therapy, Graduated 2025

Additional Credentials

Certificate from The Gottman Institute e5nyqldcvu / 2024

Level One Gottman Trained Couples therapist currently working on Level Two training. I also have experience working with children ages 5 and up, and a commitment to helping teenagers thrive.

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

Level One Gottman Trained Couples therapist currently working on Level Two training. I also have experience working with children ages 5 and up, and a commitment to helping teenagers thrive.

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Depression
Anxiety
Marital and Premarital

Expertise

ADHD
Adoption
Behavioral Issues
Cancer
Coping Skills
Divorce
Family Conflict
Infertility
Infidelity
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Racial Identity
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress

I support teens through challenges like stress, identity, and family conflict. I also work with couples to improve communication and connection. Whether you're facing depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, I offer a collaborative, supportive space to help you move forward.

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

7 Endorsements

Nolan Billstrom

Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT-IT

Mike brings a genuine curiosity for the human experience, paired with creativity and a sense of humor that invites clients to bring all parts of themselves into the room. His depth of compassion and attunement is unmatched.

Heather Fortune

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Mike is a compassionate and authentic therapist. In our co-therapy work, he brought care, insight, and genuine engagement. Clients working with Mike will feel seen, supported, and understood.

Matt Stoner Fehsenfeld

Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MFT-IT

Mike has a grounded, calming presence that is a pleasure to be around. He asks just the right questions and listens deeply to the answers. Balancing compassion, insight, humor, and kindness, Mike is able to help clients experience real growth.

Haileigh Phillips

Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT-IT

Mike is a warm, empathetic, and welcoming therapist. He brings a caring and genuine approach that help clients feel supported and comfortable. He works alongside the client to best support them and assist them with reaching their goals.

Callie Montanez-Desch

Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT-IT

Mike brings a grounded, creative energy to his work with couples. His use of the Gottman Method and systemic lens helps partners deepen connection, repair conflict, and feel truly seen. He's thoughtful, affirming, and deeply engaged in his work.

Alli Anicete

Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT-IT

I have always been struck by Mike's calm, grounded presence and his deep attunement to clients' needs. His intuitive, thoughtful approach fosters a therapeutic environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Megan Sias, Yolo Therapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, MEd

Mike is a talented and empathetic therapist. He helps individuals reflect on underlying patterns, which leads to lasting change. His therapeutic approach is both compassionate and effective, creating a safe environment to engage in meaningful conversation.

Client Focus

Age

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Age

Teen ,

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotionally Focused
Family / Marital
Family Systems
Gottman Method
Integrative
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Interpersonal
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative
Strength-Based

I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I am currently working to complete Level 2 Training in Gottman Method as well. I frequently use Narrative Therapy and rely on the concepts of CBT and Internal Family Systems in my work with individuals.

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490

Surefoot Psychotherapy

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT-IT

Call or Email us for a free 15 minute consultation now - (608) 407-7490