Micah Caldwell LCPC, LPCC

My personality has a significant impact on my approach to therapy. I have often been described as a calm and easy-going person by others. I believe that my innate calmness allows me to build strong connections with my clients, creating a safe and comfortable space for them to share their thoughts and emotions openly. My hope is that my calming presence helps clients feel at ease during our sessions, allowing them to feel more in control of their own issues and experiences. I think it is incredibly important to fostering an environment of trust and understanding, where clients can explore their challenges without fear of judgment or criticism. On top of that, my ability to remain composed and not get overwhelmed, even when faced with the most serious mental health issues and crises, enables me to provide steady and consistent support to my clients. With a clear mind and a focused perspective, I uncover the best possible solutions to their struggles so they can feel more in control and move towards a more fulfilling life.

My journey to becoming a therapist was driven by a combination of factors. My parents instilled in me the idea that it was a basic human responsibility to help others who are struggling or who are neglected in our community. As such, I feel it is almost a calling to serve others. My fascination with how the human mind works and my love of hearing others' stories made becoming a therapist a natural path, though it was not necessarily always that clear to me growing up. During my graduate training, I learned to effectively apply my knowledge and skills to therapy, which led to real-life changes in the clients I served. This experience solidified my passion for therapy and seeing positive transformations. I love witnessing change and being a part of that process. I'm grateful for the fulfillment I find in my work as a therapist. Knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life through my profession brings me immense satisfaction.

I generally apply a Cognitive-Behavioral and Humanistic approach to therapy, though I would describe my treatment approach as integrative. I attempt to tailor treatment to each individual by combining other evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, depending on the person or condition. Overall, I focus on encouraging client responsibility in therapy, building a productive relationship with you, creating a nurturing environment that is conducive to change, exploring past events and how they affect you today, analyzing underlying belief systems and how they impact functioning or become roadblocks to change, and implementing specific emotional, cognitive, and behavioral techniques that are designed to help you reach your specific goals.

• Illinois, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 180.013357
• California, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, 5913

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in diverse settings, supporting a wide range of clients facing various challenges. Initially, I focused on assisting individuals struggling with substance dependence in both residential and outpatient environments. My goal was to help them break free from addiction and regain control over their lives. As I gained experience and recognition for my expertise, I took on a new role, working with the unhoused population and recently incarcerated individuals who were also dealing with serious mental illnesses. I served as the director of the program, overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure the best possible care for our clients. While I found fulfillment in my directorial role, I missed the direct clinical work that I had been trained for. As a result, I transitioned to a supervisor position in a clinic dedicated to serving unaccompanied children and adolescents who had recently arrived in the United States seeking asylum. I developed a profound passion for this line of work, supporting young individuals during a critical period in their lives. Despite my enjoyment of this role, I yearned for a smaller and more intimate setting where I could engage in regular therapy with a consistent caseload. This desire led me to a smaller clinic, where I had the privilege of treating undergraduate and graduate students. This experience allowed me to cultivate a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students and provided an opportunity to contribute to their personal and academic growth. Recently, I decided to start my own practice. This was inspired by my move out of state and by my desire to have more control over my schedule so that I can spend time with my family. I feel that being an example of someone who prioritizes their mental health and life-work balance is part of what makes me an effective therapist. Throughout my journey, I have developed a strong foundation in addiction recovery, mental health support, and guiding young individuals towards brighter futures. My diverse experiences have equipped me with the skills and empathy needed to provide effective and compassionate care to those I serve.