Dr. Michael James Licensed Psychologist

Chuck Palahniuk's movie (and novel), "Fight Club" was eye-opening experience to recognizing the feelings of disillusionment, alienation and identity confusion that many men face in today's society. This understanding later grew to include rigorous study of evolutionary psychology to better understand the relationship dynamics between men and women, which can be the source of many beautiful things like love and connectedness, if not often times negative experiences involving emotional pain, mistrust, anger and confusion. I really do enjoy understanding these dynamics, and helping others with intimate relationship conflicts to understand, and navigate them as well.

When I meet with a new client, I like to help them to set clear goals for what they would like to accomplish in therapy and the changes that they would like to make. I find that it is the client's goals that are a large part of creating the foundation to collaborate effectively within a therapeutic relationship, and this tends to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes in therapy. Clearly understanding what the patient wants to accomplish provides clear direction to what types of treatment methods might be helpful. I try to help clients to set realistic goals within the first few sessions that may create the opportunity for rapid improvement within a reasonable timeframe (usually within a few weeks or a month). From my years of experience, I have found that people respond favorably, or sometimes not so much, to different treatment interventions. It is important as a therapist to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the therapy, with clear consent and agreement by the client before beginning therapy. Flexible with the treatment approach is a must to better meet each person's unique needs and personality.

I began as a general practitioner treating patients for issues including major depression, anxiety, panic, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and inattention. Within the past years, I began receiving many more referrals for patients seeking help for grief and loss. I have been honored by the stories shared to me by parents, spouses, siblings and children and for the opportunities to help them to find some peace and acceptance. These experiences have helped me to grow as a clinician.

• Michigan, Licensed Psychologist, 6301016629

After completing an undergraduate double major in psychology and biology, I began work in mental health in behavior management in 2006, and later becoming a program coordinator in 2007, helping children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance and/or neurobiological disorders, working closely with parents, schools and other support systems. Wanting to be of better service to the public, I went on to earn a Master's of Art degree (2011) and Doctorate degree (2015) in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology, graduating with academic honors with a research focus on improving intimate relationship dynamics between men and women. I earned my full clinical licensure as a psychologist in 2017. I have worked in non-profit community mental health and hospital systems and now own and operate a private outpatient clinic named Direct Therapy and Counseling Services, PLLC. I have many years of experience, and I have treated men and women from ages 18- through 90-years old. I am qualified to assess, diagnose and treat patients with mental health disorder. I also provide male-friendly support for men who may be reluctant to try therapy, with an understanding of male psychology and men's unique issues and needs. Men often feel deep guilt, shame and anxiety about seeing a therapist, and are usually compelled to go by a major crisis, or by their worried wives or mothers. I have had the honor to meet with many men who had never tried therapy before.