Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
I am licensed in Missouri with over 20 years of clinical and counseling experience. Please note that I cannot take clients who reside in another state.
I also have over 25 years teaching teaching social work and human services. I have experience in helping people cope with life changes as well as with relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues as well as anxiety, depression, and stress.
My clinical approach is the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with positive psychology approaches as well as mindfulness, and aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Depending on your needs. You can read a description of Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the America Psychological Society from their web site here:
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
Neuroscientist Rick Hanson discovered that our brain has a natural negativity bias to internalize negative experiences more deeply than positive ones. According to Dr. Hanson, the brain is like velcro for negative experiences and teflon for positive ones. However we can learn skills to help us work with that bias in a more positive way.
I find it useful to explore not only what you want to accomplish in therapy, but also what is going right since they are the foundation you will be building on.
I often provide clients with the opportunity to do “homework,” which can include both activities, and reading.
You are the expert of your story, and we all have strengths that can assist us in dealing with challenges. Our individual strengths that are the foundation we all build on.
Michael Perkins, MSW, LCSW
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Are you in crisis?
If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can access free support right away with these resources:
988 Suicide & Cris Lifeline – call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat online 24-7.
Befrienders Worldwide. This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Michael Perkins is a Missouri-based clinician with more than 20 years of clinical and counseling experience. He is licensed in Missouri as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a Master of Social Work – listed as MO LCSW 004057. He is unable to accept clients who live in another state.
In addition to his clinical work, he has over 25 years of experience teaching social work and human services. His practice includes helping people cope with life changes and addressing relationship concerns, family conflicts, and parenting challenges, along with supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress.
His clinical approach centers on Cognitive Behavior Therapy augmented by positive psychology techniques, mindfulness practices, and elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, applied according to each person’s needs. He often offers structured “homework” between sessions, which can include practical activities and reading to reinforce skills learned in therapy.
Michael also draws on research about the brain’s tendency to give greater weight to negative experiences – a concept discussed by neuroscientist Rick Hanson – and helps clients learn skills to work with that bias. He prefers to explore both a person’s goals for therapy and what is already going well, using existing strengths as the foundation for change. He emphasizes that individuals are the experts on their own stories and that those strengths support the work of addressing life’s challenges.
Michael Perkins, MSW, LCSW (MO LCSW 004057)
For many common concerns – including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and navigating life changes – online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions. It can be a practical option for people seeking help with these issues.
One of the primary benefits is flexibility. People can connect with a therapist in the format that feels most comfortable for them: video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. That variety makes it easier to fit therapeutic work into a busy life.
All participating clinicians are licensed professionals, and individuals have the option to switch therapists if they are seeking a different fit. Online therapy offers accessible ways to begin and continue therapeutic work while maintaining a professional therapeutic relationship.
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