About Michael
Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (2011 - present)
Registered Art Therapist (2013 - present)
Education
Naropa University - Boulder, CO
Master of Arts in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with Art Therapy Concentration
May, 2009
Brevard College - Brevard, NC
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art with emphasis in Sculpture and Minor in Art History and Archeology (Suma Cum Laude)
May, 2005
Minor: Art History
Selected Trainings
EMDR 3-Day Intensive Training: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (2017) with Linda Curran, BCPC, LPC, CACD, CCDPD Denver, CO .
The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma and Healing (2017) with Bessel van der Kolk, M.D: A six week online intensive trauma training with additional guest lectures from trauma experts Alexander McFarlane, Linda Curran, BCPC, LPC, CACD, CCDPD, Ed Tronick, Ph. D, Stephen Porges Ph.D., Stephen J. Soumi, Ph.D., and Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (2013 – 2015): Intensive immersion in the modality of CBT for psychosis & ongoing staff supervision with Rebecca Rawlingson, PhD.
Enhancing Hope in the Therapeutic Relationship: A Two Day Seminar in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (2009) Boulder, CO
Managing Suicidal Risk in Clinical Practice (2011) Anshutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado
Presentations and Teaching
Naropa University Boulder, CO (2017) Adjunct Faculty
Practicum and Intern Supervisor for students working in a private professional counseling practice in Boulder, CO (2011 - 2017)
Paper Presentation: American Art Therapy Association (ATA) Savanna, GA (2012).
“The Digital Third Hand:” Enhancing Therapist Reflection Using New Media in Art Therapy.
Paper Presentation: Illinois Art Therapy Association (IATA) Chicago, IL (2010).
“The Digital Third Hand:” Using New Media in Art Therapy.
Research Interests and Hobbies
I have been a student of the Afro-Brazilian art form called “Capoeira” since 2013. I currently study Capoeira in Denver, Colorado. I am researching the therapeutic potential that Capoeira has as an art that combines movement, music, cultural immersion, empowerment, and creativity, with self defense and self discipline. Specifically, I am most interested in how Capoeira could benefit people who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, depression, as well as cultural oppression and disempowerment.
I am an avid fan of the outdoors and enjoy running, hiking, and biking. I engage regularly in art making as a mindfulness practice, a tool for developing personal and professional understanding, and a means of pursuing joy. I love to cook I am have made progress in my aspiration to be a better gardener.
