Michael Lieberman
Mental Health Counselor, Certified Therapist in EMDR, and IFS trained
Your relationship with your therapist is unlike any other relationship. The typical expectation is that you drive to an office, talk, and divulge personal information with a stranger. As a therapist (and a client of therapy), I know what it’s like to step into a therapist’s office to explore a problem and feel shame, embarrassment, or frustration.
My name is Michael, creator of The Pragmatic Therapist. My practice is, well, pragmatic: a simple, sensible, and realistic approach to therapy.
I love working with people who want to learn how their past affects the present because I have been there myself. I know how exhausting it is when you try every trick in the book to feel better but get no results. Often, this can be a cycle that’s hard to break because you have a collection of memories that support a negative point of view. But, that moment when a client proclaims, “I never thought the past impacted my present so much…” reminds me how important addressing the past is and how much I enjoy the field of counseling.
Some quick tidbits that describe me
Simplicity – Sometimes, things require a thorough conversation and at other times there is a simple and obvious answer. I help to keep it simple.
Laughter – Laughter makes it easier to see the brighter side of life and helps us not take ourselves too seriously. I always try to find the humor in my own life; it keeps me grounded. I encourage my clients to do the same.
Kindness – When you look around, do you see as much kindness between people as there should be? Probably not. But, I believe, it is essential to living fulfilled lives. You deserve it… and everyone is welcome here.
Realism – I understand that, in the end, each client creates his or her own unique road map to feeling well. But that doesn’t mean I sit back quietly, just nodding my head and listening. I am an interactive participant to help shape the therapy process and am always true to my own thoughts and emotions. This approach, I am convinced, helps my clients see themselves, and others in their life, from multiple perspectives so that they can better decide on their path to happiness.
Perfectly imperfect – I am not perfect. And I don’t expect you to to be either. Being human means learning from our mistakes, not being defined by them.
On the weekends you'll find me...
Husbanding, parenting, hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, and camping. I love the outdoors and exploring new areas.
How to pick the right therapist
There are a lot of therapists to consider when trying to decide who to trust. With varying skills and credentials to consider, choosing the right therapist can be tough. It’s much like a pair of pants; you search until you find the one that fits just right. The good news is that there IS a reliable way to tell if you and your therapist are a going to mesh: if you click from the get-go, it’s a good sign.
So, take your time and trust your gut.
I hope this page portrays a revealing snapshot of my personality and professional style. If you think we might be a good fit, give me a call (703)919-5543 or send me an email and let’s talk. I am happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide. What do you have to lose? And imagine all that you might gain.
Request an appointment with Michael:
Credentials:
Licensed Professional Counseling in Virginia; License # 0701006194
EMDRIA Certified Therapist: 52265281
Bachelors of Art in Family Science from the University of Maryland
Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University
2015 Uniformed Public Service Award; The Caron Foundation
Training in:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Ego State Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University
2015 Uniformed Public Service Award; The Caron Foundation
