Meet Mike Garrison, Counselor
Mike Garrison, MA, LPC, NCC Licensed & Board-Certified Counselor in Colorado
Are you ready to explore a different way of thinking, feeling, and living? The human brain evolved to seek out connection and is hard-wired to thrive with emotional support. My goal is to help you identify what’s troubling you, to bring awareness and perspective to your struggles, and to help you move to the changes you desire.
I wasn’t always a therapist. But I believe my younger self wouldn’t be surprised that I find myself here today. You see, I wasn’t one of those kids that stepped off my Big Wheel knowing that psychology and counseling were part of my path. But I have always had an innate curiosity about human behavior and wondered about what makes us do the things we do. Eventually, this curiosity led me to pursuing a formal education in clinical mental health counseling and working to develop my skills and expertise.
My path to being a therapist was by no means a straight line, but it certainly was an interesting journey.
If you’re curious, here are a few of the highlights of my background:
I’m a Cornhusker. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska where I earned my bachelor’s degree.
My professional background is in marketing and sales. For over 15 years, I had a successful career in the financial industry ultimately working as an investment wholesaler for Fortune 500 companies.
I love to write, and even owned a magazine publishing company for eight years. As a small business owner, I learned first-hand what the entrepreneurial ‘roller coaster’ is all about.
I returned to graduate school in my 40’s and earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis University’s CACREP-accredited program. Finally pursuing my interest in the field of psychology was a turning point in my professional life.
During the clinical phase of school, I worked with a practice that specialized in a neurofeedback approach to mental health. Over the course of hundreds of hours working face-to-face with wonderful clients of all ages, I found my decision to change my professional path validated with purpose and fulfillment.
In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, I opened my own private practice in 2020 serving adults across Colorado.
I live in the Denver. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city and spending time with friends. Like many Coloradoans, I head to the mountains whenever time allows to hike, camp, and reconnect with nature. I have traveled to 48 of the 50 states. My most recent international trips were to Costa Rica and Thailand. I’m an avid reader (non-fiction and biographies primarily) and a regular listener of podcasts as well.
How I Approach Therapy
At Headway Counseling, I bring my unique background to every conversation I have with my clients.
You may find my approach a little more directive than other therapists. I’m practical in my approach and not a fan of meandering therapy. Just like you, I want to see and to celebrate progress. I’m care about helping in a way that isn’t canned, formulaic, or pushy.
My counseling style is integrative. That means I believe in drawing from a wide field of evidence-based theories. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Solutions Focused Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are the approaches I most often utilize. If you’re suffering from past trauma, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), I have formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In counseling, I don’t believe ‘one size fits all’ and so I work with whatever tools and interventions are best suited to help you make progress.
I love supporting people in coming to a deeper understanding of both themselves and their goals in life. In the very first session we have together, I will help you identify specific goals that you want to work toward. Then, from session to session, I’ll make sure we’re always keeping them in mind.
“You’ll find I’m someone who cares about helping in a way that isn’t canned, formulaic, or pushy.”
I hold an LPC licensure in the state of Colorado and am a nationally board-certified counselor (NCC). I am also a member of the American Counseling Association and the Colorado Counseling Association and have been verified by Psychology Today. Due to licensing regulations, you must also be located in Colorado in order for us to work together.
Research has shown that the relationship you have with your counselor has a profoundly significant effect on the outcome of your therapy. Because of this, it’s important to take your time to find the right fit. If you’re interested in beginning therapy with me, let’s schedule a brief no-cost phone call to talk about how we would work together.
About Headway Counseling PLLC
Denver Location Near of I-25 and Speer Blvd.
Counseling sessions are offered in-person and also can be held virtually via secure teletherapy. In-person sessions are offered at my downtown Denver office located at the corner of Speer Blvd. and Auraria Pkwy. near Ball Arena. Free parking is available. If it is more convenient for you, virtual sessions are also available. Just like a face-to-face appointment, your telehealth virtual visit will be private and confidential.
Headway Counseling adheres to the American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics. In the spirit of this, you can expect the following standard of care:
Confidentiality
You can expect that what is said between us remains confidential. I will not disclose anything that you say to other people with very specific exceptions that are fully disclosed and which I will explain to you up front and in our first session. If I see you in public, I will not acknowledge you unless you say ‘hi’ first. This keeps you in control and prevents potentially awkward conversations in front of others.
Respect
You will be treated with respect. I strongly believe that a professional counselor will not deliberately say things that will cause you to feel shame or guilt about the things you have thought or felt or done. On the contrary, a lot of my work entails helping my clients lift the heavy burden of guilt or shame from the past. Whatever your background, and whatever your past, you will always have a safe space to explore it.
Welcoming
The world can be a very judgmental place. Struggling with the issues that come up around sexuality, gender, and orientation can be a stressful and deeply isolating experience. I will work hard to understand you and your life story. It is only through taking the time to understand what you are going through and feeling, that I can help you appreciate and integrate all aspects of yourself. Headway Counseling is a safe, welcoming environment where you can feel supported as you explore your identity, and take on whatever challenges you feel it is presenting.
You’re in Charge
This is your time. In our counseling sessions, I will not insist that we explore thoughts, feelings, or events into which you are not comfortable venturing. We can make much better progress when we focus on what you want and need to talk about. And ultimately, you will decide when you are ready to move into more difficult areas or, for that matter, when to move on from counseling. I will work hard for you, and will do everything I can to ensure that your experience in therapy is worthy of your investment of time, energy, and money.
“Until you make the unknown known, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
Carl Jung