Once upon a time therapists were required to be a "blank slate" for their clients.  This philosophy worked well during the days of psychoanalysis but in our egalitarian society and culture it may be a hindrance.  I believe clients have a desire to know some basic (reasonable) information about the person with whom they will share intimate details.  This fosters a stronger therapeutic bond and a comfortable environment conducive to personal growth and self-exploration.  I also believe it provides relevance to the therapeutic process and may aid in effective mediation.  

 

​I am originally from rural Minnesota, moving to the “big city” of Minneapolis/St. Paul to attend college.  I studied psychology and theology, graduating in 1992 from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, MN with a double major.  I have been working with children and adolescents since 1989 and adults since 1995 through various non-profit organizations and charities.  I moved to Houston, TX in 1999 to pursue a career in counseling and clinical psychology.  Since 1999 I have been employed by various psychiatric hospitals and later, the Neuropsychiatric center where I teamed with psychiatrists completing crisis assessments.  In 2008 I helped create the Crisis Intervention Response Team, riding with a Houston Police officer every day responding to mental health calls.  There was considerable interaction with the general public through NAMI, MHMRA, the Harris County courts and the Houston Council on Alcohol and Drugs.  I have been licensed in Texas as a professional counselor since 2001, demonstrating an exemplary record.  I also meet the State of Texas requirements as a credentialed Mediator. Texas has strict guidelines so please check txmca.org to verify credentials.

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My treatment experience includes wilderness camps, youth shelters, group counseling, juvenile probation, crisis interventions, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, recovery programs, and decades of counseling adults and adolescents.  My vast experience and nonjudgmental attitude fosters a comfortable environment counseling people from diverse backgrounds.  Currently I specialize in depression, anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, addiction counseling, and suicide prevention.  I successfully completed advanced mediation training utilizes my peace-keeping skills as a mediator and parenting coordinator/facilitator.  I completed the Texas mandated 40-hour training course for mediators in civil and criminal cases as well as the additional 32 and 16-hour training courses to provide divorce mediation and parenting coordination/facilitation.  My calm demeanor and compassionate nature is well observed during counseling and mediation.  Please call for more information.

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                                              Michael D. Erickson LPC