My Approach to Helping
Are you standing at life's crossroads, searching for a path that feels hidden in shadow? Perhaps you've sought understanding and relief before, only to feel unheard or unseen by the mental health system. If you're wrestling with deep-seated trauma, engulfed by a sense of shame, or trapped by a critical inner voice that disrupts your relationships and peace, know this: change is not just possible; it's within your reach. My name is Michael Mason, and at Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, we journey together towards a horizon of hope.
From personal recovery to professional service, including my tenure as a US Army combat engineer, my life has been a testament to resilience and transformation. These experiences have deeply informed my therapeutic approach, offering a unique blend of empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices designed to support and empower you. Here, therapy is more than a session; it's a partnership in healing.
Imagine a partnership where:
In our first session, we lay the groundwork for trust and understanding, setting clear intentions for our journey ahead. You share, I listen, and together, we begin to unravel the threads of your story.
Through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, we explore the present moment with kindness and curiosity, learning to quiet the turmoil within.
Our trauma-informed care approach ensures a safe space for healing, recognizing and honoring your strength and resilience as we navigate the path to recovery.
For those who've felt let down by previous therapeutic experiences, I offer not just an alternative, but a beacon of hope. I thrive on connecting with individuals ready for a significant shift—ready to challenge old narratives and embrace a new chapter filled with purpose and joy.
Are you ready to:
Dive deep into understanding your emotions and their power in shaping your life?
Reclaim your narrative from the shadows of trauma and the grip of an inner critic?
Build meaningful, fulfilling relationships free from the barriers of the past?
If these questions resonate, I invite you to reach out. Let's begin a conversation about where you are, where you'd like to be, and how we can navigate the distance together. As a first step, I offer a complimentary consultation appointment—a chance for us to connect and for you to feel assured that change, though challenging, is filled with promise and possibility.
Your journey toward healing starts with a single step. Let's take that step together.
More Info About My Practice
Welcome to Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, where modern technology meets compassionate care in the realm of telehealth therapy. Our practice is dedicated to breaking down barriers to access, offering a flexible and secure pathway to mental health support from the comfort of your home.
Telehealth Tailored to You:
Our journey into telehealth was inspired by a vision to extend healing beyond physical boundaries, ensuring that no matter where you are, support is always within reach. This commitment stems from a personal understanding of the challenges many face in accessing traditional therapy services. Our online sessions are designed with your privacy and comfort in mind, providing a safe space where you can explore, grow, and heal.
Harbor Lights Blog - Your Beacon of Support:
Beyond therapy, the Harbor Lights Blog serves as your go-to resource for insights, tips, and encouragement. It's our way of continuing the conversation about mental health, offering you tools and knowledge to navigate life's ups and downs. This blog reflects our belief in the power of informed support, complementing our therapy sessions with a wealth of accessible information.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise in Trauma, PTSD, and LGBTQ+ Issues: We're specialized in providing empathetic support for trauma survivors, veterans, first responders, and the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths within these experiences.
Flexible, Convenient Scheduling: With sessions available in the evenings and weekends, we accommodate your lifestyle, making therapy a seamless part of your life.
A Secure, Confidential Experience: Our telehealth platform ensures your privacy, offering a secure channel for you to express yourself freely and openly.
Making the First Step Easy:
Ready to explore how therapy can transform your life? We've made getting started with us as simple as clicking a button. Visit our website to book your complimentary consultation call directly, offering you a firsthand experience of the support and understanding we provide. This initial conversation is a no-pressure opportunity for you to see how we can journey together towards healing.
Our commitment to telehealth has been driven by countless stories of resilience and recovery. Through this mode of therapy, clients have found profound ways to overcome challenges, reclaim their stories, and embark on paths of meaningful change. While we may not share these stories directly, their spirit informs every session, every interaction, and every piece of advice we offer through the Harbor Lights Blog.
At Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, we believe in the transformative power of therapy made accessible through technology. Whether you're seeking to heal from past traumas, improve your relationships, or find a deeper sense of purpose, our online therapy services are here to guide you towards a future filled with hope and resilience.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
If you're contemplating therapy but feel hesitant, you're in good company. Many grapple with uncertainty about taking this step, perhaps fearing the vulnerability required to open up to someone new. It's natural to wonder how you can share your deepest thoughts with a therapist, a stranger at first. Yet, the foundation of therapy is built on trust and safety, gradually established through open and non-judgmental communication from the very first session.
Therapy offers a unique environment where you're in the driver's seat. It's a space dedicated entirely to your well-being, where progress is measured by your own goals and pace. But how do you measure progress? It's a common question. Know that therapy involves continuous collaboration and checking in on goals -adjustments are made as needed to ensure the path feels right for you.
The outcomes of therapy can vary widely, offering everything from improved coping mechanisms and stress management to deeper self-understanding and enhanced relationships. It's about equipping you with the tools to navigate life's challenges more effectively.
Choosing the right therapist is crucial, and it's okay to reassess if you feel your current therapist, isn't the right fit. Signs like feeling consistently misunderstood or not experiencing progress are indicators it might be time to explore other options. Remember, the therapeutic alliance is key to your journey.
For those interested in online therapy, it's an effective and flexible option, especially if in-person sessions feel daunting or logistically challenging. Many therapists, including those at our practice, offer teletherapy, bringing the therapeutic experience to wherever you feel most comfortable.
Concerns about cost are valid and common. It's important to ask about sliding scale options, insurance coverage, or other payment plans during your initial consultation. Transparency about finances from the start can help ease this part of the process.
Taking the first step toward therapy is a sign of strength. Whether you're ready to dive in or still have questions, we encourage you to reach out. Our initial consultations are designed to answer your queries, with no obligation to proceed until you feel ready. Therapy is a personal journey of growth, and when you're ready, we're here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
In your quest to find the right therapist, it's essential to navigate this process with care and informed consideration. Here's a refined guide to the crucial factors that can help ensure you choose a therapist who aligns with your needs and journey:
1. Specialization and Expertise: Prioritize finding a therapist whose expertise matches your specific mental health needs. Whether it?s dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, the right match can significantly impact your therapy's effectiveness.
2. Therapeutic Approach: Familiarize yourself with the various therapeutic methodologies, from CBT to mindfulness and beyond. Understanding a therapist's approach will help you align with one that resonates with your healing path.
3. Credentials and Experience: Confirming a therapist's qualifications and experience, especially in areas relevant to your needs, is fundamental. This ensures they're well-equipped to guide you effectively.
4. Personal Compatibility: The therapeutic relationship thrives on comfort, trust, and safety. Listen to your instincts during initial interactions; the right therapist should make you feel understood and respected.
5. Accessibility and Logistics: Consider practicalities such as location, availability, telehealth options, and financial aspects, including insurance compatibility and session fees. These factors play a significant role in sustaining your therapy journey.
6. Inclusivity and Cultural Competence: It's crucial that your therapist appreciates and respects your unique cultural background and identity. An inclusive practice fosters a more open and authentic therapeutic experience.
7. Open Dialogue for Feedback and Progress: Opt for a therapist who encourages feedback and is adaptable in their approach. Your therapy should evolve with your needs and insights.
8. Utilizing Consultations: Many therapists offer an initial consultation at no cost. Use this opportunity to ask questions and gauge the fit. It's also a chance to experience their communication style and therapeutic presence.
Emphasizing the trial nature of initial sessions can also be reassuring; not every therapist will be the perfect fit, and it's okay to reassess if your initial choice doesn't feel quite right. The journey to find a therapist is deeply personal and may require patience, but finding the right professional support is a crucial step towards healing and growth.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
My path to becoming a therapist was deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences with life's challenges. These experiences have not only enriched my empathy but have also honed my skills as a therapist, enabling me to connect with clients on a more profound level.
Navigating personal hurdles, from overcoming anxiety to dealing with significant life changes, underscored for me the value of vulnerability and the strength it takes to seek support. This personal journey through my struggles has been instrumental in defining the therapeutic space I strive to create one that is nurturing, accepting, and safe.
These experiences have taught me the power of resilience and the importance of self-compassion in the healing process. They remind me daily of the courage my clients exhibit in starting their therapy journey and the trust they place in me to guide them.
Incorporating these lessons, I approach therapy with a commitment to meet each client where they are, respecting their unique journey towards growth and healing. My practice is built on the belief that healing is a personal and non-linear journey, requiring patience, understanding, and a tailored approach to each individual's needs.
Sharing my journey openly adds a layer of relatability and trust to my professional practice. It assures clients that their feelings and experiences are valid and understood, not just from a professional standpoint but through genuine, shared human experience.
In essence, my own struggles have illuminated my practice with empathy and insight, allowing me to support my clients with not just expertise, but with a deep, heartfelt understanding. I am here to offer a space where healing begins with compassion and leads to empowerment and resilience.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.
