Michael Perkins (LCSW)

I am licensed in Missouri with over 20 years of clinical and counseling experience. Also 25 years teaching teaching social work and human services. I have experience in helping people cope with life changes as well as with relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues as well as anxiety, depression, and stress. My clinical approach is the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with positive psychology approaches as well as mindfulness, and aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Depending on your needs. You can read a description of Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the America Psychological Society from their web site here: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Neuroscientist Rick Hanson discovered that our brain has a natural negativity bias to internalize negative experiences more deeply than positive ones. According to Dr. Hanson, the brain is like velcro for negative experiences and teflon for positive ones. However we can learn skills to help us work with that bias in a more positive way. I find it useful to explore not only what you want to accomplish in therapy, but also what is going right since they are the foundation you will be building on. I often provide clients with the opportunity to do “homework,” which can include both activities, and reading. You are the expert of your story, and we all have strengths that can assist us in dealing with challenges. Our individual strengths that are the foundation we all build on. Michael Perkins, MSW, LCSW ******* Are you in crisis? If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you can access free support right away with these resources: 988 Suicide & Cris Lifeline – call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat online 24-7. Befrienders Worldwide. This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.