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Does my counselor provide rapid contact for urgent situations or am I told to make an appointment days out?

If you have a pressing or urgent need for an appointment, I will contact you just as soon as possible on the day you reach out.  I will see you on the same day or the next calendar day in person or on Zoom. I want to hear from you and I encourage you to follow up by text, phone, or email to confirm that I received your message.

Does my counselor show a real interest in my concerns?

I do.  High quality service to clients is my job description.

Does my counselor use multiple methods to assess and treat my symptoms and issues?

My assessment effort on your behalf includes our meetings, proven objective measures, anonymous consultation if needed, and research on your symptoms and issues.

Do I believe and trust my counselor, and can he/ or she believe me and trust me?

The foundation of the entire effort and working alliance is mutual trust.

Does my counselor encourage me to speak up (aka complain) if I have any concerns or problems with him or her?

I strongly encourage direct and frank  client feedback

What makes a highly effective and positive therapeutic relationship and working alliance?

Hard work, availability, understanding,  honesty, and effectiveness.

About Michael Greelis PhD

Licensed Professional Counselor 

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

As a dedicated professional with 30 years of experience in private practice, I know that a strong working alliance is the key to effective therapy. Specific techniques are important. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), existential psychotherapy, and other techniques work best with the foundation of a strong working alliance.

 

Education & Experience

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Virginia since 1996
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Virginia since 1998
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor, National Board of Certified Counselors   2004
  • PhD George Mason University, Human Growth & Development, GMU Graduate School of Education
  • Adjunct Faculty, George Mason University, Graduate School of Education, 1995-2000
    • Courses taught:  Introduction to Psychotherapy;  Advanced Techniques in Psychotherapy; Human Growth and Development;  Personality Disorders
  • Conducted one of the first in-depth 180 practitioner surveys on the benefits and drawbacks of teletherapy.
  • Collaborative working relationships with select area psychiatrists and therapists.
  • Successful, highly active private practice for 28 years in Northern Virginia.
  • Licenses: M.Greelis LPC, LMFT

Symptoms and Issues

Symptoms are typically what get people to therapy. For example major and persistent depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.

Issues include family conflict, career and workplace challenges, separation and divorce, parent-child estrangement, parent-adult child estrangement, anger management and other major life events.

Unresolved troubling issues may cause symptoms, and symptoms almost always make issues worse.

A vital first step in effective therapy is focusing on those symptoms and issues that will have the most impact on relieving stress and distress. That process will determine the treatment plan and techniques employed.

Fraud and Character: TThe Psychology and Motivations of White-Collar Criminals, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) 2018 Certified Fraud Examiners 2018

Reach out to me today!

Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

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