John Macari, MS, LLP Limited Licensed Psychologist in Michigan

I believe the ultimate goal of counseling and psychological services is to assist clients in experiencing the freedom to think, feel, and behave in the most healthy ways that effectively meet their underlying needs. We often focus on the "problem" which often is a mere symptom of the primary cause for our struggles. As the existentialists say, our most basic needs are for safety and security, belonging, loving and being loved, intimacy, acceptance, and self-respect. Meeting those needs in an effective, life-giving way is the aim of therapy.

The first step in effective counseling is the development of rapport and trust. We begin by identifying areas in life that have most impacted you and how to explore them in as objective and clear manner as possible. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps us modify our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in increasingly healthy and effective ways.

I believe in the intrinsic value of each individual. This involves validating the experiences of each person while at the same time confronting ways of thinking that have contributed to difficulties in managing moods and navigating relationships. We will explore ways to develop the most healthy perspective on self, others, and our environment.