Michael Kohnen, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Michael!

I specialize in adults navigating life transitions—loss, spiritual shifts, depression, separation, divorce, mid-life changes, aging, and mortality. I help you transform these challenges into deeper explorations for personal growth and meaning.

My focus

I work with hospice, military counseling, spiritual and religious crises, and 12-step communities. I'm drawn to clients exploring life transitions, loss, meaning-making, and spiritually transformative experiences.

My approach

I use psychodynamic work, cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based and experiential approaches, meditation, mind/body connection, anxiety reduction, narrative therapy, and EFT tapping. Healing happens when you're understood and given space to reveal your deep self without judgment or shame.

My communication style

I believe you have the answers to your own life questions. I am a patient and perceptive listener. I am an older and (I think) grounded individual. Together, we can start you on a unique path toward your desired changes.

My journey to mental healthcare

I always wanted to be of service. I worked my way through training to be a teacher before realizing I wasn't a very public person. Doing therapy was a much more private and appropriate way for me to work with others. (I did sidetrack through careers as a carpenter and furniture maker).

My goals for you

I'm interested in what brings you to therapy, what you see as your problem, and how you envision yourself after working through it. Then we establish a path to get you there.

Our first session

We'll begin by establishing a personal connection around what you expect and want from therapy. I'm interested in all aspects of your life: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.

I identify as...

Male
Caucasian or White
Spiritual

Expertise

Specialties

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Narrative

Christian Counseling

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

Mindfulness-Based

Psychoanalytic

+ 7 more

Focus populations

Educators

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

+ 4 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 58 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Arts (MA) from John F. Kennedy University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Michael Kohnen