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Hi, my name is Michael Beltrano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work collaboratively with clients to build on the skills that matter to them. I have experience working closely with culturally diverse clients from ages 5-65+ dealing with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, dual diagnosis, BPD, and ADHD.
My approach
I utilize person-centered approaches when building rapport. Additionally, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused (EFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution Focused approaches and interventions within the therapeutic process.
My focus
I have experience working closely with diverse clients from ages 5-65+ dealing with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, dual diagnosis, BPD, and ADHD. I have worked alongside clients in elementary, middle, and high school utilizing person-centered, play therapy, and emotion-focused interventions. I have also worked with adults from 18-65+ utilizing culturally responsive approaches with clients dealing with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, dual-diagnosis, BPD, and ADHD in a hospital/clinical setting.
My communication style
My communication style is transparent and collaborative. I work closely with client's needs and feedback in order to create an open, understanding, and warm environment and tone when working with patients.
My journey to mental healthcare
The path to becoming a therapist was a long one. Initially, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher but I thought I could have a bigger impact on children and families by becoming a counselor. After teacher credentialing, I went to graduate school for counseling/marriage and family therapy. Growing up as a child and adolescent mental health was not as available but was needed at least for me at the time. Becoming a therapist allowed me to help fill that need to work alongside others as I have needed in the past. Currently, as a therapist, what drives me to do this work is seeing the process of change in clients. Seeing the resilience and courage in clients with the work they are willing to do. The therapeutic process is a lens into the human experience and is not only something I attempt to help others with but something I also strive to work towards.
My goals for you
I approach goal setting through close collaboration with the patient. Goals are built naturally through conversation with a focus being SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based) where possible.
My first session with you
Clients can expect foundation building of the therapeutic environment in the first session. This includes: intake questions, setting preliminary goals, hopes for treatment, expectation review, confidentiality agreement, telehealth limitations, and any housekeeping questions.
