Michael Henry

Michael Henry, Ph.D. My education journey began at the University of California San Diego, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 1979. Soon after, I attended and graduated from a horseshoeing school in Oklahoma City, then started my small business in San Diego, California, the “horse capital of the world.” The California Institute for Human Science in Encinitas, California, became my next alma mater in 2000, where I obtained my Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. My fascination with human connection and bonding led to the publishing of my dissertation in 2005, “The Existential Constituents of Pair Bonding and Their Development Over the Lifespan,” or “how we learn to connect with each other.” I have licenses to practice therapy both in California and Colorado. Having a love for horses and knowing very well their many benefits to mankind, my practice began using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, an intervention not very well known but gaining popularity in recognition for its effectiveness, in addition to the traditional forms of interventions used in therapy.

My approach

My life experience as a psychologist has allowed me to help people with a wide variety of needs in a vast array of circumstances. I am privileged to have the opportunity to be of service to anyone who has a mental health need. I take traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (which focuses on changing thoughts and feelings) a step further by using schema therapy which identifies and challenges the beliefs or schema which produce the thoughts and feelings. Change becomes more permanent and automatic as a result. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” Romans 12:2

My focus

Modalities: DBT, Emotionally Focused, Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, Experiential, Gottman, Humanistic, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused. Specialties: Abuse, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioral Addictions, Bipolar Disorder, Couples Therapy, Court Ordered, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Grief, Groups, Life Transition, Minors, OCD, Parenting, Personality Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sex/Love Addiction, Sexual Abuse, Stress, Trauma/PTSD.

My communication style

I am an excellent listener and have been told that I am very approachable. I believe in a client-centered approach using Rogerian methods.

My journey to mental healthcare

I began having an interest in therapy and psychology in my early forties as a result of life experiences and my interactions with others. At that time in my life, I was a successful farrier (horseshoer), a trade I had been practicing for almost two decades. At age forty-five, I began my quest to become a psychologist, with the final goal to be able to give back to others and help them prosper in life. Nine years later, I passed my final licensing exam and started my practice. That was fifteen years ago, and ten years ago, I retired my anvil and last pair of hoof nippers and entered the world of mental health full-time.

My goals for you

Clients should experience change with every session. Change is a continuum and a process of gaining awareness and applying that awareness. Once awareness occurs, it cannot be reversed, and it is permanent.

My first session with you

I believe that results from therapy should be realized from the first session, and I focus my treatment in that manner. Willing participants can and will experience positive life changes from the start.