Michael Ferrara, MHC Intern
CLINICAL INTERN
Pronouns: He/Him
Michael was drawn to counseling by a profound respect for the unique ways individuals interpret their lives. He understands that reaching out for therapy takes courage, and he works to create a welcoming space where your story is treated with dignity and care. He believes therapy is most effective when it reflects the individual and is grounded in the client’s context, values, and goals. Michael is completing his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University (online), adding to his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a psychology emphasis from the University of Washington (Tacoma).
Michael welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds and life experiences and offers support for a wide range of concerns that bring people to therapy. Many clients Michael works with are seeking help for anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, and life transitions. His approach is rooted in psychodynamic and existential work, with attention to emotional experience, meaning, and recurring relational patterns. He incorporates CBT-informed strategies as needed to provide practical structure and symptom relief, supporting stability and follow-through between sessions.
Sessions with Michael are calm, focused, and collaborative. He listens closely, asks precise questions, and helps clients name emotions and identify patterns that repeat across time and relationships. He makes room for reflection and pacing, while maintaining clear boundaries, consistent roles, and a steady return to core themes such as relationships, defenses, affect, and the therapeutic relationship. Michael prioritizes clarity and honesty so clients can examine internal barriers safely and move toward a more authentic life.
Michael Ferrara is a master’s-level counseling intern supervised by Cherie McKale, LMHC. (NPI number: 1447129622)
