Michal Cohen, LCSW

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf - Jon Kabat-Zinn

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Michal Cohen, LCSW's style

Why Michal Cohen, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

The path that led me into the helping profession was deeply personal and marked by the twists and turns of life. Reflecting back, it's worth mentioning that my journey started with my own mental health struggles when I was in my early 20s, a chapter that now seems like a distant memory from my current vantage point at 50.

I embarked on my academic journey with a focus on international relations during my undergraduate years. After that, I embarked on a fascinating adventure, leaving for Italy, where I spent a year teaching English. Subsequently, my path took me to Madagascar, where I served as a maternal-child health volunteer in the Peace Corps for two enriching years.

It was when I returned to the United States to pursue graduate studies that life took an unexpected turn. I found myself grappling with severe depression, and it was in those challenging moments that the direction of my life changed course. Driven by my own desire for personal healing and a newfound purpose, I became determined to understand the human psyche and help others on their own journeys toward healing.

Michal Cohen, LCSW's approach

In my approach to therapy, compassion is the cornerstone upon which everything rests. I guide individuals in understanding how childhood trauma may be silently shaping their present lives, offering a compassionate lens through which we explore their experiences. I've found that many individuals are unduly harsh on themselves, often mired in self-judgment, and this can have a detrimental impact on their mental well-being.

My therapeutic method is grounded in building and nurturing relationships while maintaining an unwavering commitment to compassion. I aim to assist people in forging healthier connections, both with themselves and others. I work diligently to empower individuals to embrace and navigate their emotions more effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotional landscapes. Additionally, I strive to help people unearth and confront unconscious beliefs that may be influencing their lives.

What you can expect from sessions with Michal Cohen, LCSW

During our sessions, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere aimed at promoting your well-being. We begin with an optional 2-minute meditation or grounding exercise, a gentle way to ease into the session and find your center.

I invite you to share any intentions you may have for the session, but it's absolutely okay if you don't have one; we can explore and process your experiences from the past week or any significant events that are on your mind. In our sessions, I maintain a belief that you are the expert in your own life and possess an innate inner healer. My role is to facilitate the connection to this internal resource.

We delve into the exploration of unconscious beliefs and their impact on your life. Mindfulness and somatic approaches are utilized to foster awareness of your emotions and bodily sensations. For those seeking drug-assisted therapy, options such as cannabis or ketamine are available. Additionally, I offer Dr. Gabor Mate's compassionate inquiry approach to therapy, further enriching our toolkit to support your well-being and personal growth. Your sessions are a safe space for self-discovery and healing.

Michal Cohen, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

My experience working with the Jewish community has been both rewarding and personally enriching. As a therapist, I am proud to be listed in Psychology Today as a Jewish-affiliated therapist, and it's noteworthy that approximately one-third of my practice consists of Jewish individuals who, like me, have found themselves in the beautiful setting of Hawaii.

This shared cultural and religious bond has allowed me to establish a unique connection with my patients. While I identify as Reform Jewish, my circle of friends includes those who follow the Orthodox tradition. In my practice, I serve a diverse range of clients, most of whom identify as Reform, Conservative, or have a strong cultural connection to their Jewish heritage.

This diversity of Jewish backgrounds has enriched my professional experience and allowed me to appreciate the richness and variety within the Jewish community. It's a privilege to support individuals from different Jewish traditions in their therapeutic journeys while fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural and spiritual aspects of their lives.

Michal Cohen, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• When the Body Says No
• Scattered Minds
• Cannabis is Medicine
• How to Change Your Mind

Approaches

• KAP
• Life Coaching
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Life purpose and meaning
• Mood Disorders
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

20 years in practice

Licences

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS 2011. License number 3767
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by State of CA Board of Behavioral Sciences 2023. License number LCSW117523
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by Utah DOPL 2022
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker by PA Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs 2009
• FL Telehealth Provider by Florida Dept of Health 2022

Degrees

• Master of Science by Columbia University School of Social Work 2004
• Bachelor of Arts by University of San Diego 1995

Trainings

• Compassionate Inquiry by Compassionate Inquiry 2021
• Psychedelic Guide by Medicinal Mindfulness 2022

Average costs per session

$200 - $250

Payment Methods

• Free consultation
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay
• Venmo

Insurances

• out of network