Michael Brady, LMHC

Michael Brady, LMHC

Psychotherapy  - Consultation

Welcome.  My name is Michael Brady and I am a licensed psychotherapist who has been helping people in Berkshire County Massachusetts since 1992. I am in private practice with offices in Pittsfield and Stockbridge. I work with adults who have new and ongoing challenges, couples seeking relationship enhancement, families in conflict and teenagers sixteen and older who are facing problems typical of their life stage.

Regardless of the issue or problem, research shows that when therapy is successful, the most important variable is not the type of therapy being used, but the relationship between client and therapist.  I aspire to create an environment that is warm, authentic and supports an honest inquiry into the normal problems of our modern lives.

This site will help you assess whether my approach might fit your needs. There are four sections: The first offers a snapshot of my orientation and clinical style. The second outlines principles that guide my work. The third is a list of specialties and common concerns people come to me for help with. The fourth section offers a brief profile, contact information, insurance accepted and fees.

Thank you for taking the time to get acquainted.  Please feel free to call me at (413) 841-7786 with any questions.

orientation

Therapy can take many different forms. For many the first priority is getting relief from anxiety, depression or a current situation which is overwhelming. Some start by exploring how current "symptoms" are triggered by belief systems they have internalized from family, culture and life experiences. Others already understand these dynamics, but are looking for a new way to get some freedom from the problem.

I start with the assumption that my clients already have within them the ability to live the life they want. The question is what gets in the way.  As therapy progresses many clients create new, more accurate beliefs about themselves and realize that they are capable of much more. They often find themselves becoming stronger, more confident and making solid choices about how to go forward.

"My intention is to foster an authentic relationship, not treat a diagnosis."

Simply choosing to start therapy can itself stimulate new insights and change one's orientation to the problem.  When this happens, my job is to support what is evolving and help integrate these early insights in a practical and realistic way. Often, however, a client has lost perspective, is not aware of a blind spot, or is stuck in a pattern they don't know how to address. This calls for me to be more active and perhaps challenge a belief system or orientation that may be outdated. I may also suggest certain interventions for use outside the office setting. Regardless of one's response to a difficulty, the resolution is always a collaborative process that honors each client's unique perspective and goals.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

In my practice I emphasize strength and virtue, not disease, weakness and damage. This does not imply that therapy can avoid tough issues with a simplistic "positive thinking" approach; most effective therapy will at times be challenging and unsettling. It is often important to understand how historical issues effect present wellness. However, I focus attention on what's possible as much as what's happened.

THE PERSON IS NOT THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM

Another approach I use, called "Narrative Therapy", believes that problems become easier to solve if we don't see them as part of our identity. For example, if one thinks of themselves as a "depressed person," depression has more power, can negatively affect  self image, and can lead to more self criticism and anxiety. My orientation is to think of depression as a temporary condition, like a broken arm that, in time, will heal with the the proper care. It has been my experience that doing so allows one to be more patient, hopeful and proactive.

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness, although it sounds esoteric, is simply a way to observe and become curious about a concern rather than reacting to problems unconsciously or from ways of thinking/feeling which no longer serve us. When a client is stuck, mindfulness can help provide more clarity by viewing the problem from a different perspective or from a wiser part of themselves.

HUMOR

There are some moments in therapy when finding a way to get some lightness into serious concerns allow us to see ourselves and our concerns in a different light. Humor can loosen our attachments to problems which can make them easier to deal with.

ACTION / MEANING / PURPOSE

People who get better in psychotherapy attribute their improvement not only to what what happens in the office, but out of it. My focus is to help clients apply insights discovered in therapy to their daily life. I also encourage and support any activity that facilitates a greater sense of meaning and purpose in my clients' lives. Such activities could range from yoga to art to religious affiliation to exploring nature, depending on the person.

SPECIALTIES

In my practice I work with adults, couples, families and younger people age ten and above.  Listed below are some concerns that you or someone close to you may be dealing with. Many of these difficulties can affect people of any age. I have extensive experience and specialized training in working with these issues.

- Depression:  Feeling hopeless or "flat", having low energy, and other symptoms of depression.

- Anxiety: Difficulty managing the fear secondary to anxiety, rumination about problems, easily overwhelmed, fear of being out of control, difficulty making decisions, procrastination, trouble managing stress.

- Mood: Mood swings, irritability, easily angered or saddened, Bipolar conditions.

- Escaping or soothing depression/anxiety by: Overworking, isolating, avoidance, using drugs/pornography or other unwanted activities.

- Self Image:  Poor self esteem, self judgement, shame or guilt about about something one has done or failed to do.

- Relationships: A desire to decrease repetitive arguments, increase clear and respectful communication, increase emotional and physical intimacy, bring back fun and playfulness.

- I apply a model of couples counseling (Imago Therapy) that views difficulties in relationships as opportunities to resolve old issues while at the same time seeking to transform a current relationship.

- Transitions:  Life transitions such as separation, divorce, illness, disability, death, career changes.

- Meaning/Values/Potential:  Lack of meaning or purpose, questions about whether to continue a relationship, living in ways that are inconsistent with one's values or spiritual ideals, difficulty realizing one's potential in work, academics, the arts, athletics, etc.

Adolescent Issues: Family conflicts, problems in school, anger management, disillusionment with the status quo, ADD, drug use and other issues typical of this age group.

Crisis Intervention: There are times when a problem become a crisis.  As a therapist who has experience working as a crisis intervention specialist, I have learned that these moments are both very challenging and hold tremendous opportunity for meaningful transformation.

Sexual Dysfunction:  I work with these sensitive issues in a supportive, non threatening way and offer specific strategies to help with these very personal problems.

PROFILE

Since 1992 I have been a psychotherapist working with people in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. During that time I have worked with adults, couples, families, and adolescents in a variety of settings. I am currently in private practice. I have also been a psychotherapist at a Community Mental Health Center, on a Psychiatric Crisis Team, in a College Counseling Center and at a treatment facility for gifted but troubled adolescents and their families.

LICENSURE (#1547)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Massachusetts since 1992

EDUCATION

Virginia Commonwealth University, B.S. , Psychology, 1984

Springfield College, Masters of Counseling Psychology, 1990

CONTACT

PHONE:  (413) 841-7786

EMAIL:   mbrady888@gmail.com

insurance / fees

I accept insurance from the companies listed below.  However, please be advised that if we use insurance I am required to provide the insurance company with a diagnosis. Some people prefer to avoid using insurance and in response I have a sliding scale fee structure. At this time I can only accept fee for service for clients over the age of 65 as I do not currently accept Medicaid.