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Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychotherapy Services

* Text  954-951-2936  about availability and services. If you call, leave a detailed message and I will follow up in 1 business day.

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Hello! I’m Michael Blake-Edwards, good to meet you!

I am a clinical mental health counsleor with clinical experience with substance abuse and mental health disorders, with additional clinical experience with LGBTQI+ related issues and multiculturalism. My clinical interests are a product of my experiences and clinical training within the diverse community that makes up south Florida. I connect those who feel they do not belong, to a solution that helps them heal. I want people to use evidence and science to understand themselves and their challenges.

We need more men to speak up about their struggles so we can create a culture where anyone can feel comfortable talking about how they deal with challenges.

About me

I am an alumnus of New World School of the Arts, in Miami, FL were I trained and studied dance and movement for 4 years. During my sophomore year of high school, I was dual enrolled towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received two fellowships to train professionally with the Ailey School in NYC. 

I decided to pivot away from performing arts and my academic education is as follows: 

 

 

Master of Science

Dual specialization: Clinical Mental Health Counseling  and Marital, Couple, Family Counseling (2012). College of Health and Wellness, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL

National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

 

Designed and executed a study exploring media influence on social comparison orientation in regards to extreme eating and exercise behavior; estimated 100 participants.

*National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grant recipient (2007). REU Site: Oklahhoma State University, Primary: Melanie Page, Ph.D. 

 

Bachelor of Science 

Major in Psychology (2008). College of Arts and Sciences. Barry University, Miami Shores, FL

*Member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology

*National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grant recipient. REU Site: Oklahhoma State University, Primary: Melanie Page, Ph.D.

 

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

I use CBT, more specifically the Unified Protocol (UP),  regularly in my treatment of depression and anxiety. This may look like specific homework assignments and tasks between sessions.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

I have utilized Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy (MBCT) in group and individual sessions since 2020. This approach may look like doing specific meditations or psychological exercises during and in between sessions. This may also include breathing exercises, homework, simple yoga postures, and tasks between sessions.

Eclectic Approaches/Therapy

I have a basic certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) since 2021. ART is similar to Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Both therapies use bilateral stimulation and have both been proven effective for the treatment of PTSD and other disorders. I tailor each client’s treatment plan to their own specific and unique needs and utilize this treatment method when appropriate. This may look like tapping on the body or moving the eyes with a stimulus while you imagine an issue or problem.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

I have worked with CPT in community settings to address trauma-related disorders since 2019. This may look like writing and re-writing about traumatic or upsetting events and processing the emotions and thoughts in session. Typically some work is done to establish safety before we tackle this task.

Affirmative Therapy

This is a therapeutic approach that validates and advocates for the needs of sexual and gender minority individuals. I do not endorse, support, nor provide referrals for conversion therapy.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy/Multicultural Counseling

This approach may emphasize all components of cultural identity in regard to treating and improving mental health.

Basic ART Practitioner Badge

I am certified by the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy to practice  Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART is clinicially indicated for treatment of depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.

Basic ART Practitioner Badge

I have completed additional coursework surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and am designated a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

ADHD clinical services provider logo

I have completed additional coursework surrounding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity  Disorder and am designated an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).

My Approach & Values

* All services are provided virtually/online through secure video/voice technology. 

I work best with individuals, families, and couples dealing with mood disorders (depressive disorders, bipolar disorders), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, specific phobias) and trauma-related disorders (PTSD, C-PTSD). Trauma and stressor related disorders among first responders, medical professionals, military/veterans and law enforcement are treatable without discussing any sensitive details or sensitive information. Treatment is possible without speaking about the details of what happened.  

Multicultural counseling can include, but is certainly not limited to LGBT+ related issues, racial trauma and victimization, immigration trauma (migration, separation, 1st and 2nd generation assimilation and acculturation), and military identity/culture. 

Addiction does not discriminate and most of the clients I have treated have had co-occuring (substance use disorders + mental health disorders).

I am passionate about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder treatment/management and I have completed additional coursework to provide targeted services to adults living with ADHD.

I Work With Individuals, Couples, Families, & Groups

Individual Therapy

Involves 1 – on -1 / Face to Face with therapist working together to resolve and treat problems collaboratively

Couples Therapy

Involves married or un-married individuals working together to resolve problems collectively

Family/Group Therapy

Involves related or un-related individuals to work together to resolve individual or family problems collectively

"The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity."

Rollo May, American Psychologist

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths"

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Swiss-American Psychiatrist

"A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying."

B. F. Skinner, American Psychologist

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Victor Frankl, Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, writer, and Holocaust survivor. 

Contact Me

Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital

Michael Blake-Edwards, LMHC

Michael Blake-Edwards, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

We need more men to speak up about their struggles so we can create a culture where anyone can feel comfortable talking about how they deal with challenges.

 

Click here to see my calendar and pricing with insurance. Currently in-network with Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Oscar, and Oxford plans. Sliding scale (adjusting fees based on income) and cash are also options.

 

 

 

954-951-2936

It is best to text about availability and services. If you call, leave a detailed message and I will follow up in 1 business day.

1314 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

michael@epicflourish.com