W. Michael Organistko, MA, LMFT
Founder & Marriage and Family Therapist
Please contact me to arrange an appointment to discuss your particular needs so that I may provide you with a better sense of how we might work together
Whatever obstacles and struggles someone may be going through in life, I consider it a privilege to help them deal with them. I understand that the clients I see are entrusting me to give them the right resources to guide them down a new path, with a new perspective, so they can achieve their own goals. With a healthy balance of listening, guiding, and learning, I take pride in using my own experience and resources to help people really start off on the right foot on that path. Whether you, or someone you know, struggles with something like anxiety or depression, or simply wants a different outlook on their life, it’s something to work through together, and by setting up an appointment, we can get started.
Therapy is meant to be a completely individual experience, and I treat it as such, with deep compassion and absolutely no judgment. Not only do I want to provide support and encouragement for each of my clients, but it’s my goal to offer them practical resources that they can put into practice immediately in their lives. I use both modern approaches and tried and true methods to fit each client’s individual needs with understanding, no matter who they are, or their particular walk of life.
Therapy is a process that can help facilitate the changes desired in your life and to provide support and guidance during challenging times. My approach to therapy is based strongly on an interpersonal client relationship, client autonomy and respect no matter what particular technique is used. I have an integrated style and use the technique(s) most appropriate for my client and his or her needs. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but when a different approach would be more effective, I adjust my technique to the needs of my client.
Therapy can also help to understand how past experiences influence the present behaviors. Working together, we can identify negative thought patterns to begin the healing process. Uncovering the negative experiences and working through the process of healing will help lead to a more peaceful and pleasant life.
I strive to bring a sense of acceptance, compassion, insight and challenge to the therapeutic relationship. The aim of therapy is to explore and address those issues that stand in the way of reaching your goals, whether you are facing challenges in your career, relationships, or in your emotional well-being. Through our work together, we can address specific situations that you are facing today as well as long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more satisfying and productive life.
I assist couples and families in strengthening their connection by increasing awareness of your their perspective and that of their partner or family member. Together we will practice new ways of interacting as you move towards growth. Everyone can achieve more personal growth and strength, and it’s an honor to work on that together.
Education
MA, Marriage and Family Therapy, Hope International University
BA, Psychology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
License
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT 113231, California
Additional Training
EMDR
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
PREPARE/ENRICH
Professional Associations
California Association of Marriage And Family Therapists