Relationship and Marriage Counseling In Chicago

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Clinical Director and Founder of Semillas Counseling PLLC.

Michael’s personal mission is his passion, to create a safe and meaningful therapeutic experience, generating a greater sense of self-acceptance and self-awareness, improving the quality of your relationships.  Working collaboratively with each couple, Michael strives to foster a deeper sense of intimacy, commitment, and connection that will last a lifetime.  He incorporates a caring, directive, solution-oriented approach to minimize the disconnection and expedite the healing process. 

Michael earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University.  He has been in the mental health field for nearly a decade and working in a private practice setting for over 5 years with a strong emphasis in working with couples and families in distress.  Michael incorporates approaches from his trainings from the Gottman Institute, Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Couples Institute.  He is trained in EMDR, a technique which can decrease symptoms and advance the therapeutic process.  

Michael is a Certified Trainer of Mental Health First Aid (Adult)  and also a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator.  He also serves on Garfield Park Hospital's Polaris Community Advisory Board, Polaris is the country's first LGBTQ inpatient psychiatric program for youth ages 12-17.  

Michael also delivers services in English and Spanish.

Read his blog here.

Michael's specialties include:   

• Anxiety and Stress Management
• Communication Challenges
• Conflict Resolution 
• Couples in Distress
• Crisis Intervention
• Depressive and Mood Disorders
• Discernment Counseling 
• EMDR / PTSD/ Complex Trauma
• Gender & Sexual Identity Issues
• Group Counseling 
• Infidelity 
• Intimacy Issues & Sex Therapy
• LGBTQ Issues 
• Multiculturalism 
• Premarital Counseling 
• Relationship and Marriage Counseling
• Sexual Identity 

Accepted Insurance:

• BlueCross BlueShield - BlueChoice PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield - Preferred PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield - Blue Options/BlueChoice Options
• BlueCross BlueShield - Participating Provider Organization
• Several Other Employee Assistance Programs

Michael has also been recipient of Merlin W. Schultz Professional Development Grants awarded by the Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling. The Schultz Foundation facilitates positive change by ensuring that counselors and organizations are equipped to handle the emotional and social needs facing families and individuals across Illinois. 

• 2019 Recipient - Yearlong Training in Narrative Therapy offered by Evanston Family Therapy Center
• 2017 Recipient – EMDR Training by the EMDR Institute, Inc.