Michael started in this profession when it was much less of a business and much more of a practice, some 30 years ago. Since then he’s opened four private practices in two different states, been part of a large group practice, served as clinical director for an alternative K-8 for almost five years and even did a turn in a private psychiatric rehab. In the ‘90s, he spent several years in corporate as a professional development and executive coach. Eventually, through a series of happy accidents, that led to a position as Director of Special Internet Projects for Time-Warner Communications, where he headed up the team that developed HBO’s first commercial website. Through all of this, Michael’s had the privilege of watching the profession evolve in myriad ways, and he’s also learned a whole lot of smart things by doing a whole bunch of dumb stuff.

Things really started to heat up in 2008, when he was contacted by Psychology Today to write on the intersection of psychology and spirituality for their fledgling blog. Things were getting real. Michael suddenly went from having a few considered opinions to having a voice on an international platform. Yikes! He decided to use the opportunity to flesh out some of my ideas and create a body of work, rather than just running at the mouth. A few awards and four million plus page views later suggests a certain margin of success, but he still sometimes unavoidably run at the mouth. Sigh.

Fast forward to 2011 and a major life—and location—change. Too many morsels on his plate led him to bring on an assistant who would eventually become his brilliant business partner, Donna Devaney, and, ultimately, The Counselors Concierge was birthed, and thankfully continues to grow.

When Michael started this journey, he had no idea where it would lead. Today, he is grateful for the opportunities he’s been given, the lessons he’s learned and the prospect of sharing all the smart things he’s learned from all the dumb stuff he managed to do over the years with colleagues who might benefit.

Startup Nation, Michael  was a blast to have on our podcast and totally rocked the mic while discussing a topic he is most passionate about: Facebook Ads: The Struggle is Real. For more info about our podcasts, webinars, online courses, private practice coaching, or attorney approved private practice paperwork, visit www.PrivatePracticeStartup.com.