Portland Therapy Center
Michael Morales

Michael Morales (he/his)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT

Greetings! I’m Michael. I’m a couples counselor, a first-generation Filipino-American, and a purveyor of hope.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971-356-4018

9400 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway

Suite 250

Beaverton, 97005

Email Website Schedule Now

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $175-$275

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2014

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • Out of Network

My Ideal Client

You’re looking for a counselor because you’re stuck and need help now. Relationship issues are my specialty and we can work on them in individual or couple counseling. Topics like intimacy, unmet needs, trust, safety, and the inability to resolve past conflicts. What you need is a safe space to share and work through these concerns–some of which you’ll share for the very first time. And you’ll do it because you’re motivated to work for the betterment of yourself, your partner, and your family.

My Approach to Helping

People often ask me–after sharing about their situation–if I have any hope for them. The answer is: I always have hope! But it’s not unfounded. It comes from years of experience and the success I’ve seen using research-based treatment methods. I prefer to use the Gottman Method, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology as our foundation. As we do the work together, we may find that additional tools, techniques, or outside professional support are needed. I expect to work with couples for an average of 3-4 months (10-15 weekly sessions). As you put in the effort, you will begin to see shifts in your relationship within the first two months (8 sessions) of treatment. This is when the "average couple" begins to make and maintain meaningful changes. As a result, their hope for sustaining change and their confidence in getting "unstuck" from past and future problems grows. And just like that–we’re talking about how we want to continue or conclude our work together.

Why I am a Good Fit for You

Every couple is different, and we’ve all got our unique preferences and communication styles, so I can’t promise I’ll be the best fit for you. Just like shopping for a car, you can do all kinds of research, but you never know which one is right until you take it for a test drive. That’s why I offer free 15-minute consultations, so you can get a feel for what therapy will be like with me. There are a few things I can promise if you choose to work with me: to remain neutral and create space for you and your partner to talk through your issues. I commit to doing my best work in every session and to be honest when I have not. I will support you in the work of exercising productive communication skills in the moments that matter. Flexibility and responsiveness to your unique needs will be the hallmarks of the work I do with you. We’ll definitely get along if you also hail from California, are a covert coffee snob, shed tears for bygone pets, and wish Ted Lasso was a real person.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Gottman Method External link

    I have found this method blends a great mixture of scientific research on relationship as well as the therapists lived experience and ability to ply their craft. It gives structure to treatment to those couples that benefit from structure (think topics to talk about in session and homework afterwards) as well as the flexibility to address immediate themes that arise during the week leading up to the therapy session. I typical use this method for about 80% of the couples that I see.

  • Attachment Theory External link

    For many of us, our first years of life can influence how we interact with our chosen intimate partners and family members today. In counseling, we will explore how those early experiences have created a kind of relational framework that informs how you relate to yourself (think self-esteem issues) and others (think conflict resolution styles). We will also explore how you learned to resolve conflict and get your needs met (think safety, connection, or feeling empowered).

  • Psychodynamic  External link

    There are times where you have a sense that something is off but cannot quite put a finger on it. You are not alone! In treatment we may explore underlying issues or the "roots" that continue to support habits, behaviors, or ways of thinking you have been wanting to change. Throughout our work together we will highlight how these past unconscious thoughts, beliefs, or principals continue to shape how you make meaning and move about in your world.

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) External link

    Using this framework, we will help you understanding how your perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and actions interconnect and impact your understanding and ability to address the concerns you hope to address in your life. This type of treatment typically includes assigning "homework" to promote treatment progress.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    Working with couples, especially in moments when everything is hitting the fan, is when I most come alive in this work. It allows me to bring all of my previous professional experience to the forefront. Working with youth in crisis (foster care, in-home, and community-based mental health), individuals in group homes (mental health and developmental needs), and a variety of agencies has prepared me for the range of challenges that surface in the couple relationship. It’s where I do my best work.

Contact Michael

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