Roman Michael MEd, PLPC

Roman is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLCP) under the supervision of Marie Bonner-Horon (2016032550)

Message from Roman: Maybe it’s your sexuality or gender, maybe it’s how you relate, what you like sexually, or maybe you just move through the world differently; you’ve been feeling othered, outcast, and feel like there’s nowhere you really fit in.  Feelings of confusion, isolation, and being misunderstood by everyone have crept in and taken over.  You’ve been afraid you won’t ever be able to just be yourself and be accepted for who you are.  

I’ve sat in many of these same feelings myself, through my own journey.  Understanding and experiencing my non-heterosexual interests, and then, later, exploring and accepting my gender identity and learning what that means for me.  Through self-acceptance, coping skills, and healing from past traumas I learned the value of having someone support me through the process.

My journey moved me to get my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, so I can support others in overcoming fear and shame, finding direction, and accepting themselves.  We all deserve to have hope for a future that includes love and acceptance from people who truly care about knowing our true selves.

I love that I get to be a therapist and watch people grow and learn how to live life in a way that makes them happier.  Seeing shame and guilt lifted and watching people find freedom makes me want to get out of bed every day.  While I begin my journey forward, it is my goal to provide a safe and understanding space for high schoolers and adults who feel like a misfit, and to provide services with a sex positive, affirming, and inclusive attitude.  I believe that everyone deserves a hand on their journey to find themselves; would you like some support?

Informationals

More about Roman…

I believe that everyone entering the therapy space brings within them the strength and power to change and heal, and that I am here to support and focus the growth.  I approach each person in an open and accepting manner, meeting everyone where they are at.  I absolutely love getting to watch people grow and blossom as they heal and transform their lives.

I have a special interest in shame—that horrible feeling that makes you want to lock that part of you in a prison in a forgotten room in your head.  That time you kissed someone other than your partner, the mental beatings you give yourself when you look in the mirror, or that nagging feeling of not being good enough; we all have shame points we try to keep hidden.

Shame expert Brené Brown, puts it like this: “Shame loves secrecy. The most dangerous thing to do after a shaming experience is hide or bury our story. When we bury our story, the shame metastasizes.”  You’ve been holding onto shame stories weighing you down and consuming you; it’s torture.  I know you’d like to feel lighter, freer, and more connected and accepting of yourself.  Let’s get you there.

That being said, I also have a special interest in all things sex, sexuality, and gender.  These often uncomfortable topics are all too often ignored, suppressed, and can be sources of great shame.  You’re scared and uncertain how to bring these things up, and it’s petrifying to think about exploring them on your own.

For this reason, I prioritize making my space affirming and safe for people with kinks/fetishes/fantasies, those who enjoy BD/SM, sex workers, and all who practice consensual non-monogamy as well.  I understand how much you need that space to unpack and explore yourself comfortably and without the fear of judgment.

You can find out more about Roman here!