Michael Sacco, LPCC

Therapeutic Approach

My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. Therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and understood.

Therefore, I strive to build a genuine and supportive relationship where we can explore challenges together while also recognizing the strengths you already possess. I provide neuro affirming therapy.

I take a person-centered approach which means I meet clients where they are rather than expecting them to fit into a specific therapeutic mold. Every person has a unique story and therapy should reflect that. Together, we'll identify what matters most to you and develop practical tools and strategies that support your goals and values. I also believe that therapy doesn't have to feel overly formal. I bring authenticity, curiosity, and humor into the room. Laughter can be a powerful part of healing and I find that a genuine therapeutic relationship often creates the best environment for meaningful growth.

I have significant experience utilizing the following therapeutic approaches:

• Art Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Relational Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Areas of Experience

I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, inpatient facilities, and outpatient clinics. This diverse range of experience has allowed me to develop a versatile and comprehensive approach to therapy which enables me to provide tailored and effective treatments to help my clients overcome their mental health challenges.

I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health concerns. I have a focused expertise in supporting autistic, ADHD, and 2e individuals. I have experience with treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), psychotic disorders, and various addictions. I have also worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

In addition to my individual therapy work, I have experience in facilitating therapy groups. Facilitating group therapy has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics that occur within interpersonal relationships which has ultimately made me a more effective therapist. It has also allowed me to witness firsthand the powerful effects of peer support and how it can positively impact individual healing and growth.

Neurodiversity

I have a particular passion for working with autistic individuals, gifted individuals, and highly sensitive people. These experiences often come with unique strengths such as creativity, deep empathy, intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and a strong sense of justice. They also come with unique challenges such as feeling misunderstood, masking, burnout, and sometimes feeling like you are navigating a world that doesn't always align with the way your brain works. I strive to provide a space where you can better understand yourself, embrace your strengths, and develop strategies that genuinely fit your life.

My passion for supporting neurodiverse folks began in 2016 while conducting clinical research focused on the social determinants of health and increasing access to care for autistic children. Through this work, I gained a deeper understanding of the barriers many neurodivergent people face when seeking support and the importance of neuro-affirming therapy.

This work is also personally meaningful to me as a neurodivergent adult who was diagnosed later in life. That experience has given me both personal insight and deep understanding of the challenges and strengths that can accompany being neurodivergent. I understand how powerful it can be to finally have language for your experiences, recognize your strengths, and move away from self-judgment toward self-compassion and acceptance.

As a result, I prioritize approaching therapy from a neuro-affirming lens that values authenticity. My goal is to help you build self-understanding, navigate challenges, advocate for your needs, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful on your own terms.

Inclusiveness

As a result of my clinical training and upbringing, I have developed a keen interest in the social determinants of health. I am dedicated to ensuring that my practice is an inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals. I highly prioritize practicing cultural humility which involves recognizing and respecting the unique personal experiences that are intrinsic to each individual’s identity. Your story is important to me. My objective is to approach every client with an open mind while seeking to understand and learn from their individual experiences in order to provide them with the most effective support to address their unique challenges.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as they are. Having personally experienced many of the challenges and also great joys that can come with being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand how meaningful it can be to have a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences without fear of judgment.

Supporting Creative Professionals

I enjoy working with artists, musicians, actors, and other creative professionals. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals across a variety of creative fields. These experiences have given me an understanding of the unique challenges that can accompany creative work, including perfectionism, self-criticism, performance anxiety, burnout, and navigating public visibility.

Supporting Athletes

Supporting athletes is also greatly important to me since I understand the unique demands that come with competitive sports. I have regularly worked with athletes impacted by performance anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and other mental health challenges. Furthermore, I have firsthand experience with the pressure to perform, the pursuit of excellence, and the challenges that can arise when identity becomes closely attached to achievement thanks to my athletic background.

Education & Credentials

I am licensed in the state of California as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC22056). I obtained my M.A in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine with honors. Prior to obtaining my M.A, I earned my B.S in psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston. I have over 8 years of therapeutic experience.

Personal Interests

My hobbies and interests are pretty diverse. I grew up playing hockey and baseball. I am also an avid gamer and have been for the majority of my life. Some of my favorite games are Final Fantasy X, Silent Hill 3, and A Plague Tale. Outside of gaming, I really enjoy exploring new places, reading, hiking, weight training, going to concerts, and photography. My hobbies bring me so much joy and fulfillment and I look forward to learning all about yours too!