Michael Barnett
MA, ED.S, LPC, LPCC
Michael Barnett is a licensed clinical psychotherapist in both California and Georgia with over 30 years of clinical experience.
Michael is an ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy) certified supervisor and trainer in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and founded the Atlanta Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy in 2008 which he directed for over 15 years. He is currently co-director of the EFT Center of Los Angeles which remains committed to clinical excellence, prioritizing relationship, and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity within the community and beyond.
Michael has earnestly endeavored to use the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for not only improving the current lives of his clients, but to engage with them through support, care, and clinical experience in order to offer healing for the deepest emotional and personal wounds that have often been present since childhood.
Michael specializes in applying EFT and attachment processes to the intersecting complexities of trauma and addiction. He has written and published the EFT and Addiction Workbook (New Harbinger Press) for people interested in transforming their relationship with addiction. In addition to his writing, training, and clinical work in these areas Michael also conducted a 3-year research project incorporating EFT into inpatient addiction treatment protocols at a leading alcohol and drug treatment center in Atlanta.
Michael has taught EFT throughout the United States and abroad, facilitating trainings for EFT therapist and supervisor certification. Michael offers presentations, trainings, and workshops at the foremost psychotherapy and addiction symposia across the country as well as addresses therapy associations and group practices as a consultant.
Using life experience, clinical competence, and compassion Michael presents the EFT model to diverse audiences and populations. He has been described by others as a warm, knowledgeable, and approachable person and therapist.
Whenever he gets the chance, he enjoys immersing himself in time with family and friends, playing guitar, meditation, exercise, and if he is lucky, losing himself in the majesty of nature.
Philosophy of Engagement
I aim to cultivate a climate of inclusion, an environment where all can feel seen, valued, cared for, and supported throughout their therapy process.
In all facets of my work I strive to embody what I hope to see in the world — a just, loving, humane space in which people are free to be fully themselves — where people can embrace their most basic universal human attachment needs without fear of persecution or marginalization as a result of religion, race, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, class, mental health, physical character or disability. These values are inherent in the attachment science and humanistic approach to therapy that all my work is based on.
Humanistic approaches such as EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) endeavor to be collaborative and respectful, treating people as persons not problems or types.
The foundation of my practice is based on the universality of attachment. While my approach emphasizes key biological realities around the universal need to be attached and well-connected with others, it also acknowledges and integrates personal and sociocultural differences among people.
Get in touch.
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