Michael (MJ) (He/Him) is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where children and adolescents can explore their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. As a Black man in the mental health field, he integrates cultural awareness, authenticity, and empathy into his practice, recognizing the significance of representation and trust in therapeutic relationships. Raised in Washington, DC, Metropolitan area, he draws upon a diverse cultural background that shapes his understanding of community, identity, and resilience. His 33-year marriage reflects a profound commitment to connection, stability, care, and values, which inform his therapeutic approach. He is particularly dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and ADHD. Utilizing art therapy, he encourages clients to use creative materials to express experiences that may be challenging to articulate verbally. His approach centers on empowerment, guiding young people to build confidence, develop coping skills, and achieve greater self-understanding. He also pursues illustration and photography, continually nurturing his own creativity and artistic expression. Grounded in compassion and curiosity, he seeks to meet each client where they are, promoting growth, resilience, and self-expression through the therapeutic use of art.

Training and Education

MJ is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Art Therapy at Notre Dame of Maryland University, building upon a strong foundation in visual arts and therapeutic practice. He previously completed a year-long internship at Community Support Services, where he worked with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, facilitating both group and individual sessions through creative, tailored art projects. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design, with a minor in Art Therapy, from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. Before entering graduate school, he gained experience as a teacher artist and assistant art therapist with Project Create in Washington, DC. In this capacity, he supported children and adolescents in exploring emotional wellness through art, with a particular focus on youth-led programming that promoted self-expression, empowerment, and advocacy. His professional practice is grounded in a commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments where individuals can process experiences, build confidence, and develop their voice through creative expression.

Supervisor: Kelsey Dugan, LCPAT, ATR-BC®

Therapeutic Approach

MJ is an art therapist intern who integrates person-centered and humanistic approaches to support children, adolescents, and families within a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, prioritizing safety at all times. When verbal communication is challenging, he employs creative and alternative forms of expression to facilitate clients’ communication of thoughts, emotions, and experiences in accessible ways. His practice is grounded in positive psychology and a strength-based framework that fosters positive emotions, resilience, and self-discovery. He carefully balances directive techniques, utilizing intentional prompts to establish structure, safety, and goal-oriented exploration, with non-directive methods that enable clients to guide the creative process and develop autonomy. By cultivating trust and maintaining a strong therapeutic presence, he creates conditions for authentic creative expression, thereby supporting growth and healing. He further integrates client insights with therapeutic education, collaborating to align interventions with each individual’s objectives. Through this process, clients are empowered to explore their inner world and to develop insight, skills, and confidence in partnership with the therapeutic process.

Practice Location

Frederick