Michael Paz, PhD, LPC

(He/Him) |

Counselor:

Adults

Michael has almost 15 years of experience working with a range of clinical issues, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, and cultural identity and diversity issues. As a humanistic psychotherapist, he seeks to foster a therapeutic relationship rooted in genuineness, empathy, and acceptance that allows clients to feel safe sharing their experiences in a manner that is comfortable for them.

Michael views the therapeutic process as a collaborative and non-judgmental exploration of each client’s inner landscape. Within the established trust and safety of the therapeutic relationship, Michael helps clients process and acknowledge emotions as they arise in the here-and-now, enabling them to gain greater insight. He believes that over time, this greater depth of awareness leads clients to have a healthier relationship with various aspects of their outer world.

Michael works with adults of all ages and respects, values, and welcomes diversity of background, thought, and experience. He was born and raised in Colombia, South America where the beautiful landscape is as diverse as the people who live there. Being bilingual and bicultural has amplified his ability to empathize with those who have had similar experiences. He appreciates and enjoys working with individuals who are multilingual, have lived in a different country, and who have undergone the challenges of understanding how to navigate life within an unfamiliar world.

Areas of Specialty

Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Loss
Cultural Identity/Diversity Issues
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues

Fees

$170 per session for individuals

Practice Location(s)

Why Therapy?

From a young age, I was curious as to why people behaved as they did. Because of this curiosity, I started my career by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Professional Motivation

I enjoy being able to form therapeutic relationships through which individuals feel safe and free to be and become who they truly are. I also enjoy learning from the people with whom I work.

Education

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in counseling from the University of North Texas

Hobbies

I enjoy trail running, time in nature, classic films, fútbol, music, and traveling.

Previous Occupations

Before and during college I held a variety of jobs working in warehouses, hotels, copy rooms, and in catering. During this time, I also taught Spanish at a language camp during the summer semesters. I then began my career as a bilingual elementary before I pursued a master’s degree in counseling. As a therapist, I have facilitated counseling sessions for clients across the lifespan starting with pre-school and school-aged children, adolescents, adults, and with older adults. I have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, detention centers, and community agencies. As a professor, I have taught counseling courses in universities in Texas and Oklahoma.