About Michael Shelton, MS, LPC:

I believe a therapy session is a space for reflection and the gaining of insight.  Real growth, however, comes about through changing behavior and thinking as well as managing emotions in our day-to-day lives.  I am therefore a strong proponent of between-session assignments (or what was called in the not-too-distant past “homework”).   Be prepared to work and push past your comfort zones.

A note for those seeking guidance for retirement-related concerns:

For many, retirement is a smooth transition, but this is certainly not true for everybody.  A poorly managed retirement can hurt one’s health; damage relationships (especially with spouses); impact finances; and lead to mental health issues.  Also, and certainly of no minor importance, it can shorten one’s life span.  Planning for and successfully navigating retirement is essential so that one is not left asking “Who am I now?” and “What do I do with my time now?”.

Retired individuals and those approaching this life transition overwhelmingly want to work with a person “who has some life experience.”   At present the average age of counselors is significantly less than the age of those seeking retirement guidance.  The end result is that too many people decline seeking help that could otherwise be meaningful and beneficial.

I’ve been in this field for 40 years; I have life experience.

A note for those seeking to work on addiction:

I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), the highest designation in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as teach addiction psychology at Thomas Jefferson University to medical, nursing, and psychology students.

My first job in this field was in addictions treatment, and I’ve stayed with this in one form or another throughout my career.  I practice state-of-the-art treatment, which according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) consists of a cognitive behavioral approach. In other words, addressing the complex interaction between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Please enter treatment with me knowing that some substance-use issues have become so severe and dangerous to one’s health that outpatient treatment is not appropriate.  If this is true, we will discuss the most suitable options.

Finally, I am passionate about working with individuals with sexual addiction, a condition I have seen increasingly recognized and acknowledged throughout the past 40 years.

A note for those seeking to work on gay-male issues:

What are the big issues for gay men in this new millennium?  Sadly, many are the same as were occurring when I entered the field decades ago: internalized heterosexism, shame, substance use, and relationship issues.  Gay men also have higher rates of depression and anxiety.  Technology has helped in some areas but exacerbated other long standing challenges (think of dating).

I have worked with gay men my entire career, led professional training, written books about common concerns, and collaborated with federal agencies to develop a national curriculum to address issues related to sexual minorities in treatment.

Credentials

• Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania
• Internationally certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• Author of three published self-help books, including one that went on to win a “best book of the year” award by the Independent Book Publishers Association
• Recognized as the leader of the year in the behavioral health field by NALGAP
• Created national guidelines for behavioral health treatment now in use throughout the country
• Recognized as an expert in male psychological concerns by Psychology Today
• Acknowledged as one of the experts in the country on LGBTQ issues
• Created the first graduate course in the country focused on cross-cultural counseling for trauma

Schedule an appointment with Michael online or call 267-861-3685, Option 1