Mike Gropper, MSW, MA, DSW

My approach is to listen empathetically and try to understand what brought a client(s) into my office. This is the critical beginning and sometimes this can take more than one meeting. I try to use the empathy that I have to establish trust and understanding and ultimately to identify what are the most important goals of therapy for the client. Therapy does not have to be long-term, but if someone is looking for this, I think that this is a worthy goal. I do integrate allot of CBT principles in my work.

Many people today want a more goal oriented and problem-solving approach which I use often. The most important question for me is to evaluate with my client if he or she thinks that the treatment is helping, When therapy is over, time to recapitulate and go over what has been learned and changed so that my client can feel the ownership of these changes and also positive about the future.

I have excellent diagnostic skills and very widely trained in clinical work with many populations. I am a good listener and very empathetic but always have my eye on the goals of treatment. These can also change. I am an out of the box thinker and over the years my ability has helped clients who have turned to many before me only to find success in some of my creative thinking as a practitioner. 

I am good at working with couples and developing the trust with each partner. I know when to use humor appropriately with my clients. Creating the bond and trust with me is something I am good with and have done this successfully with both adults, teens and children. I have a lot of biological and neurological skills that I utilize in my practice and sometimes very useful when working with psychiatrists.

My role as a therapist is first and foremost to understand what the problems are and to choose the correct pathways with my client that I think will help him or her to reach the goals of treatment. I also think that I am for many a role model and teacher.

Warm and attractive office. I sometimes do online therapy which is something that I am very comfortable with and have been successful all over the world.