Michael Sacco, APCC

he / him / his
Title: Associate Therapist
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor: APCC13569
Supervised by: Katie Malone, LPCC, LMFT
Phone: 818-337-7088, ext. 110

Hello!

My name is Michael, and I am glad that you have found your way to my profile. It means you are taking an essential step towards finding a therapist to cater to your or your child’s specific needs. I commend you for embarking on this journey towards healing, and I would be honored to be part of it.

As a therapist, I adhere to a person-centered and strengths-based approach that prioritizes creating a safe and nurturing environment for you to explore your challenges and identify your strengths. My objective is to empower you to develop the necessary tools and strategies to overcome any obstacles and achieve your goals. As we work together, I am committed to ensuring that you feel seen, heard, and valued, while also fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust.

It would be an honor to join you on your journey towards healing and growth, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you or your child.

Therapeutic Approach

I take a person-centered approach, which means that I prioritize meeting my clients where they are at in their lives. I understand that each person’s experience is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health challenges. Therefore, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space while tailoring therapy for my clients to explore their concerns and work towards their individual goals through their unique world lens.

I also believe in being my authentic self with my clients to a degree that is supportive of my client’s goals. I find that this approach helps to build a trusting therapeutic relationship and fosters an environment where clients can be open and honest about their experiences. Additionally, I incorporate humor into my therapeutic approach. There is an incredible amount of power in laughter and I look forward to tapping into it with you.

I recognize that seeking therapy can be difficult for some, and one of my primary goals is to make the process as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Throughout the therapeutic process, I support my clients wholeheartedly. I strive to empower you to recognize your own strengths and abilities and to work towards your personal goals in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

I have experiencing utilizing the following therapeutic approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Relational Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Group Therapy

Neurodiversity

My clinical experience has also included working with gifted and highly sensitive individuals. I understand giftedness and the quirkiness, perfectionism, and sensitivity that sometimes accompanies it. I can also relate, too. I also understand the unique challenges that these individuals face and have a strong interest and passion in this area of expertise. I recognize the significance of providing specialized care to help them overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.

Inclusiveness

As a result of my clinical training and upbringing, I have developed a keen interest in the social determinants of health. I am dedicated to ensuring that my practice is an inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals. I highly prioritize practicing cultural humility, which involves recognizing and respecting the unique personal experiences that are intrinsic to each individual’s identity. My objective is to approach every client with a receptive mindset, seeking to understand and learn from their individual experiences in order to provide them with the most effective support to address their unique challenges. Specifically, I am enthusiastic about serving individuals who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Clinical Experience

I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, inpatient facilities, and outpatient clinics. This diverse range of experience has allowed me to develop a versatile and comprehensive approach to therapy which enables me to provide tailored and effective treatments to help my clients overcome their mental health challenges.

I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental health concerns. I have a particular expertise in supporting autistic individuals. I have experience with treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), psychotic disorders, and various addictions. I have also worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

In addition to my individual therapy work, I have experience in facilitating therapy groups. Facilitating group therapy has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics that occur within interpersonal relationships, which has ultimately made me a more effective therapist. It has also allowed me to witness firsthand the powerful effects of peer support and how it can positively impact individual healing and growth.

Education & Credentials

I obtained my M.A in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine with honors. Prior to obtaining my M.A, I earned my B.S in psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston. I am currently a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC13569) working towards completing my hours to become licensed as an LPPC under the supervision of TheraThrive’s Lead Therapist, Katie Malone, LMFT, LPCC.

Personal Interests

My hobbies and interests encompass a wide range of activities. I grew up playing hockey and baseball. I am also an avid gamer, with Final Fantasy X being my favorite game. My musical tastes are diverse, spanning various genres such as Kpop, Orchestral, and Indie Rock, with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs being one of my favorite bands. Outside of these activities, I enjoy exploring new places, reading, hiking, weightlifting, and photography. My hobbies bring me immense joy and fulfillment, and I am eager to learn about yours too.