Michael Valenti, PsyD, LLP

As a Limited Licensed Psychologist in Farmington, Michigan, I currently offer both in-person and virtual therapy for individuals and groups. Previously, I spent 3 years working with students at the University of Cincinnati CAPS and Wayne State University CAPS, which followed 4+ years working with clients in residential substance use treatment. In 2023, I graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) after earning a master's degree (MA in Clinical Psychology) in 2015.

I specialize in working with emerging adults who experience elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and distress often rooted in college adjustment, relationship issues, identity development, family conflict, and trauma among many other areas. Because every individual lives a diverse and intersectional existence, I practice from an existential lens. This modality allows me to personalize therapy with appropriate techniques (e.g., ACT, CBT, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, Gestalt) that are humanistically integrated to fit the needs of each individual.

The modern world spins so rapidly, and with such intensity, many individuals search for a therapeutic relationship that cultivates a distinctive space for authentic self-reflection. After all, reflecting in isolation is limiting since the only voice we hear is our own, which is often critical. I approach the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for transformative change and therapy as a training ground for clients to explore psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, despair, trauma), interpersonal dynamics (e.g., how we relate to others), existential themes (e.g., authenticity, choice, death, faith, love, meaning), and other client-directed preferences. Initial sessions involve building a therapeutic alliance and collaborating to explore root causes, identify coping skills, and alleviate symptoms. Although therapy is challenging at times, it is filled with hope, meaning, and self-empowerment.

As a serving spirit, I believe relating to others must begin with inclusivity, openness, and humility. Every client is a diverse individual with idiosyncratic experience. This philosophy not only humanizes clients, many of whom identify as members of marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, gender nonconforming, international students), but also individualizes therapy. And for therapy to be truly effective, it must adapt to the nuanced expression of each individual and their experience.