About me
Michael Avender, MSW, LCSW
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in cycles of anxious or self-critical thinking? You’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, or exploring LGBTQ+ identity—often feeling consumed by their thoughts, overwhelmed by emotions, or noticing patterns that no longer feel helpful or aligned. These challenges can impact self-esteem, relationships, and daily life.
I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can begin to experience emotions in a way that feels manageable—without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, gently work through defenses and pain, and create meaningful, lasting change. My approach is tailored to you: whether you’re looking for open-ended processing or more structure and direction, we’ll adapt as your needs evolve.
My work is emotion-focused and experiential, integrating EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and AEDP. This “bottom-up” approach helps you move through stuck emotions, reprocess difficult experiences, and shift unhelpful beliefs—while building a more grounded, compassionate relationship with yourself. My style is engaged, thoughtful, and grounded in sensitivity, with room for humor and flexibility along the way.
In addition to therapy, I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant-in-Training, offering consultation to clinicians pursuing EMDR certification. I also provide clinical supervision for social workers working toward LCSW licensure, with a focus on case conceptualization, skill development, and the clinician’s internal experience—supporting both competence and confidence as you grow.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, or identity exploration, we may be a good fit.
Education
B.S., Human Services | Northeastern University
Master of Social Work (MSW) | University of Pennsylvania
Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CW022330)EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant-in-Training (EMDR International Association)
Level 1 IFS Trained (IFS Institute)
Level 1 AEDP Therapist (AEDP Institute)
Insurance
I accept several commercial insurances including:
Aetna, United Health Care, Optum, Oscar, Cigna, Highmark, Independence Personal Choice, Keystone Blue
Out of network/private pay rates
15-Minute Initial Phone Consultation: Free
60-Minute Initial Evaluation: $160
45-Minute Individual Therapy Session: $125
60-Minute Individual Therapy Session: $150
60-Minute EMDR Consultation: $75
60-Minute Licensing Supervision: $75
I hold a limited amount of sliding scale openings. If you want more details, I encourage you to reach out on the contact page.