Exploring Life & Business with Mike Shihadeh of Therapy By You

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mike Shihadeh.

Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

The profound impact of suicide within my community struck a chord with me early on; the helplessness I felt in comforting those grieving led me to delve into the complexities of human pain and, more profoundly, their resilience. This curiosity blossomed into a lifelong commitment to understanding mental health and supporting those navigating their journeys.

I am dedicated to accompanying my clients on their distinct paths to mental wellness. Individual needs and goals are unique; I adopt an eclectic approach, collaborating with my clients to discover the most effective strategies for their well-being.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?

I’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family and the guidance of mentors who have shaped my personal and professional life. Their love and wisdom have been my anchor, inspiring me to persevere through life’s wild ride.

Despite these blessings, my journey has been distinctly marked by moments of grief and heartbreak. The loss of several family members reinstalled the sense of my inadequacies and helplessness in being there enough for those grieving. These experiences, though painful, have fueled my desire to effect positive change and offer hope to those facing similar struggles.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My practice, “Therapy By You,” currently operates on a cash-payment basis and provides personalized mental health services. Concurrently, I work at Healing Home Counseling Group, which allows me to offer services to a broader clientele through insurance coverage from Blue Cross and Aetna.

What distinguishes my practice is my focus on couples therapy using the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that fosters healthy relationships. Spoiler alert: the problem likely lies in… communicating your feelings respectfully to each other. Developing this skill is crucial, yet many of us need to learn it or are taught counterproductive methods. My approach focuses on nurturing healthy communication and providing couples the tools to build a stronger, more understanding relationship.

My unique cultural background, being raised in a Middle Eastern family while growing up in the United States, has endowed me with a deep appreciation for the nuances between individualistic and collective cultures. This insight enriches my approach, enabling me to effectively navigate the complex interplay of cultural dynamics in relationships.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

The foundation of successful therapy often lies in the client’s external support system and the therapeutic rapport. My role is to empower clients, helping them to realize and utilize their inherent strengths and capabilities, thereby achieving sustained progress. I’m here to facilitate the work. However, it is the client that has to do it for long-lasting change.

While I actively engage with the community through social media, @TherapyByYou, I stress that these platforms are only catalysts, encouraging individuals to pursue professional mental health support.

Contact Info:

• Website: PsychologyToday.com
• Instagram: @therapybyyou
• Facebook: Therapy By You
• Linkedin:  Mike Shihadeh
• Twitter: @TherapyByYou
• Tiktok: @therapybyyou

Image Credits
Brian Craig- https://www.instagram.com/briancraigphotography/