
Meet your therapist
Michael John Hughes
he/they · LMSW, Staff Therapist
Michael John Hughes is a Licensed Master Social Worker, receiving his degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. With an extensive background in the performing arts, Michael utilizes a creative and collaborative approach to therapy that aims to foster an individual’s self-worth and cultivate their authenticity. Using a client-centered, relational approach, clients can expect to strengthen their capacity for insight and self-awareness, while exploring and modifying ingrained behavioral and emotional patterns that keep us feeling limited.
Michael strongly acknowledges that every client is inherently unique and requires a tailored approach to treatment, created mutually through psychotherapy sessions. With consideration for all aspects of a person’s life, Michael recognizes how systemic issues, interpersonal relationships, as well as biological and environmental circumstances shape our lives and sense of self.
Michael has experience working with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, life stress, HIV, medical issues, and minority-related stress. Michael works well with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, though has a particular interest in working with individuals across the sexual identity and gender spectrums.
Areas of focus
Our clinicians address the full range of sexuality + gender identity exploration, and mental health support.
- Anxiety
- Compulsive behavior
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Grief and bereavement
- Self-acceptance
- Overcoming barriers to self-actualization
- Panic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Phase of life issues
- Phobias
- Stress
- PTSD and trauma reaction
- Relationships problems
- Substance abuse and recovery support
- Challenges in reaching career goals
- Validating your sexuality and gender expression
- Coming out
- Addressing sexual difficulties
- Navigating non-traditional relationship styles
- Working through challenges related to LGBTQ+ family-building and parenting issues
- Interpersonal challenges and problems relating to others
- Relating to others who identify as LGBTQ+
- Locating community under the LGBTQ+ umbrella