Who Am I?

Hi There!

My name is Michael, you can call me Michael or Mike or Cruz, I don’t mind any option :)

As you have probably gathered by now, I am the owner of this unique and awesome practice. I am a licensed mental health/professional counselor (LMHC/LPC) with over 5 years of experience as a therapist in both NY and NJ.

Having grown up in New York, I’ve had the privilege of learning, working with, and treating people from all walks of life and with diverse identities. My work blends a person centered approach with evidenced-based care and trauma-informed interventions. I am a firm believer in working collaboratively with clients and also using humor along the way (when appropriate).

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My Story

Growing up, therapy was not openly talked about in my family or community. Like many individuals, I learned to repress my emotions, carry challenges by myself, and even believed that seeking help meant something was “wrong”. Over time, that weight became overwhelming, it was unsustainable, and I realized that nothing would change if nothing changed...

Reaching out to a therapist became a turning point. Instead of everything falling apart, I found clarity, relief, and a deeper connection to myself. That experience reshaped how I understood mental health and inspired my path into this work.

Today, I welcome individuals who feel stuck, misunderstood, or underrepresented, as well as those new to therapy and those returning to it. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and finding your way back to yourself.