Michael Jolliffe (he/him)

My Approach to Helping

I view my job as providing a welcoming, supportive, safe, socially just, and competent space in which positive change can occur. I employ an eclectic approach based on existential counseling theory, which seeks to help clients explore how the human condition impacts daily life; cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which seeks to help clients explore how thoughts impact feelings and actions; and family systems theory, which helps couples and families in particular explore and improve relationship dynamics. When appropriate, I also draw from Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to deepen discussions about love, compassion, and happiness. When appropriate and with clients’ permission, I make use of secular mindfulness and creative visualization techniques to support our discussions. I'm looking forward to meeting you. Reach out when you are ready.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My Master of Science in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling (2020) comes from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Major course work included human development, family life cycles, and counseling skills. I also hold a Master of Arts in Advanced Buddhist Studies (2009) from Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon. Major course work included Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, and meditation. I have received special training in suicide assessment and prevention (2019) from Lines for Life in Portland, Oregon. Languages (Bachelor of Arts in Language Studies, UC Santa Cruz, 2005), reading, and teaching introductory Buddhism and meditation courses are some of my passions.