Mike trained in EMDR with Barbara Lerch, and has found it to be a very powerful modality for working with traumatic or generally negative memories and thought patterns. He originally trained as an acupuncturist, and spent much time working with clients in crisis recovering from addiction, in addition to his private practice. His approach to therapy is influenced by his own interest in the Buddhist principles of compassion and mindfulness, and he has completed training courses with Paul Gilbert (founder of Compassion Focused Therapy) and The Mindfulness Association. Mike is a long time practitioner of Qi Gong and Tai Chi, and believes strongly in the power of bodywork being able to positively influence the mind.