Michael Barr Counseling PLLC

Your journey to wellness starts here — where compassion meets evidence-based care.

Meet Michael

Who I Am

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy. My service in the Marine Corps taught me resilience, integrity, and the importance of walking alongside others in their most difficult moments — values I bring into my work as a therapist.

My Approach

I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. I help adults across Michigan manage emotions, heal from trauma, and strengthen relationships. My style is practical, supportive, and skills-based — focused on helping you build the tools you need for lasting change.

Outside the Office

I live in Lansing with my wife and our golden retriever, Luna, who keeps us active and entertained. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time outdoors, giving back to my community, and continuing to grow in the work I love.

You Deserve Therapy That Works

What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to support individuals experiencing intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or difficulty in relationships. Originally designed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been shown to be effective for a range of concerns including trauma, mood disorders, and emotion dysregulation.

DBT blends validation (accepting things as they are) with behavioral change strategies (working to improve), helping clients find balance between acceptance and growth.

Therapy is structured around four key skill areas:

Mindfulness – increasing present-moment awareness
Distress Tolerance – surviving emotional crises without impulsive reactions
Emotion Regulation – identifying and managing emotional responses
Interpersonal Effectiveness – setting boundaries, asking for needs, and maintaining relationships

In addition to weekly individual sessions, DBT includes phone coaching — brief, between-session support to help you apply skills in real-life situations when they matter most.

Please note: While traditional DBT includes group skills training, group sessions are not currently being offered at this time. This service may become available in the future.

DBT is more than talk therapy — it’s a practical, skill-based approach designed to help you build a life that feels more stable, connected, and worth living.

Minimalist room with a high-backed, tufted armchair next to a small wooden side table with a potted plant, near a large arched window overlooking a body of water, with sunlight creating soft shadows.

Individual Counseling

This 60-minute one-on-one session offers a supportive, structured environment to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sessions are tailored to your unique treatment needs and focus on helping you build insight, strengthen coping strategies, and move toward meaningful change.

Whether you're navigating trauma, emotional intensity, or challenges in daily functioning, therapy provides a non-judgmental space to process, grow, and build a life aligned with your values.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DBT HERE

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to take the first step? I offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer questions, explore your goals, and determine if working together feels like the right fit.

Schedule now