Miguel Salinas

What brought you to therapy?

I was having marital problems and struggling with relationships in general. I was feeling very poorly about myself and my ability to be a good husband and father.

What was your experience like with your therapist?

Migel was a God send to me. He is very well educated in techniques and processes to promote positive thoughts and emotions. He taught me ways to use my God given strengths to overcome my innate weaknesses. He showed me techniques that moved me into a growth-minded state. He is very compassionate and not at all judgmental. He is very patient and takes time to fully explain everything in a way that is understandable. The things he teaches are universal and can be applied to any situation and they work. Miguel feels that it is his calling to help people in need. This My Elara platform is evidence of his commitment to help as many people as possible. I can't say enough good things about what a great councilor he is. I would recommend him to anyone who is struggling in life.

What positive changes have you noticed?

With Migel's help and support I have learned to work from a growth-minded state. I've learned how to use my strengths to overcome my weaknesses. I've learned that positive thoughts lead to positive emotions which will lead to positive behaviors. And I learned techniques create these positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I also learned what is necessary to enter a growth-minded state and how to stay there. Using the tools he taught me, I have become much happier and feel that I am growing and becoming a better person every day.

What did you appreciate most about your therapist?

Migel was very good at listening without being judgmental. He is very supportive and sees every problem as a learning opportunity. He knows his profession well and can come up with a custom solution to any issue. His methods are sound and grounded in compassion. He is a genuine person who truly wants to help people.

Would you recommend this therapist to others?

I would recommend Migel to anyone who is having difficulty with life issues. He can put things in perspective for you and come up with solutions to help you overcome any difficulties.

Anything else you’d like others to know?

Migel is not like other therapists I've had. He does not just listen to your story then ask you, "how does that make you feel?" He will get to the root of your problem and use tried and true methods to resolve it. He truly wants to help people solve their problems, not just put a band-aid on it.

What brought you to therapy?

I came to therapy because I felt depressed and overwhelmed. Certain events at work and at home would trigger this — often small setbacks that felt much bigger in the moment. I would then fall into a cycle of negative thoughts and lose my sense of self-worth.

What was your experience like with your therapist?

My experience with my therapist was positive. I was pleasantly surprised that we did not spend much time trying to link my current feelings to childhood trauma. His approach is to give clear, practical tools to help me view situations more accurately, and to focus on my strengths to work through weaknesses. He explained his method clearly and gave me daily homework to reinforce a positive way of thinking.

What positive changes have you noticed?

I notice that I am more positive overall. Before, I kept up a general show of positivity with co-workers, but was more honest with my wife. Now I am more positive and can show my true self to everyone, at work and at home. I don't fall into negative spirals anymore. I can quickly stop and reframe situations that used to send me into a cycle of negative emotions and loss of self-worth.

What did you appreciate most about your therapist?

I appreciate that we focused on tools and techniques to resolve situations and reframe my mindset. This was very different from what I expected, and that expectation is also what kept me from seeking help sooner. Others should know that this style of therapy is an option.

Would you recommend this therapist to others?

Absolutely. I feel far more grounded now, and I am developing skills to help me cope with increasingly difficult situations at home and at work.

Anything else you’d like others to know?

If you are hesitant about therapy because you picture sessions focused only on childhood trauma, know that other approaches exist. My therapist used a tools-based approach: practical techniques to reframe situations and build positive habits, with daily homework to reinforce the mindset. This style helped me make real, lasting changes. I would encourage others to ask about this approach if it sounds like a better fit.