Hello. My name is Michael Krikorian and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I am trained to work with individuals as well as couples and families to help them achieve more satisfying relationships. I am also trained to help my clients better understand and deal with their own feelings and behaviors.

I bring to my work over 30 years experience working with a wide range of individuals in a variety of settings.  I have worked as a therapist at Sonoma County Mental Health, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma County Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Probation Camp as well as several residential programs for teens.  This experience, along with my training and my own life experience, enables me to help my clients begin to identify and understand the deeper reasons for why we feel and act as we do.  This awareness leads to greater acceptance of oneself and a clearer roadmap of how to move beyond where we are currently stuck.

As a licensed therapist, the mental health services that I provide may be covered under your health insurance policy. I am on the provider panel of several major health plans.  

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Services Offered

Adolescent and Family Therapy

Adolescence is a time of major changes that can be stressful for teenagers and their families. Everybody in the family is effected by the bumps and turns in a teen’s quest for independence. Sometimes this quest can be sidetracked by such problems as family conflict, low self-esteem, learning problems, substance abuse or gang involvement.

Counseling can be helpful in identifying and resolving problems that are blocking growth. Once the issues are identified, either family counseling where the whole family meets together, individual counseling with the teen alone, or consultations with the parents are used to address the issues that are blocking healthy functioning.

Individual Therapy with Adults

People continue to grow and mature psychologically as adults unless something blocks this growth and leaves them “stuck.” This block can be due to unresolved issues from childhood, drug and alcohol abuse, depression or anxiety problems. Individual therapy can help one to explore and understand the cause of these difficulties. Then, in a safe and supportive atmosphere, the individual can test out new and more satisfying ways of being and relating to others.

Couples Therapy

Differences in needs or personality styles can sometimes lead to ongoing conflict or distance in a couple’s relationship. If not resolved, life as a couple or family unit can be greatly impaired.
Couple’s therapy gives each party a chance to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the relationship. Communication skills are worked on while each party has an opportunity to air his or her feelings in a safe and controlled atmosphere. Problem areas are addressed and new skills such as assertiveness, listening and anger management are taught. Resolution of conflict and restoration of intimacy then becomes possible.

 

Drug and Alcohol Problems

Drug and alcohol use can get to a level that interferes with a person’s mental, physical and emotional well-being. Outside help becomes crucial to understanding the dynamics of this problem, learning ways to live substance-free and addressing underlying problems covered up by the substance use. I have over 20 years experience working with adults and teens in drug and alcohol treatment programs which I bring to my work in this field.

 

Consultation and Training

Available to businesses as well as mental health, chemical dependency and criminal justice programs.

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About Michael

Michael Krikorian received his master’s degree in psychology from Sonoma State University in 1974. In 1976, he earned his license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Since then he has worked in a variety of public agencies including Sonoma County Mental Health, Sonoma County Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Juvenile Probation Camp, SRJC and several teen counseling programs. Michael is married and lives with his family in Santa Rosa. When not working, Michael enjoys hiking, biking and playing music.

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Contact Information

Located near downtown Santa Rosa at 100 E Street, Suite 312, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
I can be reached by telephone at (707) 579-0838.