Meet Mike Shihadeh | Licensed Therapist at Therapy By You

Welcome. I’m Mike Shihadeh, and I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s inevitable challenges with curiosity, respect, and unwavering support. I view therapy not as a rigid clinical process, but as an active, collaborative discovery. Together, we will explore your thoughts, untangle complex emotions, and better understand how you interact with the world around you.

My practice is built on the belief that therapy should be as unique as the person sitting across from me. Whether you are feeling stuck, navigating a major life transition, or looking to heal strained relationships, my goal is to provide a safe space where real, lasting growth can take root.

A Unique Cultural Perspective: Bridging Two Worlds

As an Arab American growing up in Southeast Michigan, I have spent my life navigating two distinct cultural frameworks: collectivism and individualism.

• Collectivism emphasizes the deeply rooted importance of family, community, and shared responsibility.

• Individualism focuses on personal autonomy, self-reliance, and identity.

Living between these two worlds has given me a unique, flexible lens as a therapist. I understand that our backgrounds, family dynamics, and cultural expectations profoundly shape who we are. This perspective allows me to meet you exactly where you are, offering culturally attuned care that respects your individual goals while honoring the communities and systems you belong to.

Specialized Approaches for Couples and Teens

Human connection requires different tools at different stages of life. In my practice, I specialize in tailored modalities designed to yield actionable results:

• For Couples (Gottman Therapy): Relationships can hit roadblocks where communication breaks down and resentment grows. Utilizing research-backed Gottman Method principles, I help couples dismantle defensive patterns, rebuild emotional intimacy, and rediscover meaningful connection. We focus on practical tools to manage conflict constructively so you can thrive as a team.

• For Adolescents & Teens (Critical Core): Traditional “talk therapy” can sometimes feel intimidating or restrictive for younger clients. To bridge this gap, I utilize play-based, experiential methods like Critical Core. By incorporating structured, intentional gaming mechanics, I help teens build social-emotional skills, develop leadership qualities, and cultivate self-confidence in a space that feels natural and engaging to them.

Grounded in Meaning and Humanistic Values

My therapeutic philosophy is deeply influenced by the works of Viktor Frankl (Logotherapy) and Carl Rogers (Humanistic Psychology). I firmly believe that even our most difficult emotions—anxiety, grief, anger, or sadness—are not just symptoms to be suppressed; they hold a purpose. They are data points signaling that something in our lives needs attention or alignment.

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.” — Viktor Frankl

Together, we will look beneath the surface to uncover the root of these feelings. By recognizing your behavioral patterns, we can consciously reshape your reactions, cultivate intentional mindfulness practices, and find a sense of calm amidst life’s chaos.

Empowering Your Independence

Ultimately, my highest goal as your therapist is to put myself out of a job. I want to help you become entirely independent. Our time together is designed to equip you with the practical tools, emotional resilience, and self-assurance needed to face future challenges on your own. However, independent growth doesn’t mean you have to walk the path alone; I will be right there to support and guide you through every step of the heavy lifting.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not working with clients, I practice what I preach by recharging my own mental battery. You can usually find me hiking through Michigan’s beautiful outdoor trails, reading up on the latest insights in neuroscience and psychology, or diving into a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons—a hobby that fuels my appreciation for collaborative storytelling and creative problem-solving.

Ready to Begin?

At Therapy By You, our reputation is defined by delivering psychological solutions for emotional growth. We are proud to anchor our professional counseling services right here in the Southeast Michigan community, adhering to the absolute highest standards of confidentiality, ethics, and care.

Are you ready to embark upon an experience designed to help you become the best version of yourself? Reach out today, and let’s start the conversation.