Michael Stravato

Michael Stravato , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

He/Him
Gallatin Hendersonville

SPECIALITIES:

AnxietyChristian CounselingDepressionDivorce RecoveryMarriage IssuesReligious Trauma

INSURANCES PROVIDER:

Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN Meritain Optum UMR United Healthcare

About Me:

Hi, I’m Michael Stravato, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With over 20 years of experience, I help teens and adults navigate anxiety, divorce recovery, complicated family dynamics, and challenging or painful relationships.

 

Who I Help

Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and used to “holding it together” — but internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns they can’t quite shift. I also have a particular focus on supporting people who’ve had negative or frustrating experiences in therapy before.

 

What Brings People to Therapy

Whether you’re walking through divorce, loss, a major life disruption, or a season that has shaken your sense of meaning, it’s normal to ask hard questions about your relationships, your identity, and even your beliefs. If therapy has ever felt like it didn’t “click” for you, or like you were talked at instead of understood, you’re in the right place.

Treatment Modalities

  • Trauma-Informed Therapies
  • Narrative
  • Logotherapy
  • Solution-focused therapy
  • Person-centered therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing

Rate/Fees

  • $175 – Intake appointments
  • $150 – Therapy sessions

Ages I work with

  • Counseling for Teens (13-17)
  • Counseling for Adults

Languages

  • English

How I Work: Treatment Approaches

  • Trauma-Informed Therapies: approaches suited to processing painful experiences safely and at your pace.
  • Narrative Therapy: helps you separate yourself from the problem and rewrite the story of who you are.
  • Logotherapy: a meaning-centered approach that helps you find purpose, especially through difficult or painful circumstances.
  • Solution-Focused Therapy: focuses on identifying and building toward practical solutions.
  • Person-Centered Therapy: treats you as the expert on your own life, in a space built on genuine warmth and respect.
  • Motivational Interviewing: helps you find your own motivation and readiness for change.

 

What It’s Like to Work With Me

My goal is to create a space where you feel respected, understood, and never judged. As an inclusive Christian counselor, I welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities. While my faith informs who I am, I don’t oversimplify pain or offer spiritual clichés for deeply human experiences — when life feels unfair or confusing, therapy becomes a place to process, not explain away.

 

Background & Experience

Education: Lee University 1990-1994 BS–University in Monroe Marriage and Family Masters Degree-1994-1996

Professional experience: I bring over 20 years of experience to this work, offering steadiness, perspective, and compassion.

 

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of therapy, I love to play guitar, enjoy music, and all things Italian.

 

Why I Do This Work

My commitment to psychotherapy has continued because I believe that every client brings a unique story, and there is always something new to learn. I continue to grow professionally and personally through my work, and I remain willing to learn, reflect, and adapt so that I can provide the best support possible to the people I serve. After nearly 25 years, I still find purpose in this profession and in the privilege of being part of someone’s journey toward greater well-being and self-understanding.

 

What I Believe About Therapy

I have remained a dedicated psychotherapist for nearly 25 years because I genuinely value the opportunity to help people navigate some of the most challenging and vulnerable periods of their lives. Over the years, I have witnessed the meaningful changes that can occur when people feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Being able to build trusting relationships with clients, help them gain insight into their experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling life has made this work deeply meaningful to me.

 

Common Questions

Do you work with clients who’ve had bad experiences in therapy before?
  Yes, this is a particular focus of mine — I meet you at a pace and in a way that actually fits.

Are you a Christian counselor?
  Yes, I’m an inclusive Christian counselor who welcomes clients of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities.

How much experience do you have?
  I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist.

Headshot Michaels
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Find the Support You Deserve

You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Our compassionate therapists are here to listen, support, and guide you through every step of your journey. With empathy and understanding, we’ll help you uncover your strengths

Trusted Counseling Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about therapy, scheduling, or getting started? We’ve gathered answers to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident as you begin your journey with us.

What ages do you work with?

Yes, we do! Our online counseling sessions make it easy and convenient to connect with your therapist from wherever you are. All you need is a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer the same level of care, comfort, and connection as meeting in person — just with added flexibility for your busy schedule

Can I do telehealth or online sessions?

Yes, we do! Our online counseling sessions make it easy and convenient to connect with your therapist from wherever you are. All you need is a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer the same level of care, comfort, and connection as meeting in person — just with added flexibility for your busy schedule

What issues do you help with?

Yes, we do! Our online counseling sessions make it easy and convenient to connect with your therapist from wherever you are. All you need is a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer the same level of care, comfort, and connection as meeting in person — just with added flexibility for your busy schedule

What issues do you help with?

Yes, we do! Our online counseling sessions make it easy and convenient to connect with your therapist from wherever you are. All you need is a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer the same level of care, comfort, and connection as meeting in person — just with added flexibility for your busy schedule

Yes, we do! Our online counseling sessions make it easy and convenient to connect with your therapist from wherever you are. All you need is a quiet, private space and a reliable internet connection. Many clients find that virtual sessions offer the same level of care, comfort, and connection as meeting in person — just with added flexibility for your busy schedule

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