Michael Petrosky Flores

Counselor/Therapist

18500 Ackerman Ave Port Charlotte FL, 33948 Show map

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About

Dr. Michael Petrosky Flores, EdD., PhD., LMHC is an accomplished multi-faceted clinician with expertise in crisis intervention, various psychotherapeutic modalities for the overall wellness of those with mental health conditions, He has a strong commitment to the development of current and future mental health professionals. He has an excellent reputation within the local mental health community through mentorship, leadership, and collaboration with area agencies and working with diverse client populations within the mental health and substance abuse fields.

Dr. Michael Petrosky Flores, EdD., PhD., LMHC provides individual and group mental health counseling to adults, couples and families utilizing appropriate therapeutic treatment modalities to meet their individualized needs. He develops clinical documentation to include progress notes, bio-psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, risk assessments and crisis plans. He maintains a positive therapeutic relationship with clients who are served. He communicates with family members, community members and other entities as warranted or needed. As well as communicating and corroborating with representatives from other disciplines. Assisting with all aspects of ensuring an individualized, client-centered approach to treatment.

Dr. Michael Petrosky Flores, EdD., PhD., LMHC hold a Doctor of Education in Counselor Education & Supervision, a Master of Arts degree in mental health counseling, from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Saint Leo University. Dr. Michael Petrosky Flores, EdD, PhD., LMHC also hold an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Universal Life Church Ministries. Dr. Michael Petrosky Flores, EdD., PhD., LMHC is also the director of mental health services & an equine assisted psychotherapist, affiliated with Reins Inspiring Change Equine Therapy located in North Port, Florida and assist clients while working with horses in a positive and experiential manner, identifying, processing, and discussing their feelings and behavioral patterns. Encouraging the client in identifying, understanding, and implementing positive and productive coping, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skill sets that can assist them with other areas of their lives. Assisting horsemanship instructors and volunteers in identifying, understanding, and resolving conflicts as needed. Encouraging horsemanship instructors and volunteers to adopt and maintain a positive and productive work environment in order to achieve goals and objectives as needed. Communicating with family members, community members and other entities as warranted or needed and Assisting with all aspects of ensuring an individualized, client-centered approach to treatment.

Education and Training

Argosy University Doctor of Education 2014

Argosy University Master of Arts 2007

Universal Life Ministries Doctor of Philosophy 2017

Board Certification

Florida Department of Health

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish

Michael Petrosky Flores

Michael Petrosky Flores's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How effective is schizophrenia treatment?
Yes, please ensure that you speak with your primary care physician or healthcare provider first about your concerns. Consultation with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in order to obtain their recommendations: First-generation antipsychotics These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) that may or may not be reversible. First-generation antipsychotics include: Chlorpromazine Fluphenazine Haloperidol Perphenazine Long-acting injectable antipsychotics Some antipsychotics may be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. They are usually given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication. Ask your doctor about more information on injectable medications. This may be an option if someone prefers fewer pills and may help with adherence. Common medications that are available as an injection include: Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada) Fluphenazine decanoate Haloperidol decanoate Paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza) Risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris) Second-generation antipsychotics These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of serious side effects than do first-generation antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics include: Aripiprazole (Abilify) Asenapine (Saphris) Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) Cariprazine (Vraylar) Clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz) Iloperidone (Fanapt) Lurasidone (Latuda) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Paliperidone (Invega) Quetiapine (Seroquel) Risperidone (Risperdal) Ziprasidone (Geodon) READ MORE
Can gambling addiction be fixed with therapy?
Yes, mental health professionals can assist individuals that might be struggling with gambling addiction. READ MORE
Can medications help with alcohol addiction?
Yes, Medicines are usually used together with talk therapy and support groups. The following medications may assist in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: Acamprosate (Campral®): This medicine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol dependence*. It helps rebalance chemicals in the brain that may be changed by drinking too much. Disulfiram (Antabuse®): This medicine was approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence*. If you drink alcohol, this medicine causes unpleasant effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing (reddening of the face, neck, or chest), sweating, and chest pain. These effects can last for an hour or longer. Naltrexone (Revia®, Vivitrol®): This medicine was approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence*. It works by decreasing the craving for alcohol. Topiramate (Topamax®, Trokendi XR®, Qudexy XR®): This medicine was approved by the FDA to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches. Some doctors also use it to treat alcohol use disorder. It helps rebalance chemicals in the brain and helps correct the electrical activity of brain cells. READ MORE
Can counseling help with anxiety?
Yes, counseling can assist in the management of anxiety symptoms. Some psychotherapeutic techniques include: The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you. Some strategies a person can also use to cope with anxiety managing triggers that can lead to stress, such as keeping an eye on work pressures and deadlines, organizing daunting tasks in to-do lists, and taking regular time off from professional or educational obligations using relaxation techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises, long baths, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and resting in the dark maintaining a support network by talking with family members, friends, or a support group and avoiding storing up anxious feelings, as this can worsen anxiety disorders, getting regular physical exercise, which can improve self-image and trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that stimulate positive emotions, reducing or limiting the consumption of alcohol and other recreational drugs, including nicotine, caffeine, and cannabis. getting at least 6 hours of sleep a night, which may make a person are 2.5 times less likely experience mental distress, eating a balanced, nutritious diet that includes nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B. READ MORE
Should I see a counselor for depression?
The decision to see a therapist or psychiatrist is "individualized" Behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship between behavior and mood to target current problems and symptoms and focus on changing patterns of behavior that lead to difficulties in functioning. Cognitive therapy entails modifying pessimistic evaluations and unhelpful thinking patterns with the goal of disrupting these and reducing their interference with daily life. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets current problems and symptoms and focuses on recognizing the relationship between behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and changing patterns that reduce pleasure and interfere with a person’s ability to function at their best. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on improving problematic relationships and circumstances that are most closely linked to the current depressive episode. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on improving problematic relationships and circumstances that are most closely linked to the current depressive episode. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines strategies of cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation to modify unhelpful thoughts and develop a kinder, more loving self-view. Psychodynamic Therapy Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious thoughts, early experiences and the therapeutic relationship to understand current challenges, improve self-awareness and support the patient in developing more adaptive patterns of functioning. Supportive Therapy Supportive therapy offers a supportive relationship that focuses on helping people explore and understand their experience in their current situation. The focus is on strengthening a person’s ability to make choices that help them cope effectively with various life stressors, from a stance of genuine empathy and supportive listening. Medications Medication is often prescribed for the treatment of depression in adults. As each patient varies in their response and ability to tolerate a specific medication and dosage, medications must be tailored to the individual. READ MORE
Can a marriage survive without counseling?
Couples therapy (also couples' counseling, marriage counseling, or marriage therapy) attempts to improve romantic relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts that might have developed throughout the course of the relationship. Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help you and your partner improve your relationship. If you are having relationship difficulties, you can seek couples therapy to help rebuild your relationship. Couples therapy can address a wide range of relationship issues, including recurring conflicts, feelings of disconnection, an affair, issues related to sex, or difficulties due to external stressors that happen in daily life. READ MORE
How do you resolve anxiety?
The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you. Some strategies a person can also use to cope with anxiety managing triggers that can lead to stress, such as keeping an eye on work pressures and deadlines, organizing daunting tasks in to-do lists, and taking regular time off from professional or educational obligations using relaxation techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises, long baths, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and resting in the dark maintaining a support network by talking with family members, friends, or a support group and avoiding storing up anxious feelings, as this can worsen anxiety disorders, getting regular physical exercise, which can improve self-image and trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that stimulate positive emotions, reducing or limiting the consumption of alcohol and other recreational drugs, including nicotine, caffeine, and cannabis. getting at least 6 hours of sleep a night, which may make a person are 2.5 times less likely experience mental distress, eating a balanced, nutritious diet that includes nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B. Additionally, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) medications can provide effective symptom reduction/relief for individual that struggle with anxiety disorders. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Examples of SSRIs for anxiety include: • citalopram (Celexa) • escitalopram (Lexapro) • fluoxetine (Prozac) • fluvoxamine (Luvox) • paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) • sertraline (Zoloft) These medications typically begin to take effect within 2-6 weeks, but they may not work for everyone. People usually take SSRIs for 6–12 months to treat anxiety and then gradually reduce the dosage. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence. People should consult a doctor or physician before they start reducing or stopping their medication. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of antidepressant that treat depression and anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe them to treat some chronic pain conditions. The ADAA notes that medical professionals also consider SNRIs to be the first-line treatment for anxiety. However, they are not as effective in treating OCD. These medications work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemical’s serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples of SNRIs for anxiety are: duloxetine (Cymbalta) & venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressant drug. Although they may be effective for the treatment of depression and anxiety, doctors often prescribe SSRIs instead as they cause fewer side effects. However, TCAs may be useful for some people, especially if other medications do not provide relief. These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. This increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of TCAs for anxiety include: amitriptyline (Elavil). Imipramine (Tofranil) & Nortriptyline (Pamelor) Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative drug that reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tense muscles. These drugs also encourage relaxation, and their effects take place quickly. Daily Med notes that peak levels in the blood happen 1–2 hours after a person takes their dose. People may feel the effects sooner than this. Benzodiazepines include: alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) & lorazepam (Ativan) Although they are highly effective for short-term issues, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines because they become less effective over time and can be addictive. Due to these risks, experts suggest that doctors do not prescribe the continuous use of benzodiazepines for more than 6 months. Buspirone This anti-anxiety medication may treat short- or long-term anxiety symptoms. Buspirone (BuSpar) works much more slowly than benzodiazepines and may not treat all types of anxiety disorder, but it causes fewer side effects and has a lower risk of dependency. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are one of the earliest types of antidepressants. Doctors may prescribe them off-label to treat the symptoms of panic disorder and social phobia. Types of MAOI include: isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam) & tranylcypromine (Parnate) READ MORE
What doctor should I see for panic attacks?
Good evening, You can see a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or a Psychiatrist to obtain assistance with panic disorder/panic attacks. READ MORE
Can medications help schizophrenia?
For the treatment of schizophrenia, which is classified as a psychotic disorder, The first course of treatment includes psychopharmacologic treatment anti-psychotic medications, which include Abilify & Risperdal, there are other medications that can be used to treat the condition if deemed appropriate by a psychiatrist. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,Panic Disorder, Anger Management, Life Transitions, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation (DMDD), Divorce / Divorce AdjustmentDrug and Alcohol Addiction, Dual Diagnosis, Forgiveness, Grief Therapy, Hoarding, Impulsivity, Irritability,Mood swings, OCD / Obsessions and Compulsions, ODD / Oppositional and Defiant Behavior, Psychosis,Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Actualization, Self-Care, Self-Compassion, Self-Criticism, Self-Doubt, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sensitivity to Criticism, Sex AddictionSocial Anxiety, Stress Management, Trust Issues, Workplace Issues

Faculty Titles & Positions

Graduate School Teaching Assistant Argosy University 2012 - 2014

Professional Memberships

Credentials of Ministry, (Honoris Causa), Universal Life Ministries, Modesto, California, 2019
Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP # 767774), Eau Claire, WI, 2020.
Florida Qualified Supervisor (Mental Health Counseling), Tampa, FL, 2020

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Committee/Board Member Environmental Advisory Board, North Port, FL 09/2018 - 12/2018

Areas of research

Ed.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, Argosy University, Sarasota, FL, 2013. DISSERTATION: Psychotherapist Responses to the Professional Quality of Life Scale Instrument and Perceptions of Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self-Care Factors: An Exploratory Study.