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Hello, my name is Michael. I am an Expert People Developer (EPD), United States Army and Georgia National Guard veteran; a servant-leader with over 25 years of experience in the helping field.
As a graduate of Bowie State University, Adler-Dreikurs Institute, Washington Bible College, Prince George’s Community College and the Academy of Health Sciences, I earned numerous professional validating credentials. In addition to being a psychotherapist and educator, I participated in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield during the Persian Gulf War, presented at various conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics health, personal growth, spirituality, overcoming real and perceived challenges and Phases of Life and HESTEROLOGY.
Phases of Life and HESTEROLOGY are a growth and development theory and counseling methodology I created and developed. I am an energetic, interactive and solution-focused psychotherapist and facilitator. My therapeutic approach and educational philosophy includes providing support and practical feedback to help participants learn and effectively address life challenges and mistaken goals.
Although I specialized in Adlerian therapeutic techniques, complementary methodologies are integrated as needed to offer a highly personalized and holistic approach. With compassion and understanding, I work with individuals, couples, and groups throughout the lifespan to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to working with you.
Professional experience
17yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Adoption and Foster Care, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Cancer, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Chronic Pain Illness and Disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dependent Personality, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation/Loneliness, Life Purpose, Men's Issues, Midlife Crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and Financial Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Personality Disorders, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic Stress, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Michael Hester. We don’t pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Amazing
Written on Feb 08, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coaching
Dr. Hester is a great therapist. Gives great advice. Feels like I’ve known him for years even though we just met. Down to earth
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Michael was very helpful to me! ( He deserves a more eloquent review than that, but that's all the words I can muster at the moment and hopefully it got the most important point across anyway.)
Written on Jan 28, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Truly Appreciate Michael...
He makes it easy to Speak Freely, while helping You at the Same time.
Written on Jan 23, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and sleeping disorders
Pure positive energy on my first session.
Looking forward to keep going !
Written on Jan 22, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Mike has helped me greatly even from the first day. You can tell that he cares and is there to help in extremely effective ways.
Written on Jan 20, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and adhd
Michael has helped me so much in so few times.
His energy and empathy are amazing and contagious.
Michael is gifted at making me feel like his sole client.
He is genuine and real with an awesome sense of humor
Written on Jan 15, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Michael is very knowledgeable and understanding. He is a great listener and has a planned approach to overcome one’s obstacles. He challenges you but also breaks ideas and suggestions down very well. I would highly recommend Michael.
Written on Jan 13, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Michael is great!
Written on Jan 06, 2023 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
Incredible therapist. He's honest, transparent, but also very supportive. Really like Michael a lot and I highly recommend him!!
Written on Dec 21, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and anger management
Had my first session with Michael today and all I can say is, ‘Wow’!! He got a handle on my issues within record time and explains things in ways which really resonate.
I’ve had many counselling sessions in the past with other counsellors and whilst they have all helped in some way, I have never experienced such a positive and insightful counselling session as I have with Michael. Really looking forward to the next session!
Written on Jul 28, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 1 week on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
Very understanding and open minded. listenes to you
Written on Jul 15, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 months on issues concerning addictions
Michael Hester is gentle when he needs to be and real with me when I need it.
10/10 would therapist again
Written on Jun 11, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with life changes, intimacy-related issues, and coaching
I'm so thankful for the expertise of Michael. I leave every session better than where I started. His perspective and knowledge in so many areas provides me with the comfort to think holistic.
Written on Jun 08, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Great Therapist.
Written on May 25, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and self esteem
It is early in our relationship but so far he is amazing and I am happy with his guidance.
Written on May 25, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michael is a wise man who has greatly helped me in only a few sessions. I look forward to continuing my sessions with him.
Written on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Love my sessions with michael. He’s understanding and patient and always makes me think or see things in ways I hadn’t seen or noticed before
Written on May 23, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and coaching
Michael is full of energy and delivers hard truths in the most delightful and enlightening way with practical examples and solutions.
Written on May 22, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Micheal puts you at ease, and has you reflecting on new ideas and possibilities. He gets a grasp of what you’re struggling with fairly quickly. I enjoyed our first session and I am looking forward to more.
Written on May 19, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd
Really amazing person always respectful and willing to listen. He can really pin point the issues and has a quick way to help. Always has a way to make you feel pretty good especially after a session.
Written on May 18, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Mr. Hester was a fresh vibe to receive, considering this is the first time I have ever sought clinical counseling. His openness and expertise in many areas of life, as well as Biblical knowledge, helped me in my sessions, to not only feel better about myself, but about how I've been navigating through my life journey... and, how I can move in better ways, going forward.
Written on May 15, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
He seems to have a genuine concern for others.
Written on May 14, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Michael is an excellent listener and makes it seem as if you’ve known him for years. He makes the environment very comfortable, which allows for any topic to be discussed.
Written on May 11, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Being someone who has never looked for any kind of help like this, I feel like I was matched with someone who made me feel conformable to be able to freely share information I wouldn't share with just any one. Highly appreciated.
Written on May 11, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Class act, he’s made my attempt at seeking help feel dignified and important.
Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michael Hester is in interesting fellow, when I first made the appointment I felt like something was wrong with me, not the case with him he takes you step by step, listens and is very keen on what's going on with his clients.
Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, family conflicts, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, adhd, anger management, grief, and coaching
So far I've had a really great experience. Look forward to more!
Written on May 09, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and career difficulties
From day one I felt comfortable. I was hesitant about therapy. But I was match with an amazing therapist and very understanding and honest!!
Written on May 08, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
My session with Michael was far more beneficial than I could have ever imagined.
Written on May 07, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
For the short time I been working with him he is great no complaints
Written on May 05, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
I enjoy working with Michael. He has good bedside manner and very competent.
Written on May 01, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Just finished my first session and Michael put me at ease and I look forward to next week
Written on Apr 25, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 5 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Michael is an incredible therapist & mentor. He supports me and helps guide me to be the best version of myself. His constantly positive outlook is contagious and meetings with him will always brighten up even the darkest of days.
Written on Mar 13, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coaching
Very nice
Written on Mar 04, 2022 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Today was the 1st session with Michael and wow I was full of Nerves but he made me feel comfortable and feel like I had made a friend from the off and can’t wait for are next session thanks again Michael
Written on Dec 30, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 days on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, and anger management
Mr. Hester is very knowledgeable about his job. I really appreciate his input.
Written on Dec 27, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I didn't know what to expect but go matched to the perfect therapist on the first go. Timely and so much needed. Thank you Michael. I see changes in my life. GOD BLESS YOU
Written on Dec 26, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Michael is awesome. He's authentic, listens and has great advice.
Written on Dec 01, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Brilliant therapist- can’t describe how his personality is so comforting and supportive, learn your tools and apply!
Written on Nov 23, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
Michael is helping me to see life in a more positive way and this is brilliant for my mental health recovery. Thank you Michael!
Written on Nov 19, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and relationship issues
Michael is amazing! I just finished my second session with him. He holds a lot of knowledge of life and people, with so much compassion. Our personalities work well together so my sessions don't feel like therapy, but more like a positive, empathic, energetic conversation that provides me with new skills. I look forward to our next session.
Written on Nov 13, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Michael is a great human being who clearly has a lot of experience in helping people. He figured me out pretty quickly and helped guide me to make a quick recovery back to my best self.
Written on Nov 08, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Michael and I clicked from the first appointment and I'm very glad to have found him through this service! It was a great match!
Written on Nov 03, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management
Michael is a great therapist! He brings excitement and passion for helping others. The connections and realizations he creates put things into perspective. In a fun and exciting way. I am very glad to have him as my therapist! 10/10 recommend.
Written on Oct 29, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and parenting issues
Micheal is very solutions oriented. He stresses taking action, and he always lifts my spirits and motivates me when we meet. I would recommend him for anyone who is trying to bring more positivity to their mind and to their life.
Written on Oct 26, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I have tremendous respect for Michael. His approach to counseling is always positive yet actionable. He normalizes your concerns as tangible and provides tools to best address them with a positive mindset.
I’m always looking forward to our sessions. Very glad for the help!
Written on Oct 25, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
We've only met 2 times, but It seems like we've know each other for many years... I enjoy his prospective and how he communicates with me... Feels more like a big brother... Thx
Written on Oct 25, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Michael is kind and lifts you up :)
Written on Oct 22, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
He is phenomenal. He always keeps a smile on my face and genuinely cares about me. I was so hesitant to seek help, but I am so grateful for Michael and so happy I joined and was matched with him.
Written on Oct 20, 2021 after therapy with Michael for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
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