Get to know Michael T. Long, Psy.D.

Approach to Therapy

There are two fundamental beliefs at the core of my therapeutic approach: the belief that relationships facilitate change, and the recognition that each person is an expert on themselves. I invest time and energy into understanding and empathizing the individuals I work with in order to craft unique treatment goals tailored towards helping each individual live their most fulfilling life.

I believe strongly in the value of therapy to:

• Build Better Relationships: Strengthening connections within yourself and to those around you, creating healthier dynamics and deeper understanding.

• Empower Self-Management: Gaining control over your life, making decisions with confidence, and navigating life’s challenges.

• Enhance Coping Skills: Developing flexibility and coping skills to better handle life's inevitable ups and downs.

• Foster Self-Confidence: Cultivating a healthy sense of self-worth and embracing your uniqueness.

• Embrace Emotional Range: Learning to navigate and embrace the full spectrum of emotions, leading to greater emotional intelligence and well-being.

• Increase Self-Awareness: Gaining insights into yourself, your behaviors, and your patterns, paving the way for personal growth.

• Improve Interpersonal Skills: Understanding others better, improved perspective taking, better communicaiton, and fostering more meaningful relationships.

• Build Stronger Communities: Strengthening your sense of belonging and connection with others in your community.

• Promote Authenticity: Encouraging you to be true to yourself and live authentically.

• Cultivate Curiosity and Passion: Rediscovering and engaging with the world around you.

• Encourage Acceptance: Embracing yourself and your circumstances with compassion and openness.

My therapeutic approach to work towards these goals is rooted in an integrative approach, drawing primarily from modern interpersonal and relational psychodynamic frameworks. Together we will work to build a strong therapeutic relationship that offers the space and safety to consider and work towards the changes you desire in your lives.

Education and Experience

I earned my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the Widener University Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology, with specializations in Psychodynamic Psychology and Cross-Cultural & Diversity Psychology. My clinical experience encompasses individual, group, and couples therapy for people navigating a wide variety of issues and life circumstances including:

Therapy is an important tool that goes beyond just alleviating symptoms, though, and in our work we will foster positive changes that enhance your overall well-being and personal growth. I appreciate the opportunity to provide therapy to diverse populations and am committed to providing culturally sensitive, inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences and identity of each person. As we work together I will maintain a safe and affirming space to navigate your treatment goals.

Throughout my career I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of clients in various clinical environments, with prior roles at AIDS Care Group and the Center for Integrative Medicine, Kensington Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Neuro-oncology Department, West Chester University Counseling Center, and the Temple University Hospital Psychology Department.

My professional affiliations involve serving on the Community Advisory Board Penn Mental Health AIDS Research Center (PMHARC), and membership of the Philadelphia Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology. I hold a license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania.

While I am based in Philadelphia and licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania, I have the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission (APIT # 6571). This means that I am able to provide therapy to individuals and couples located in PSYPACT states; please visit the PSYPACT website for the most up-to-date list of participating states (https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap).