Michael Lasher
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LISW
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From my own personal struggles with OCD, I understand how irrational intrusive thoughts can be and how ludicrous they may sound to an outsider. That will never be your experience while we're in each other's company. I create a welcoming environment where each member can develop a sense of safety and comfort. I'll help guide you through treatment at your own pace, celebrating your accomplishments. Patience and respect for the process is essential. I have previously worked primarily with children and adolescents on a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, and aggression.
From my own personal struggles with OCD, I understand how irrational intrusive thoughts can be and how ludicrous they may sound to an outsider. That will never be your experience while we're in each other's company. I create a welcoming environment where each member can develop a sense of safety and comfort. I'll help guide you through treatment at your own pace, celebrating your accomplishments. Patience and respect for the process is essential. I have previously worked primarily with children and adolescents on a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, and aggression.
Location
Licensed in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
Education
University of Cincinnati
Insurance
Plans accepted by Michael
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, Horizon BCBS, Imagine Health, Independence Blue Cross, Partners Direct Health, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Michael?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Michael
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I have OCD myself. I was diagnosed at 10, and looking back on my life, I used to engage in a lot of checking behaviors that were extremely time-consuming and frustrating. Later, this morphed into overall themes of perfectionism that impacted my school and work. Here at NOCD, I challenge myself with ERP, and it's motivating to know how many other therapists here also have OCD themselves.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
Sharing my own experience with OCD can help reduce the fear or tension of meeting with a new therapist and opening up about your symptoms. People often have a fear of shame or judgment, but I can help them feel at ease by saying "I've done these exercises too. I've been through this journey. I know how scary and bizarre intrusive thoughts can be, and how time-consuming compulsions can be."
What I want to help you see in yourself
Your strength and resilience. OCD can be very controlling and manipulative. I think ERP is the perfect place to recognize that you have the strength to overcome a lot of these fears and behaviors that have taken months, if not years, of your life. I really put effort into meeting Members where they are. The more I can learn about how OCD comes up in your life, what it feels like, and how you'd like to get better, the better we can come up with a plan that works for you.
My message to you if you're struggling right now
Something Dr. McGrath, our Chief Clinical Officer, has said is: "Try different, not harder." Sometimes you're already trying hard, but you're trying to push your thoughts away or something like that, and it's not working. What ERP can help with is trying something different, and that's a powerful way to start managing OCD.
Why our members love working with Michael
A.T.
Michael is a kind, thoughtful, and conscientious person who understands OCD very well and asks extremely good, thought provoking questions that prompt insight that drives change!
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