Michael worked in the addiction field for six years before starting a private practice in 1993. Michael is an ICEEFT (International Center of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy) certified supervisor and trainer in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), and is the founder and director of the Atlanta Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy. He is a partner at Pine River Psychotherapy Associates and Training Institute in Atlanta. Michael is an active member of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, American Counseling Association, and the Licensed Professional Counselor's Association of Georgia, where he served on their board of directors.