Michael Zolondek, MS., Registered Mental Health Intern

Education:

Graduated from Nova Southeastern University with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Non Counseling Education:

Ph.D. New Testament Language, Literature, and Theology, University of Edinburgh

At a Glance:

In both my personal experiences and professional work, I have seen how healing a supportive presence can be for persons who are struggling. I think it is a great privilege to work as a therapist and be able to offer that sort of presence to clients. I have clinical experience working with a wide range of age groups who have struggled with various issues in their lives, including complex trauma involving emotional, physical, and sexual abuse/assault, grief, family or relationship concerns, and school or career decisions. I look forward to working with you wherever you currently find yourself in life and to helping you heal and grow!

Why did you become a therapist? 

After spending more than 10 years in academia, I felt as though I wanted to pursue a career that served my community more directly. This led me to become a Behavior Interventionist at a Title 1 elementary school, which was an incredibly fulfilling role. As I worked with the school therapist to help our struggling students, I became inspired to pursue a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling so that I could work with individuals on a deeper level.

What can a client expect to experience in session with you? 

I strongly believe in an individual’s ability to heal and change in positive ways when they are offered a safe and affirming environment in which to do so. When we are in session, I will offer you a supportive and non-judgmental space in which you can process your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. I am also aware that many of us do not even know how to begin doing this and that everyone’s therapeutic journey will look different. So our sessions will often also include working together in an effort to determine your unique needs and discover how to help facilitate your healing in the ways that work best for you.    

If you could be the therapist to one celebrity, who would it be? 

I think it would have to be Alejandro González Iñárritu. I’d love to get a glimpse into the mind of this director and learn how his experiences have shaped his ability to create so many beautiful films.

How do you spend your free time? 

One of my favorite things to do in my free time is to train in a sport called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Not only is it a great mental and physical workout, but the people I train with are an amazing and supportive community. When I’m feeling like something more relaxing, I love to spend my time reading, writing, watching movies/shows, and listening to music!

What's your favorite quirk about yourself? 

I am from a Croatian family, and a quirk that we all share is talking with our hands. It’s like we are conducting an orchestra during a conversation!

What does social justice mean to you? 

I believe social justice means working to balance or counteract unequal, unfair, and/or oppressive elements in our society, which can exist in the realms of education, healthcare, human rights, politics, etc. I also believe that social justice requires action on the part of those who hold positions of power or privilege because of their race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, etc.

How do you believe change happens?

I feel as though change is more than a destination that we reach after doing X, Y, and Z. Instead, I believe that it is an ongoing process that we can take an active role in directing. I believe this process involves people working through their past experiences in a positive way, finding acceptance in who and where they are in the present, and remaining hopeful for their future. This will not necessarily be a linear process, and we will all certainly face setbacks, but in doing these things I believe that we can change throughout our lives in ways that bring us peace and joy.