Michael Nold MA MFT

I learned the same crap observing my parent’s dynamic that every one one of us learns; I didn’t want to repeat this in my new marriage. Shallow tools reinforced from poor behavior in previous relationship test-​runs left me with a sparse toolbox – mostly hammers, which I used frequently.
The first MFT I called touted the benefits of incense, chakras (still no idea what those are), and relocating inner children. I’m a no-​nonsense kinda guy and my 14 year old is plenty. With some trepidation from this first experience I arrived at my first appointment with Michael Nold in October 2014. Candles burning? Nope. Long flowing robes? Nada. Essential oils warming over a tea light? Thank God, No! This first meeting was get-​to-​know-​you stuff, and it went rather well. I mentioned that I used to go to CMA meetings. He asked if I still went (Nope) and how this is working for me (As long as I don’t go to those infernal meetings I never have to use again, one day at a time). He did ask if my nightly glass of pinot was a problem (again, not in the least). He never brought it up and we never chatted about it unless I broached the subject. (I swear on a stack of holy bibles. I’m in seminary school, I have that power). If it came up at all, it was because I raised the question.
After the third or fourth session he had a few recommendations. 1: See an M.D. about possible ADHD (once a tweaker always a tweaker: After every session my intensity left him feeling like he just smoked a bowl) 2: Read «No More Mr. Nice Guy»; and 3: Check out a CODA meeting. I’m Roman Catholic. I do what I’m told. 1: I made the appointment (Legal speed, & Insurance pays for it. Who knew??); 2: I read the book (Yep. I do all that shit); and 3: I found a CODA men’s group (I don’t need to run your life against your better judgement any longer. No really. I don’t). After three months I determined that most of my so-​called problems were self-​induced (and no, he did not tell me this. He let me figure it out).
At about four months he suggested that I did not need to see him any longer, or at least not more than once a month. I asked him if he would see me and my spouse for a few sessions. Its not his usual method, but provided we refrain from deception or secrets («please don’t tell my spouse this, but…») and that we set some goals he would agree. We saw him weekly for about three months and worked toward honest communication (*GAG*. He suggested that together we read «How to Get the Love you Really Want» (*GAG* again. Who writes these titles? But it worked.); and that I occasionally take the cotton out of my ears and put it in my mouth (OK. He did not really *say* this, but he helped me figure it out). After a few months Nold suggested that we have the tools we need (I still have my hammer, bit I don’t use it that often), and that we no longer needed to see him. We set and end date and wrapped everything up, all neat and tidy.
My recommendation: 1: If you want a therapist to tell you what you want to hear, Nold is not for you. He never *told* me anything. He let me figure it out for myself; 2: He occasionally called me out on my BS (mostly gently), but I never felt judgment from him. Remember, I am Roman Catholic. We do judgment well; 3: He did not vomit Program Speak. Recovery never came up unless I brought it up; and 4: he will not become your professional friend until your insurance runs out. When the time comes for you to move on, he will set you free.

Where do i begin? First, I find it highly suspicious that Unilocal has filtered 11 positive reviews but for some reason some farkakta review that is 4 years old has managed to stay on? SUSPECT. Anyway, I would like to say that Jill is 100% wrong. Michael is just about the LAST person I would describe as an NA nazi. In fact, I chose him over other therapists because after i told other therapists i could not relate to or subscribe to AA’s prinicples, they continued to spew the AA theory. Michael, on the other hand, listened to me, asked me questions to help me see things I was not seeing, and helped me talk to other people in my life about my issues. It would be a shame if someone did not see Michael because of Jill L’s delusional review.
Regarding Michael as a therapist I would without hesitation recommend him. The man may not be Jesus, but he sure saved me. I came to him in a very dark place, he was the light I followed to get to the bright place I am today. If you ask him, he’ll give me all the credit but it is due to him. i am beyond grateful for how he has helped me change my life and there is really no way I can ever repay him. He is selfless in what he has done for me, what i’m sure he does for others, and if you are looking for a therapist who will challenge you, ask you questions, listen to you, and help you see the light when you’re surrounded by darkness, go to him.

I have procrastinated long enough about writing this review I was shocked to see the very slanted review written by Jill.
I was a client of Michael for 3 years.
he often endured my ramblings and crazy schedule without any judgment. he listen and helped me get through some of the darkest moments of my life. More importantly he encouraged me to follow my own path. It was not I that ended our time together it was he. I was” in a stable and well rounded place that therapy was no longer beneficial” If any more sessions were needed we could address that at the time” his words not mine. WOW !! a therapist that is looking at his clients well being instead of his own bank account. His honesty and assessment of my needs gave me every reason to refer clients his way and I often do. «a piece of work»? you bet a piece of hard work with integrity. A true professional and an asset to the field.
Thanks Michael.

Over the years and decades I have seen several therapists. By far Michael Nold has been the most perceptive, supportive and successful in assisting me to deal with various issues.
Michael Nold has always treated me with utmost professionalism and compassion. I am continually grateful for the time he spent with me. I heartily give him the highest recommendation.

Boy was this guy a real piece of work! When my gf and I were having some problems we started to look for a couples counselor. I had found about six potential therapists based off of their profiles on
… two she wasn’t keen on, three didn’t have any open time slots for weeks and last on the list was Michael. I was optimistic when not only did he return my call in less than 15 minutes but he also had Saturday openings. Score! (Or so I thought…)
Fast forward to our first visit. The guy kinda looked us up in down as we walked in. He also wouldn’t shake our hands because he «had a cold.» I knew from his profile that one of his specialties was working with alcohol/​substance abuse issues but it specifically said that in no way did he require sobriety to work with you. That wasn’t even why we were going to see him so I didnt think anything of that part.
Well basically it came up that I enjoy my mj. He quickly asked if I smoked on a daily basis and if I see that as a problem. Um yes I do enjoy a daily puff when I’m home from work, no I don’t find that to be a problem, but again, and most importantly, thats not why we were there!!! He goes on to ask my gf if she smokes too. She said that she did but its a lot less frequent because after she turned 30 she started to become more paranoid. He asked if she wanted me to smoke less and she admitted yes but only because it makes her paranoid and she gets scared that the landlord will smell it.
Next thing I know he is rattling off about how he doesn’t know if he can trust my judgment or perception of the relationship if I «pollute my brain with toxins everyday.» I had added that I had recently taken a break from it (because I was going back to night school) and he pretty much laughed and told me «you know it takes six weeks to get that out of your body so I don’t consider you to have a clear mind quite yet.» I had heard enough! Because for the third time, that was NOT why we were there. I was just being honest and he pretty much attacked and judged me because I willingly admitted that I smoke a little pot and it happens to be on a daily basis.
At that point I was done working with him. I sat there so that my gf could continue to talk about things if she wanted to get stuff out but I was over giving him anything else to work with. Oh and by the way, when he wasn’t sure if we’d be back or not, he made sure to SHAKE OUR HANDS and give us his card! He had not cleaned them but did blow his nose a couple times in the session.
He is sober in NA and sure seems to be a program nazi. I have nothing against the program, I have a handful of sober friends who do not feel the need to come off like that or preach their opinions about this subject. Maybe you should do some more step work Michael, call your sponsor and keep your judgment about «toxins and pot use» to yourself.
Stay away unless you are sober.