Mr. Michael Jay Ansley, LCSW

Online Therapy

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist specializing in trauma, addiction, and nervous system regulation. My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens when the mind and body are addressed together, and that recovery is not just about symptom reduction, but about restoring a sense of safety, meaning, and connection. I primarily use EMDR as the foundation of my clinical work and integrate it with somatic awareness, mindfulness, and body-based regulation strategies to support deeper and more sustainable change. I have extensive experience working with individuals navigating trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based. I strive to create a calm and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore difficult experiences while building resilience and confidence in their ability to heal. I believe therapy should be both structured and flexible, honoring each client’s pace and unique story.

Education & Experience

I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR training and participate in ongoing consultation and continuing education to ensure ethical and effective use of EMDR therapy. My professional experience includes work in outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and partial hospitalization (PHP) levels of care, with a primary clinical focus on trauma and substance use disorders. I have supported adults with complex trauma histories, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions. EMDR serves as the primary modality in my clinical work. I emphasize thorough preparation, stabilization, and resourcing, and I tailor the EMDR process to each client’s readiness, goals, and nervous system capacity. I have also completed advanced training in Integrating EMDR Therapy with Jungian Psychology: Enhancing Generalization to Accelerate EMDR Processing, which informs my ability to support meaning-making, integration, and generalization of adaptive material following EMDR sessions, while remaining aligned with the EMDR eight-phase protocol.

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

Professional / Volunteer Affiliations Member, EMDR International Association Member, National Association of Social Workers Former Executive Director, Keep Indian River Beautiful Founder, Helping Hands Community of the Treasure Coast In leadership roles within nonprofit and community-based organizations, I have overseen and developed programs recognized at the state and national level. These programs received awards from Keep Florida Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful, as well as recognition from the Treasure Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Collegiate, for leadership, community engagement, and service impact.

Specialty Area

  • ADD/ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders
  • Addictions
  • Alcohol/Substance Abuse
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Spirituality
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Adults
  • Group

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Cigna