ABOUT FORGE

To know what is true and to know what is good for the courage to heal

Michael Shifter

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC

Michael Shifter is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with extensive experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. As the founder of Forge Counseling Group, he is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions, overcome obstacles, and build healthier lives.


With a strong foundation in clinical expertise and a unique ability to connect with people, Michael integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices with a personalized approach tailored to each client's needs. His background also includes a focus on faith-based counseling, offering clients the opportunity to align their spiritual values with their mental health journey.


Michael’s mission is to empower clients to uncover their inner strength, heal from past pain, and forge a path toward lasting growth and fulfillment.

You Can Do This! 

You can do this. You can face this. You have the tools within you.


I am here to help carry the burden for a time, supporting you as we uncover and develop your strengths and skills. Together, we will work toward building resilience, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose to pursue what is good and true in life. Challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other internal or external barriers can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone—let’s take this journey together.


As a positive, motivational, and solution-focused therapist, my first priority is to meet your immediate needs. We will work to clarify critical issues, identify troublesome perceptions, and establish a foundation of healthy coping strategies. Often, these coping skills are already within you, waiting to be refined and enhanced through dynamic, holistic approaches. Once immediate concerns are addressed, we can begin to explore and heal the deeper roots of your challenges.


Life’s storylines—especially those shaped by disruption or trauma—can be complex and difficult to process. Using a blend of narrative therapy and trauma-informed mindfulness techniques, I will help you navigate these experiences with care and compassion. Each person’s journey is unique, which is why I tailor my approach to suit your specific needs. This often includes expressive modalities such as writing, art, or movement, providing alternative pathways to work through issues that may feel too difficult to articulate verbally.

Services

Michael's therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, integrating various modalities to promote healing and personal growth. 

About Forge Counseling Virginia

Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

Anger Management

Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

Compassion Fatigue

Coping Skills Development

Emotional Disturbance

Grief and Loss

Impulse Control Disorders

Men's Issues

Mood Disorders

Panic Disorders

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Self-esteem Issues

Stress Management

Suicidal Ideation

Reach Out Today

Forge Counseling Group is dedicated to helping you forge a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're seeking guidance for personal challenges, relationship struggles, or spiritual growth, our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is here to support you. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, and Bethesda, MD, we provide a trusted environment where healing begins and transformation happens.

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