Michael Ceely, LMFT

Berkeley therapist for men, Michael Ceely, smiling, seated on a black couch.

Transform Stress into Calm and Confidence

Michael Ceely, LMFT

Counseling for High-Achieving Men in California

As Featured In

As featured in the press with logos of CNN, Psychology Today, Today, The New York Times, Popular Science, and Newsweek

As Featured In

As featured in the press with logos of CNN, Psychology Today, Today, The New York Times, Popular Science, and Newsweek

Men: Can You Relate to These Common Challenges?

Men: can you relate to these common challenges?

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Stress & Anxiety

Are you trying to achieve your goals but feel held back by worrying, overthinking, or perfectionism?

Work & Career

Are you working hard in your career but feeling stuck, stressed, or wondering if you're on the right path?

Relationships

Are your relationships feeling neglected and starting to suffer at home or at work?

Sport Performance

Are you a competitive athlete but feeling nervous, self-critical, or burned out?

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Stress & Anxiety

Are you trying to achieve your goals but feel held back by worrying, overthinking, or perfectionism?

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Work & Career

Are you working hard in your career but feeling stuck, stressed, or wondering if you're on the right path?

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Relationships

Are your relationships feeling neglected and starting to suffer at home or at work?

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What if there was a better way?

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What if you could continue to achieve at a high level without all the anxiety?

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What if you had a clear, passionate vision for the future of your career?

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What if your relationships were healthy and energizing, both at home and at work?

What if there was a better way?

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What if you could continue to achieve at a high level without all the anxiety?

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What if you had a clear, passionate vision for the future of your career?

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What if your relationships were healthy and energizing, both at home and at work?

There's a better way.

A calmer, more confident life is possible.

A calmer, more confident life is possible.

There is a better way.

A calmer, more confident life is possible.

Hi, I'm Michael Ceely

I help men overcome stress, gain clarity in their lives, and take meaningful action to move forward with purpose.


Too many men sacrifice their health, relationships, and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success. The old model of just pushing through stress no longer works.


There’s a better way. I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

Michael Ceely in a plaid shirt smiles with arms crossed.

Hi, I'm Michael Ceely

I help men overcome stress, gain clarity in their lives, and take meaningful action to move forward with purpose.


Too many men sacrifice their health, relationships, and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success. The old model of just pushing through stress no longer works.


There’s a better way. I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

Hi, I'm Michael Ceely

I help men overcome stress, gain clarity in their lives, and take meaningful action to move forward with purpose.


Too many men sacrifice their health, relationships, and happiness chasing an outdated paradigm of success.



The old model of just pushing through stress no longer works.


There’s a better way. I can help you find a calmer, more confident life, where you're thriving and successful, without all the stress.

What Michael's Clients Are Saying

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"I worked with Michael for a 4 month period and was very impressed with the speed at which he was able to diagnose my 'cognitive distortions' and offer tips and solutions to get me back on the right track towards feeling and living my best life. Thank you Michael!"

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Client Review

Working with Michael: 3 Steps to Lasting Change

1. Eliminate the Barriers

Men often find their progress blocked by old patterns or limiting beliefs, which leads to stress, conflict and burnout.


My approach to counseling is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a powerful tool for personal change.


CBT helps you identify and remove limiting beliefs and behaviors so you can solve your problems in a more effective way.

2. Strengthen Your Skills

Working with me, you'll learn powerful emotional, relational, and behavioral skills.


We won't just talk about these skills during counseling sessions. I'll show you how to apply them in the real world.


Your new skills will eventually become your new default. You'll get better at handling situations that once felt overwhelming.

3. Achieve Your Goals

As you reach your goals, we'll taper off sessions so you won't slip back into old patterns. We'll make sure you're 100% confident and ready to "graduate" from therapy.


In summary, you'll establish a calmer, more confident way of responding to life's challenges.


Counseling does take some work, but the effort is worth it. Whatever you're going through now, things can get better.

The Benefits of Counseling

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More Calm

Conquer anxiety and stop worst-case scenario thinking before it gets out of hand.

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More Confidence

Eliminate self-doubt, be more decisive, and start trusting yourself again.

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More Skills

Use the skills you learn in therapy sessions to create lasting, positive change in your life.

It's Time for a Calmer, More Confident Life

Watch the Video

Book a Free Consultation

It's Time for a Calmer, More Confident Life

Watch the Video

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5-Star Google Reviews

Ellis Edmunds

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Google Review

"Michael is a kind, compassionate, and insightful therapist. He is an expert in sports psychology and helping you take the actions you need to reach your goals. I highly recommend him."

Kin Leung

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Google Review

"Michael is an outstanding therapist. He is compassionate to your needs and also gives you just the right push to help you reach your goals. I highly recommend Michael."

Dr. David Shepard

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Google Review

"Michael is an amazing therapist. With compassion and understanding, Michael works with men to find the confidence in themselves to live an authentic fulfilling life. Michael's sports psychology training and his own experience of being an athlete, allow him the unique insight to help facilitate healthy changes in athletes, entrepreneurs and high achievers. I highly recommend Michael if you are looking for a therapist that will help you develop the skills and space to achieve your goals."

Robert Ashe

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Google Review

"Michael has a unique combination of providing keen insights, thoughtfulness, extensive experience and the capacity to collaboratively sort through difficult life challenges. Furthermore, he deeply understands the challenges that men face in today's society and how to equip them with the tools to navigate this inherent complexity. I highly recommend Michael as a resource for the goals a prospective client is looking to achieve for themselves."

Sarah McLaughlin

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Google Review

"Michael is an experienced therapist who cares deeply about his clients. Michael is very knowledgeable when it comes to CBT techniques and how to help clients have a shift in mindset and mood. He is patient and compassionate. I would highly recommend working with him"

Reina Turner

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Google Review

"Michael is an incredibly warm, compassionate, and insightful therapist. Whether you are seeking therapy as an athlete or just need support navigating daily stressors, Michael has a great ability to motivate and inspire his clients to make lasting positive change in their lives."

Brian Sedgeley, Psy.D.

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Google Review

"Michael is a passionate and personable therapist. There are few male therapists who are as skilled with working with men as he is."

Alec Herring

Google Review

"I have known Michael for over 25 years. He’s a warm, good-humored, thoughtful person who has been a great friend and confidant. Michael is one of the first people I turn to when I need someone to talk to."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

    My counseling style is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a goal-oriented approach that focuses on changing how you think about and react to challenging events.


    By replacing your reactive thoughts and behaviors with informed, positive responses, you gain more control over your life, which leads to greater satisfaction and less stress. 


    Learn more on my cognitive behavioral therapy page.

  • Are sessions online or in-person?

    All therapy sessions are conducted online via a secure video platform.

  • What are your fees for services?

    My fee is $275 for a standard 50 minute counseling session.


    Extended sessions are also available (please ask about current rates).

  • Do you accept insurance?

    I am an out-of-network therapy provider, meaning your insurance may reimburse a portion of my fee, reducing your overall cost.


    Contact your insurance provider and ask if they cover out-of-network psychotherapy services.


    Read more on my blog post about insurance vs private pay.

  • Do you work with couples, families, and children?

    No, I only provide online counseling to individual adults. I specialize in men's therapy.


    If you are looking for a couples therapist, or a child, teen, or family therapist, I may be able to suggest someone for you. Feel free to give me a call.

  • Do you offer coaching?

    Yes, I offer coaching, which is a separate service from my therapy practice.


    While therapy addresses deeper emotional and psychological topics, coaching provides guided solutions to specific performance-based goals.


    Learn more about my Coaching Services.

Counseling Specializations

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Career Counseling

Career Counseling
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Counseling for Life Changes

Life Changes & Relationships
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Executive Coaching Services

In addition to counseling, executive and business coaching is available for clients who want to achieve specific career performance goals.

Change starts with a single step forward.

Change starts with a single step forward.

Schedule a call today.

Book a Free Consultation

Get started today.

Book a Free Consultation

YouTube Channel

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YouTube Channel

More on YouTube

Blog Articles

Blurred view of a business meeting in a modern office with glass walls; people seated around a table.

Leadership Styles Mirror Parenting Styles: How to Spot the Authoritarian

By Michael Ceely • February 28, 2026
The parenting we received early in life shows up in how we manage people.
Man in suit touching digital network of people icons, city backdrop.

Three Ways to Set Better Boundaries at Work (Without the Guilt)

By Michael Ceely • October 26, 2025
Understand workplace dynamics so you can set respectful boundaries, reduce stress, and improve relationships with your coworkers.
Silhouette of a person gazing out a window at a city skyline.

Finding Your Own Version of Work-Life Balance: 5 Strategies That Actually Work

By Michael Ceely • August 30, 2025
5 proven strategies for achieving sustainable work-life balance without sacrificing success. Stop chasing perfection and create your own version of balance.
More Posts

Blog Articles

Blurred view of a business meeting in a modern office with glass walls; people seated around a table.

Leadership Styles Mirror Parenting Styles: How to Spot the Authoritarian

By Michael Ceely • February 28, 2026
The parenting we received early in life shows up in how we manage people.
More Posts