Michael Benjamin, MSW, LICSW

Master’s Degree: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Bachelor’s Degree: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Licensure: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker MN

Michael has been providing therapy to children, adolescents, and their families for 20+ years.  Prior to PrairieCare, he worked as a therapist at Mayo Clinic in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, as well as at a community health center in southwest Idaho.

In addition to treating depression/mood, anxiety, grief/loss, and disruptive behaviors, Michael has specialized training in working with children and adolescents who are experiencing PTSD and/or attachment issues.  He is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  Michael also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychoeducation, Bibliotherapy/Therapeutic Stories, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Strengths-based Therapy. Michael has been described by patients and parents as a “gifted clinical therapist” with a “unique skill set” who is “warm,” “gentle,” and “a breath of fresh air.”  He also has experience in play therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, sand tray therapy, and Theraplay.

Michael has presented at dozens of local and national workshops, seminars, teacher inservices, and conferences on topics including trauma, attachment, parenting, children’s mental health, integrated behavioral health, and cultural considerations in healthcare.  He also provides training to psychiatry residents at Mayo Clinic.

Michael has lived and traveled extensively throughout the world and is fluent in Spanish.  A few highlights of Michael’s humanitarian travels include providing psychological first aid to child victims of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka and working with orphans in Peru.

Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three children while camping, playing games, and participating in sports.  His favorite place to go for both outdoor adventures and tranquility is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  When Michael has free time, he enjoys reading, running, and watching a good movie.