Dr. Renee Michaels, PHD

Dr. Michaels has some really good insight and I appreciate her for the information she's given me about IFS. She definitely is not like any of the other therapist I've gone to in the last decade, and I now have a better idea of how to approach my anxiety. I do agree with a lot of the 1-star reviews however about how much it all feels like a money grab. She consistently shortens our appointments to well under 40 min, even though I am paying for the standard 50 min appointment. She has suggested 3 different therapies that she offers that are not covered under any insurance, despite my telling her that I cannot afford anything out of pocket. The sessions feel more and more like advertisements for her more expensive treatments despite our current therapy sessions being enough to help me improve.

I never got to schedule an appointment because of her inaccessibility and hurtful attitude, which is what I am reviewing here. I called her three times across different days to schedule an appointment following our consultation which she never answered nor called back. Because she had no email listed, I chose to text her at 4 am for her to see in the morning, which I think is a reasonable way to reach out to a would be therapist when your mental state is deteriorating and they won't pick up. After saying "Sorry for texting rather than calling" and going on to explain"my anxiety and stress have been crushing this week", she declares we are not a good fit and called my actions inappropriate. This therapist is not accessible to those with mental illness. I'll sincerely say to any of her future clients what she sarcastically said to me: "good luck".

Renee has been terrific in helping both my wife and I with our individual goals. She has also coached us towards our strongest stage yet. I'd recommend her services to any couple who was seeking these services.

Dr. Michaels helped me to make a decision to continue living when I was very depressed. Her compassion and insight saved my life. She explained in a way that I could easily understand how my brain was causing my moods and how to make the changes I needed to make. She was supportive and encouraging in a professional manner. Her office is like a spa- soft music, aroma therapy. Sometimes I went early just to sit and relax prior to our sessions Frankly, the combination of environment, skill, and the tools she taught me really made a difference. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to make real changes.

Pompous, arrogant. Told me everything she says is brilliant. I could do just as well with a good self help book. Save your time and money.

I drive about an hour to Clearwater to see Dr. Renee for my appointments. I would happily drive twice that distance if I had to. I have been dealing with issues related to trauma for many years and have seen different therapists. She is the ONLY one who gave me skills, notes, and techniques that resulted in huge paradigm shifts. I can’t recommend her enough!

She never showed up for our first appointment, and because her phone mailbox was full, I had to leave a message with a fellow counselor of hers. She called me and initially inferred that I had not shown up, but when I held her to task, she said she “lost her phone”. Very unprofessional. She asked if I would give her another chance, but I answered, “Absolutely not!I” Considering Dr Michaels initially demanded credit card info for possible last minute cancellations, I’m wondering if I too can get reimbursed for a wasted afternoon for her failure to show up.

Her approach is gentle but persuasive and very educational. I have learned so much and hope to continue.

I only left 1 star because it was necessary in order to leave a review. She truly deserves a negative rating. She was treating my daughter for depression/anxiety. She should never see children. She took an immediate dislike to me, the mother. Wanted my daughter on drugs which was not an option. Each time my daughter mentioned my name she made it apparent and scoffed, my daughters own words. After never missing an appointment, she took $$$ out of my account for an appointment never confirmed.

I came to Dr. Renee as a very broken woman with very little hope about my future and life in general. Fast forward 7 months and I can't even believe that I was the same person who walked into her office. I have learned so much about myself and my ability to change my way of thinking. Thank you so much Dr. Renee, for your commitment to your patients and your knowledge above and beyond anything I could've imagined.

Dr. Renée has helped me manage my pain through meditation. But she is much more, she is thoughtful, caring, and is a good listener. She is not only a good doctor, She is a beautiful person inside and out.

If you are in need of help for emotional, physical, chronic pain, this is the place to go. I have had chronic pain for over 7 years, and meeting with Dr. Michaels on a one-on-basis has literally changed my way of life and thinking. I just finished an eight week workshop with others and being with people who are in your same shoes makes a big difference. I highly recommend her to you so don’t hesitate and give her a call.

Dr. Michaels has been extremely helpful to me. Her professionalism, along with her insight, is exceptional! I could not have asked for a better experience and I am very thankful that I found her.

Dr. Michaels is unlike any counselor I have been to before. This was the 1st time I was given "tools" to work with. I came to her looking for help to figure out what my "new" normal was going to be as I had chronic pain, panic attacks, depression, anxiety and several immune deficiencies. It was my last resort to try to help myself and that is just what "tools" Dr. Michaels gave me. How to help myself. How to handle situations that make me frightened or insecure. Forever grateful. Shelly Sheldon

extremely horrible experience withn this so-called therapist!

I guess they give out PhDs to anyone these days

My experience with Dr Michaels has been life changing! She has been helping me conquer my Addiction, Anxiety issues and Depression with ease and comfort. I can trust her with my feelings and emotions. Her counseling techniques have helped me immensely. I am very happy with my visits with her. Thank you!

A charming home and a relaxing environment. Dr Michaels gives an honest and welcomed therapy. Lots of interesting and very helpful material with a healthy does of direction to get you where you need to be. She has helped me focus on aspects of myself I didn't even know I had. I am very thankful to have someone like Dr Michaels to help me navigate all of the obstacles i face in my mind and in my life.

I have been so blessed to come across Dr. Michaels. I have been to several therapists over the years for Family and Myself. What I like the most is her intelligence , Caring and positive personality. Unlike other Therapist she puts me to work on myself. She has assignment and goals for me every visit. Which I need to personally achieve in becoming a more Honest, caring, hopeful, positive, Non-judgemental and grateful individual in My Journey. M.O.

Dr. Michaels, I believe from her own perspective is helpful and intuitive. She consistently will ask broad questions looking for very specific answers, giving her answers in the same way her questions were structured seem to irritate her, so much so she started coming up with a formal diagnosis for talking in circles. I do not doubt that there are therapists out there trained who legitimately want to treat you but Dr. Micheals has turned her at-home business into a money-grab.