Life & Work with Michael Berger MA MSW LCSW QS of Boca Raton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Berger MA MSW LCSW QS.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in upstate New York, the son of a therapist, which meant conversations at the dinner table often went deeper than most—and usually faster. I learned early that people are endlessly complex, often funny in their contradictions, and almost always doing the best they can with the tools they have.

I was fascinated by what makes people tick and, more importantly, what helps them change. In hindsight, becoming a psychotherapist feels less like a career choice and more like a slow reveal of something that had been forming all along.

My professional journey has been one of evolution rather than arrival. I began in agency work, learning the fundamentals the hard way—busy schedules, high acuity, and the humility that comes from sitting with real human pain. From there, I moved into group practice and eventually built my own private practice in East Boca, which I’ve owned and operated since 2001. Along the way, I discovered that I didn’t just enjoy the clinical work—I loved creating something of my own. Tapping into my entrepreneurial side allowed me to craft a professional life aligning my values, creativity, and belief that meaningful work should also be sustainable and energizing.

At the heart of my work is a passion for personal development and helping people live more authentic, grounded lives. For nearly 14 years, I’ve facilitated a men’s therapy group—a space where honesty, humor, accountability, and growth coexist. Watching men soften, strengthen, and show up more fully in their lives has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’ve always believed that hope grows when people feel seen, understood, and gently challenged—and I take that responsibility seriously, without taking myself too seriously.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A rough road makes for a more fulfilling journey. I will often say, “Life is a funny teacher. It gives the tests first and lessons after” I am not sure who uttered these poignant words. However, I can certainly relate. The long hours, the burnout, the low wages early in my career , the self doubt , the list goes on and on.
Ive come to realize however, all these experiences are worthwhile.

None of them are fun while in the moment, but in hindsight, there was not one experience that was not valuable to me in some way.
There is something to be said about paying your dues. Ive certainly paid mine

Ive also learned to really appreciate the wins and choose an attitude of gratitude. Recognizing life is a marathon and not a sprint

Ive also relied on the countless resources which have lifted me up time and time again. Things like podcasts, social media posts. Coaching groups, as well as seeing the success of others showing me my vision was possible. This belief is something I always hold onto and frequently advise others to do the same.
There is a saying in Hebrew ; Gam zu ya ahvor which translates: This too shall pass. Reminding myself of tgis truism has gotten me through some rough patches.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In reflecting upon my work, I focus on the way I like to show up for my clients that is most authentic to me and tendency to yield the most positive results. I see myself as a fellow traveler in life a spiritual being having a human experience fully connected to the pain and uncertainty life brings all of us.

I bring humor, creativity, amd a gentleness to each and every session. I look for opportunities to utilize experiential exercises to help my clients gain a deeper insight into the issues creating distress in their lives. Inner child work is deeply meaningful to me as well. In addition. I have and continue to facilitate a therapy group for men. Working with men and men’s issues gives my a lot of satisfaction. I also provide therapy for couples and any adult who struggles with self doubt and has a curiosity about why they may be making choices in their lives that leave them feeling unfulfilled and unhappy

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
This is a great question. There have been so many lessons, it is tough to choose just one. Id say keeping a healthy level of faith that things will work out the way they need to and that im just one phone call away ,one conversation away from a great opportunity. Struggle is never easy, however as cliche as it sounds, tomorrow is a new day and I never quite know what it may bring.

Pricing:

• Individual therapy: 180 per session
• Couple session: 230$ for 90 minutes
• Group rate: 60$ per session
• In network with Aetna

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therapywithmrberger.com