Michael Eblin (they/them), LISW

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

Michael (they/them) is a Licensed Independent Social Worker providing LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Columbus, Ohio, and virtually throughout Ohio. They specialize in working with transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals, as well as people navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity exploration, and life transitions.

Michael works with individuals and families from a wide variety of backgrounds and believes therapy should be a true partnership. They consider it a genuine privilege to walk alongside clients through both life's challenges and its moments of growth, helping each person build a life that feels more authentic, connected, and meaningful.

Experience and Training

Michael began their career in mental health nearly 15 years ago as a psychiatric support case manager for families and a prevention specialist serving LGBTQIA+ youth. After earning their Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University, they continued working in community mental health as a therapist and most recently provided care in an intensive outpatient program.

Their clinical work has focused on supporting individuals experiencing trauma, complex PTSD, dissociation, anxiety, depression, identity development, ADHD, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions.

Michael has training and experience in:

· Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

· Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

· Schema Therapy

· Mindfulness-based interventions

· Attachment Theory

· Self-Compassion

· Feminist Theory

· Queer Theory

· Trauma-informed care

As a nonbinary, queer, neurodivergent therapist, Michael also brings lived experience into the therapy room. They identify as a white person in a fat, tall body whose family comes from Appalachian hill people shaped by generations of poverty. As a proud first-generation college and graduate school graduate, Michael recognizes both the barriers they have navigated and the privileges they have gained, approaching their work with humility, curiosity, and respect for every client's unique experience.

Outside of therapy, Michael enjoys spending time with their tiny chihuahua, Guillermo, exploring new restaurants and parks around Columbus, diving into philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and physics, and spending time with close friends.

Michael's Approach to Therapy

No two therapy journeys are exactly alike, so Michael tailors their approach to each client's goals, personality, and lived experience. Sessions often feel warm, collaborative, laid-back, and deeply human. Michael brings authenticity into the therapeutic relationship through honest reactions, genuine investment, thoughtful humor, and the belief that meaningful healing happens through real connection.

Their work often combines emotional processing—through approaches like talk therapy, EMDR, and attachment-focused work—with practical skills and insights that clients can immediately apply in everyday life.

Clients working with Michael can expect therapy that is:

· Authentic, relational, and collaborative

· Evidence-based while remaining individualized and flexible

· Trauma-informed, compassionate, and growth-oriented

· Focused on meaningful, lasting change rather than simply managing symptoms

Michael believes therapy should help clients better understand themselves while also equipping them with practical tools to navigate life outside the therapy office.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Trauma Therapy in Columbus, Ohio

Michael is passionate about working with people whose identities or life experiences have required resilience. They strive to create an affirming environment where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported without needing to explain or defend who they are.

Their areas of clinical focus include:

LGBTQIA+ and Gender-Affirming Therapy

· LGBTQIA+ experiences

· Gender identity and sexuality exploration

· Therapy for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals

· Letters of support for gender-affirming medical care following WPATH Standards of Care

· Exploring intersectional identities

Trauma and PTSD

· Trauma and complex PTSD

· Dissociation

· Childhood trauma

· Family of origin concerns

· Generational trauma

· Attachment wounds

Relationships and Life Transitions

· Ethical non-monogamy

· Relationship transitions

· Conflict and communication

· Major life changes

· Identity development

Mental Health

· Anxiety

· Depression

· ADHD

· Minority Stress and Intersectional Identity Management

· Emotional regulation

· Self-compassion

· Sex-positive and kink-affirming therapy

What to Expect When Working with Michael

Therapy with Michael is grounded, dynamic, and deeply collaborative. Together, you'll stay focused on long-term goals while also making space for whatever feels most important in the moment.

Some sessions will include laughter. Many will include tears. Others may involve learning new skills, processing painful experiences, or discovering patterns that suddenly make sense. Through it all, Michael aims to create a space where you feel like you're talking with a genuine person—someone who is fully present, deeply invested, and committed to helping you move toward the life you want.

Whether you're exploring your identity, healing from trauma, navigating complex relationships, or simply looking for a therapist who values authenticity, compassion, and collaboration, Michael would be honored to be part of your journey.

If you're looking for an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist in Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere in Ohio through secure telehealth, Michael welcomes the opportunity to connect.