Michael Mason, MEd, LPC, NCC

Empowering Your Journey Toward Healing and Personal Growth

At Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, I am dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based therapy that honors your unique experiences and fosters deep, transformative healing. Whether you're navigating the complexities of trauma, seeking acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community, or adjusting to civilian life as a veteran, I am here to guide you towards rediscovering your strength and embracing a life of resilience and fulfillment.

You may feel like you’ve been navigating life with a heavy emotional burden, one that others can’t quite see or understand. Perhaps you’ve faced challenges that have left you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're battling the effects of trauma, struggling to find acceptance in your identity, or feeling the weight of life’s pressures, Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri is here to guide you towards healing and personal growth.

I’m Michael Mason, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, founder of Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, and I’m here to help you rediscover your strength and reshape your life narrative. With specialized expertise in trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals like you—people who often feel marginalized or overlooked by the traditional mental health system. My approach is compassionate, personalized, and rooted in empathy, and I strive to create a space where you feel truly seen and heard.

You Deserve a Space to Heal

You may have encountered roadblocks in seeking support, whether it's from a lack of understanding or feeling misunderstood by those who don’t share your experiences. If you’ve served in the military, you might be grappling with the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life. If you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, you may have struggled to find acceptance or validation of your identity. No matter your background, I want you to know that your story matters here. At Safe Harbor Counseling, you’ll find a sanctuary designed specifically to support your journey toward healing.

What You Can Expect from Working with Me

When you step into a therapeutic space with me, it’s not just about addressing your symptoms—it’s about understanding the whole of your experience and working together to build a path forward. You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed by your inner critic, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I will be with you every step of the way as we explore how to rediscover your resilience.

Trauma-Informed Care
You may have faced events that have left lasting emotional scars, but trauma doesn’t have to define your future. Trauma affects not just your emotions, but how you see yourself and the world around you. Together, we’ll unpack the ways trauma has impacted your life, and I’ll help you build the tools to navigate its complexities. By understanding your triggers and reactions, we’ll work on reclaiming your sense of safety, confidence, and peace.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Life’s challenges often leave you caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, making it hard to stay grounded. MBCT is designed to help you manage these moments, teaching you to be present and fully engaged with your life. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or a relentless inner critic, we’ll work together to develop mindfulness practices that allow you to gain control over your emotions, reduce stress, and prevent cycles of negative thinking.

LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
If you identify as LGBTQ+, you’ve likely faced unique stressors, from societal pressure to internalized struggles about your identity. In our sessions, you will find an affirming and safe space where you can explore these experiences without judgment. Whether you’re dealing with rejection, isolation, or the pressures of conforming to societal norms, I’m here to support you in embracing your true self. Together, we’ll work on empowering you to live authentically and confidently.

Veteran's Mental Health
As a veteran, you may carry the weight of experiences that are hard to share with others who haven’t lived them. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and you might feel lost, misunderstood, or even burdened by moral injury or guilt. Having walked a similar path, I understand the complexities of military culture and the unique mental health challenges veterans face. I’ll provide you with the tools to process these experiences, find peace, and move toward a future where you feel connected and whole again.

A Collaborative Approach

I believe in collaboration. Therapy with me isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s about working together to meet your needs. I take the time to understand your unique life experiences, challenges, and goals. Together, we will uncover the root causes of your distress and create personalized strategies for your healing. You’ll leave each session with practical tools to help you cope and grow, both in the immediate moment and in the long-term.

What Sets Safe Harbor Counseling Apart

You’re not just another client here. You’re an individual with a story that deserves to be heard, respected, and honored. Safe Harbor Counseling is more than just a practice—it’s a community. It’s a place where you can show up exactly as you are and begin your journey toward healing without fear of judgment. My personal experiences as a veteran and a member of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped how I connect with my clients, offering a depth of empathy and understanding that goes beyond traditional therapeutic approaches.

A Space for Growth Beyond Sessions

Your healing journey doesn’t end when the session does. I offer workshops, webinars, and other online resources to support your growth outside of therapy. You will also have access to our supportive community initiatives, where you can connect with others who share similar experiences. These resources are available 24/7, ensuring that you have the tools and support you need whenever you need them.

Let’s Take This Journey Together

It’s okay to feel lost, and it’s okay to need help. Reaching out for support can be the hardest step, but it’s also the most important one. If you’re ready to explore a path of healing, personal growth, and empowerment, I’m here to walk beside you. Whether you’re seeking help for trauma, stress, identity struggles, or life transitions, you deserve the opportunity to live a life that feels authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling.

Our initial 15-minute consultation is free, giving us the chance to connect and explore how I can best support you on your path to wellness. Let’s talk about what’s weighing on you, and let’s start building a brighter, more resilient future together.