Business Details
Trusted Psychologist & Hypnotherapy Services in Solana Beach
Michael Samko, PhD is a licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child therapist with over 30 years of experience in San Diego's North County. My practice combines traditional psychotherapy with innovative hypnotic techniques developed through advanced training and mentorship under Dr. Milton Erickson, the father of modern hypnotherapy. I offer individual, family, and couple therapy sessions in Oceanside and Solana Beach, as well as phone and Zoom consultations. My therapeutic approach emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment to address depression, anxiety, addictions, pain management, and relationship challenges. I hold a Ph.D. in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and maintain dual licenses in psychology (PSY5420) and marriage and family therapy (M8810).My practice integrates Ericksonian hypnotherapy principles with Aikido-inspired centering techniques to help clients achieve lasting personal growth. I have published extensively in psychology and hypnosis and developed audio programs for self-directed treatment of addictions, pain management, and exam preparation. My goal is to make every session meaningful and rewarding, utilizing evidence-based methods tailored to each client's unique needs. I currently accept new clients for in-office visits and remote sessions, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate individual requirements.
Services
Individual Therapy
Family Counseling
Couple Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Pain Management
Addiction Treatment
Stress Management
Anxiety Treatment
Depression Counseling
Behavioral Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of clinical experience in San Diego's North County
- Our practice integrates Ericksonian hypnotherapy with Aikido-inspired centering techniques
- We provide dual-licensed expertise in psychology and marriage/family therapy
- Our sessions combine traditional psychotherapy with innovative hypnotic methods
- We offer flexible treatment options including in-office, phone, and Zoom sessions
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Psychology
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions address depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues through traditional psychotherapy combined with Ericksonian hypnotherapy techniques. Sessions focus on creating safe environments for emotional growth and developing coping strategies tailored to individual needs. The practice integrates Aikido-inspired centering methods to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Hypnotherapy
Specialized hypnotherapy utilizes Ericksonian techniques for treating addictions, pain management, and performance enhancement. Sessions incorporate trance states and hypnotic induction methods developed through four years of training with Dr. Milton Erickson. This approach helps clients achieve behavioral changes and overcome psychological barriers effectively.
Pain Management
Comprehensive pain management combines psychological techniques with hypnotic methods to address chronic pain conditions. Group therapy sessions and self-directed audio programs help patients develop coping mechanisms and reduce pain perception through mind-body integration techniques derived from Aikido and Ericksonian hypnotherapy.
Addiction Treatment
Specialized addiction treatment programs use hypnotherapy and behavioral therapy to address drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions. The practice offers audio programs for self-directed treatment alongside personalized counseling sessions that focus on breaking addictive patterns and developing healthier coping strategies.
Couple Therapy
Relationship counseling addresses couple and marital difficulties through communication-focused techniques and hypnotherapy. Sessions help partners develop better understanding, resolve conflicts, and strengthen emotional connections using both traditional therapeutic approaches and Ericksonian hypnotic methods.
People
Michael Samko
Psychologist
Dr. Michael Samko is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience in San Diego. He trained directly with Dr. Milton Erickson and integrates hypnotherapy with Aikido principles to create effective therapeutic approaches for personal growth and behavioral change.
Questions
What therapy approaches do you use?
I combine traditional psychotherapy with Ericksonian hypnotherapy and Aikido-inspired centering techniques for personalized treatment.
Do you offer remote sessions?
Yes, I provide therapy through phone and Zoom sessions in addition to in-office visits in Oceanside and Solana Beach.
What are your areas of specialization?
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addictions, pain management, relationship issues, and stress-related disorders.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 760-721-1111 for an initial consultation or use our online contact form to request an appointment.
What credentials do you hold?
I am a licensed psychologist (PSY5420) and marriage/family therapist (M8810) with a Ph.D. in psychology from CSPP.
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