Michael Dunn, MFT
(805) 882-2424 x 106
mdunn@ftisb.org
Michael Dunn has been a member of the Family Therapy Institute for 38 years and practices in both Santa Barbara and Los Olivos. His areas of expertise include working with adolescents, couples, families, and the use of EMDR.
Education & Professional Training
Michael received his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and his Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and he has been a member in good standing with the Ca. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists since 1985. Michael has advanced training in EMDR and has been helping clients with Post-Traumatic Stress, Phobias, Self-Esteem Issues, Depression and Anxiety through the use of this method since 1993.
Professional Experience
Michael started out in private practice in 1984 but migrated to the group style practice at the Institute within a few years. He directed a high school based counseling program involving individual, family, and group therapy with youth and he has also led wilderness therapy groups in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Michael is a past member of the Dunn School Board of Trustees.
Teaching
Michael has taught courses at the secondary school level as well as Master Degree courses at both Antioch University and Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Treatment Philosophy
Michael believes that symptoms can best be understood in context and he seeks to help individuals, couples, and families become aware of how their issues make sense, and can therefore be resolved. Based in the ancient philosophy, “Feed a starving person and you feed them for a day, teach them to feed themselves and you feed them for a lifetime,” Michael believes his role is to guide each person or relationship toward discovering their solutions.
Personal Life
Michael lives in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley where he enjoys exploring the outdoors, cycling, long distance running, and creative writing. He and his wife of 40 years, Lynn, love to travel and visit with family and friends.