Michael Dunn began providing therapy at the Sea Mar Bellevue Child and Family Services Clinic in 2020. Before joining the team in Bellevue, Michael earned his undergraduate degree in the history of science, specializing in psychology and neuroscience, from Harvard University. Following a brief career in energy finance, he earned his CACREP Accredited Master’s degree in School Counseling from Gonzaga University.
As a therapist, Michael specializes in Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral approaches (including mindfulness practices). In education, Michael has specialty training in Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS), Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), trauma-informed best practices (including research on Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs), Special Education, 504, Title IX, and more. His expertise comes from serving young people and families in a variety of settings and locations. In urban environments he has worked at high schools big and small, traditional and alternative, in Spokane, WA and Portland, OR. And most recently, Michael was a counselor on Oregon’s rural south coast, where he developed passions for community advocacy and fresh-caught salmon.
As a clinician, Michael is consistently inspired by the young people and families whom he has the privilege of serving. Regardless of the specific circumstances that bring someone to his office, he shares compassion for the challenges they are facing, and he maintains a deep and abiding respect for their agency and authenticity throughout the therapeutic process. His goal is to empower his clients: by building on their innate strengths and resources, he hopes they will learn to overcome the obstacles in their path and find the peace that comes with living a life more connected – connected to themselves, one another, and the world around them.
Michael never passes up an opportunity to enjoy the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest. He can often be found hiking, camping, and paddling where ever there are tall trees and pristine waters – and always with a camera handy. He is also fond of cultural experiences near and far and enjoys savoring the flavors of the world. When he isn’t nerding out on Attachment Theory or starting another creative project that he won’t finish, he likes to watch tv, swim, and talk to his cats.