About Me
Providing expert, compassionate care to help you navigate life's challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships.
The Life-Changing Impact of Professional Therapy
Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful, courageous investment in your overall well-being and future. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, struggling to communicate effectively with your partner, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, professional guidance can make a profound difference. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to unpack difficult emotions, identify limiting behavioral patterns, and develop practical tools for lasting change. By dedicating time to your mental and emotional health, you empower yourself to heal from past wounds, restore balance to your daily life, and build the resilient, fulfilling relationships you truly deserve.
Meet Your Fort Worth Counselor
As a compassionate, dedicated counselor, Dr. Michael Carney is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward. He is passionate about helping others navigate trauma, grief, life transitions, and the challenges that can impact emotional well-being. His approach is grounded in empathy, genuine connection, and the belief that healing is possible when people are given the support and tools they need to better understand themselves and their experiences. Outside of his professional work, he is a devoted husband, father, brother, and son who treasures time with family and enjoys traveling, making memories, and embracing life’s meaningful moments.
When you are seeking guidance for your relationship or personal life, working with a highly credentialed and certified counselor makes all the difference. Dr. Carney holds multiple state licenses to ensure the highest standard of ethical and clinical care for my clients:
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#201655) – Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
Licensed Professional Counselor (#66760) – Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (#39440) – Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
As a dedicated Fort Worth marriage counselor and individual therapist, his extensive academic background and dual licensing allows him to approach your unique situation from a deeply informed, holistic perspective.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy.
Texas Wesleyan University. Fort Worth, Texas. Major Field: Marriage and Family Therapy. May 2018. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Doctor of Philosophy.
Newburgh Theological Seminary. Newburgh, Indiana. Major Field: Christian Counseling. July 2008. Accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission International.
Master of Arts.
Texas Wesleyan University. Fort Worth, Texas. Major Field: Professional Counseling and Family Therapy. May 2010. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Master of Arts.
Newburgh Theological Seminary. Newburgh, Indiana. Major Field: Christian Counseling. December 2006. Accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission International.
Bachelor of Arts.
Midwestern State University. Wichita Falls, Texas. Major Field: Social Work. August 2001. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
A Clinical Approach Rooted in Empathy and Expertise
While rigorous academic training provides the essential foundation for effective therapy, true healing requires more than just clinical knowledge—it requires a deeply empathetic, client-centered approach. As a dedicated Fort Worth counselor, I seamlessly blend evidence-based psychological techniques with genuine compassion to meet you exactly where you are in your journey.
My philosophy is that therapy should never be a "one-size-fits-all" experience. Because human relationships and personal struggles are incredibly complex, I am deeply committed to continuous, lifelong learning. This dedication to professional development naturally led me to pursue advanced, specialized training beyond my university degrees. By actively expanding my clinical toolkit, I ensure that I can tailor my therapeutic approach to the unique, multifaceted needs of every individual and couple I have the privilege to serve.
CERTIFICATIONS & WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR CARE
Clinical Fellow – American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
What it means: This prestigious designation is reserved for therapists who have met rigorous, advanced standards for training and clinical experience in systemic family therapy. It guarantees that, as your Fort Worth marriage counselor, I utilize the most effective, research-backed approaches to help couples and families resolve complex relational conflicts.
Danger Assessment Certification – The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
What it means: This specialized certification provides advanced training in accurately assessing the risk of danger or domestic violence within relationships. It ensures that my practice is deeply trauma-informed and prioritizes the absolute safety and well-being of every client who walks through my doors.
Protecting Human Research Participants Certification – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What it means: This certification demonstrates strict adherence to federal ethical guidelines, patient privacy, and evidence-based clinical practices. It reflects a commitment to the highest level of professional integrity and confidentiality in the therapeutic environment.
Prepare and Enrich Facilitator
What it means: Prepare and Enrich is a leading, evidence-based framework used for premarital and marriage counseling. As a certified facilitator, I utilize specialized assessment tools to help couples identify their unique strengths and growth areas, fostering deeper communication and building highly resilient marriages.
A Collaborative Environment for Real Change
Navigating relationship hurdles or personal roadblocks requires a strong, trusting therapeutic alliance. As your trusted Fort Worth marriage counselor and individual therapist, my ultimate goal is to translate my advanced clinical training and specialized certifications into real-world, tangible results for your life. The letters behind my name simply mean you are in highly capable, experienced hands.
Whether we are actively working through intensive couples therapy or focusing on your individual development, working with a certified counselor ensures you have a secure, structured, and highly collaborative environment. Together, we will untangle complex issues, safely address past traumas, rebuild broken trust, and develop the sustainable communication skills you need to move forward with absolute confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are looking for an experienced Fort Worth counselor for individual growth
or specialized marriage therapy, I am here to help you move forward.