Michael Unruh

Biography

Qualifications and Experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho. I am also a Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist (CSAT). CSAT training is conducted by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and includes extensive coursework that offers innovative insight and tools for the successful treatment of sexual addiction. I received my B.S. in Nursing from South Dakota State University and practiced as a registered nurse for 22 years. I received my M.A. in Counseling from Seattle School of Theology and Psychology (formerly known as Western Seminary), and I have had a counseling practice with my wife, Ashlie, since 2002. I specialize in the treatment of sex and love addiction, with additional experience in helping individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, and addiction recovery for couples. My experience includes working as an emergency medical technician, critical care and emergency nurse, Regional Director of Youth Dynamics, Director of Operations for Lothlorien Retreat Center, and Director of Leader Deployment for Christ the King Community Church.

My Call to Christian Counseling

Walking with Christ is a journey I’ve traveled in faith for most of my life, so the path to becoming a Christian counselor was a continued calling. I served as a youth pastor for many years until I felt there was something more God wanted from me. While working on my Master’s at Western Seminary, I was invited to participate in a one-year certificate program in spiritual nurture. During this time, I had some hard conversations with God as I sought to better know what he was doing with me. Christian counseling was an answer to those hard questions, and I continue to walk in faith while learning what it means to follow Christ.

More About Me

I am married and have four children. My personal interests are gardening, playing music, reading, and running.

Services and Specialities

Sexual Addiction and Disorders of Intimacy

Sexual addiction and problems with intimacy usually go hand in hand. For most, sexual addiction develops because there was a lack of basic needs for nurture and affection early in life. This causes a person to look to sex for self-gratification and identity, without allowing fully-connected relationships to form because of fear of rejection or abandonment. In other cases, these same problems lead to unhealthy, codependent relationships. If you struggle with pornography addiction, love addiction, infidelity, or other problems that make it difficult to form healthy relationships, Christian sexual addiction counseling can help.

By working through hidden pain, trauma, and other issues that fuel unhealthy sexual behaviors, we can work to find real and lasting solutions. I offer you a safe place of compassion and support, so you can find healing without fear of judgment or ridicule. As a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, I’ve helped many people overcome the strong bonds of sexual addiction using proven counseling methods and faith-based values.

Men’s Issues

As Christian men, we often hide our struggles for fear of being harshly judged or deemed second-class Christians. As a Christian counselor, I offer a judgment-free zone that is rooted in the love and patience of Christ. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, doing so takes bravery and character. I’m honored to walk with you on your personal journey of healing as you discover what the love of Jesus can do for your life and relationships. Whether you struggle with sexual or pornography addiction, relationships issues, grief and loss, or just want a man of faith to help you work through your own spiritual battles, we will work together to find the right solutions for you.

Group Therapy for Sexual Addiction

If you struggle with sexual addiction, and you feel tired of living a life of isolation or have experienced relapse and other issues that make recovery difficult, group therapy might be just what you need. Joining with a group of like-minded people who understand your struggles is beneficial in many ways. You will find support, advice, and the ability to pull together as a team for finding solutions. As a Christian group counselor, I work to facilitate healing for everyone in the group, allowing each person to be heard and share as much as they feel comfortable. For many, group counseling combined with individual counseling is very effective, greatly reducing relapse and speeding recovery.

Sexual Addiction Recovery for Couples

Sexual addiction can have devastating effects on relationships that can be very difficult to overcome without professional help. Both partners deal with a lot of pain, confusion, and other inner struggles that make healing the relationship feel impossible. In sexual addiction recovery counseling for couples, both partners are given space for expression and healing. Together we will work to build trust, improve communication, enhance intimacy, and heal wounds. In combination with other forms of counseling including individual counseling and group therapy, full recovery from sexual addiction is possible. I’ve seen many couples begin counseling with little to no hope for healing their relationship, and by the last session, they have emerged stronger, more connected, and hopeful for a new future together.

Anxiety and Depression

If you or your partner is struggling with anxiety and depression as it relates to sexual addiction and issues of intimacy, healing is within reach. Breaking the cycle of anxiety, depression, and sexual addiction can be difficult because they often fuel one another. In a safe, compassionate environment, we will work to uncover and heal the inner struggles that cause your symptoms so you can find lasting solutions. Whether dealing with past abuse, trauma, damaging relationships, or other negative experiences, you are allowed to work at your own pace while utilizing proven counseling methods and faith-based tools for recovery.

Payment and Forms

Sessions:  I offer 50-minute and 90 sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• online Counseling

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples,and Families looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service. For more information regarding standard session fees, please contact me directly at michaelu@spokanechristiancounseling.com

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) a majority of insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover individuals, couples and families. For more information about insurance Click here.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 3.7% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.