A LITTLE ABOUT ME
A Little About Me
ABOUT MICHAEL CABALLERO, LCSW, PLLC
In 1988, I completed my graduate studies at the University at Buffalo. I was happy to join the Erie County Medical Center soon after where I would serve in a number of roles over the next six years. In 1991, a new grant position was awarded to develop a counseling program for an equally new AIDS Medical Department. These were the early and most devastating days of the AIDS epidemic and health care programs were desperately needed. I was asked to join a remarkable team of dedicated professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners, all levels of nursing, dietitians, researchers and social workers) and given the task of developing a wide array of counseling services. In this supportive and collaborative environment, we did just that. We developed individual, family and group therapy programs. We looked for and found space in which we could provide these services. Specific programs for those individuals newly diagnosed and for those who were end stage were addressed. We provide support for the family and partners of those infected. We put together outreach programs to reach those who were unable to come to us. We worked hard to ease the emotional and psychological challenges of our patients in order to strengthen their impaired immune functioning. Bonds were developed between provider and patient. It could not be any other way in this environment. I remain honored by the relationships, the friendships of so many remarkable men and women who are not here today, having lost their battle with this once unbeatable disease.
The next stage of my career took me to a very different environment. In 1995, I joined a large private practice. The Western New York Psychotherapy Services was established in 1971. They have two offices, one in Amherst and the other in Orchard Park. I chose to split my time between both offices, welcoming the opportunity to learn about both widespread communities. I enjoyed the opportunity of working with many talented clinicians allowing me to deepen my understanding of the healing art which is psychotherapy. Through monthly case conferences, I was able to listen to and learn from experienced therapists, each with their own theoretical leanings. It was a productive and educational three-year journey.
My career choices have always been focused on one simple objective. That objective was to learn. I chose opportunities which placed me in environments where I could absorb the skills and knowledge needed to be effective as a therapist. As such, my next career choice placed me with a small human services agency called The Lutheran Service Society of New York. We accomplished much during my six years with this program. Given the task of improving their existing counseling program, we revitalized and expanded the agency’s counseling services to include individual, family and group programs. We hired talented therapists and partnered with the University at Buffalo’s Social Work Department. I supervised graduate students, providing them their own opportunity to experience the wonder of doing this work.
Finally, after sixteen years of absorbing, developing and LEARNING, I felt ready to make a professional dream come true. In 2004, I began my own private practice. Adding to the joy of having my own practice was the opportunity to have it in the community where I live which is Lewiston. After stops in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park and Williamsville, I was finally able to settle in professionally where I settled in personally. Welcome!
CLINICAL PHILOSOPHY & APPROACH | SERVING NIAGARA FALLS, NY & ALL OF NIAGARA COUNTY
I will share with you one constant which has served me well, almost like a professional GPS. I left school and was thrust into a helping field, which a number of college degrees suggested I was able to provide. And so, with much uncertainty, fear and anxiety, I entered this profoundly fascinating profession. I have been blessed to have brilliant and kind mentors throughout my career. They all provided me that hand up. One of my first mentors always reminded me, “Michael, they won't care what you know, if they don't know that you care.” Of course, that became my mantra during those early days.
Dr. Irwin Yalom, whose books helped me mightily in the early years of my career, stated simply, “It is the relationship that heals.” The therapeutic relationship is a relationship first and foremost. Carl Rogers, a pioneer in our field, talked about unconditional positive regard, acceptance without judgment, a therapist's genuineness, and respect.
I can assure you, as you enter my office, I will offer a therapeutic relationship that provides you the safety, comfort and confidence to achieve the goals you desire. Again, welcome!
