Tuesday, February 26, 2008

I’m a senior level executive who spent my life until age 35 in the closet, trying to be “straight”. When I finally had my first true relationship with a man, living together for 6 years I made several mistakes such as being codependent and afraid to commit to love and sadly ended up in Mike’s office searching for answers. Though I ended that relationship, thanks to working with Mike I experienced 7 years of tremendous growth as a gay man who now lives every day out, proud, confident and authentic. Mike made the process a very positive experience and basically changed the course of my life.

Now I have a partner who is warm, loving, caring and a lot of fun in addition to being the handsome and sexiest man I’ve ever known. If not for Mike, I would have never grown to the level where I could experience life like this and I highly recommend his services to anyone searching to grow into their best self. I believe that only when you reach that level will you attract someone of equal or better quality. There is a good reason why Mike is so much in demand in the gay community-its because he is highly skilled, honest, caring and has the highest level of integrity and ethics. Take the chance and call him and you will soon discover a bright new future following his guidance and advice.
Ben G.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

My story is: married man with kids ... who is gay. The fact that Mike is straight actually helped me. I wouldn't have seen a gay therapist as objective enough. And yet Mike is very knowledgeable about the gay community with lots of contacts and gay clients over many years. Mike helped me come out, come to terms with who I really am, and live a life consistent with that reality... without shame, self-recrimination, and regrets. The other side of the closet as an "out" gay man is really not as scarey, as stigmatizing, and ostracizing as I anticipated. Thanks Mike, I have now lived without a double life, and still have the acceptance of my family, workplace, and even my x-wife for several years. I am more at peace than ever before.
T.J.
I actually first came to see Mike under a court order after being arrested for soliciting an undercover cop. Once the diversion program was over we continued because I was compulsive about pornography on the internet, which had led to forays into the world of lap dancing, oriental massages and prostitutes. At first I tried another therapist, but it was Mike that really understood this obsession. The other one wasn't really comfortable with the subject. Mike helped me save my marriage, my job and my sanity; all things I had put at risk with my sex addiction. I have now been "sober" for three years, and my life is back on track.
One of the "Johns"
I started to see Mike during a very traumatic time in my life. My partner of 15 years had died a few years before and I was in a new relationship. It was the early 90’s so the meds that have positively impacted the lives of so many HIV+ people had not yet hit the scene. Several of my close friends were sick and in the process of dying. I was not in the best of health myself and was living on disability. My new partner was seeing Mike and when Mike learned about my situation he offered me a spot in one of his weekly HIV support groups. I joined the group and remained there for several years. Mike continually created a very safe and comfortable space for us to work through the many issues we all dealt with living with HIV, in addition to other life issues. He offered me tremendous support when my mother was dying. Mike is a very kind and compassionate individual and a great therapist.
John F.
I was referred to Mike Holtby by a friend who had been working with Mike. My friend knew I was searching for answers to balance my life and he told me Mike would be the therapist to help me work toward the path of success that I am on today. Mike is a warm, caring, thought provoking therapist, who will ask not only the hard questions but also the subtle questions that will cause you to search your soul and to start to develop life altering thoughts, patterns and goals to better your life. I found while working with Mike that I am now a much happier, successful person and I am equipped with the tools needed to live my best life now. Thank you Mike, for instilling the education and wisdom that I use in my life daily with those around me in helping them to be successful as well.
W.C.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

I was recommended to Michael Holtby by a dear friend; I had just ended a relationship and hadn’t been close to my family for most of my life. I was feeling like I failed not only me, but everyone else. After the first few sessions I really didn’t think I was getting anywhere, I kept going; shortly there after I realized that I wasn’t feeling so bad and continued for about a year. Michael Holtby’s process kept me on track and made me realize why I was feeling the way I did and that I had the power to change it, and I did! I am closer than I have ever been with most of my immediate family and have a relationship I deserve.I can not express how much appreciation I have for you, Michael Holtby, Thanks!
Brent F.
While going through some personal addictions, a failing marriage, and a recent move to Colorado for graduate school, I found myself in quite a dilemma and needed someone to talk to. I had been to therapists before in the previous 10 years, but this time, I wanted someone who would really help me - beyond just "listening". I found that person in Mike Holtby. Mike offered a non-judgemental ear, frank honesty, and plenty of "out-of-the-box" suggestions to deal with each of my issues. We tackled them one at a time, one day at time. I was especially pleased with Mike's progress checks and the supplemental information and groups that he suggested to aid in my
recovery. It's been about 5 years now since I sought his help and I am now living a happy, well-adjusted, addiction-free life, and that's been the longest I have ever gone without seeking therapy. I am forever thankful for his approach and aid in helping me find my true love - myself.
Lynnell G
Michael Holtby is the best therapist I have ever gone to. Last year I had so many things going on in my life and in my head that I could not even complete a full thought before I moved on to the next and I was always frustrated. I had a very rough and complex year with many issues to deal with and new ones every day. I might add, the details of my life were not something I would share with anyone else and I felt completely comfortable with Mr. Holtby right away…..sharing everything.

He has helped me slow things down and sort the thoughts out and make wiser decisions towards my overall happiness. Mr. Holtby listens very intently to every word that I have to say and never misses a beat. He even remembers stuff that I have forgotten. He makes me feel very comfortable because I know he cares for my happiness and helps me figure out what it is that makes me happy.

The main thing is Mr. Holtby makes me feel safe and I know he is there each and every week for me no matter what.

If a friend or family member was having problems he would be the only one I would feel safe recommending hands down!
Laura C.
I can say, that you (Mike), were very supportive, kind, insightful and generous during what was one of the most dramatic therapy sessions of my life...life changing. I so appreciated being able to follow up with you and felt that you were sooooo "in my court"! Thank you so much Mike.
Amy T.