Michael is a trainee Integrative Counselling Psychologist and Existential Psychotherapist, studying at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in West Hampstead, London. His doctorate thesis aims to create a coherent model synthesising an integration framework to support individuals approaching indigenous ceremonial experiences.

Previously, Michael graduated with a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol and completed his Masters studies at the University of Sussex in Experimental Psychology. His MSc thesis examined 'Profound psychedelic experiences and their relationship with self defining memories and significant grief'. At the core of Michael's work lays a personal relationship with his own journey with the healing effects of various ceremonial containers that deeply supported the integration of early childhood grief.

After 8 years working in various Mental health services throughout the NHS and private healthcare, Michael is now working as a Therapeutic Coach Practitioner for Guideposts Trust in their Complex Emotional Needs service, working with clients with complex traumas and/or Personality Disorders. Guideposts works holistically with its CEN clients, taking a humanistic and person-centred approach.

Contributing to Onaya Science's incredible work as a Research Assistant, for both the non-clinical and clinical retreat cohorts, has provided valuable insight into the extraordinary potential for traditional Shibibo healing practices and continues to inspire Michael both professionally and personally to deepen into this rich area of research.

Michael is also a practitioner supporting legal psychedelic assisted psychotherapy retreats in the Netherlands with the INYE team. Working closely with an indigenous advisory board to guide, support and shape how these traditional ceremonial containers are meeting the modern world, INYE aims to bridge therapeutic clinical care with ancient traditions and emerging scientific research to support transformational healing.

Michael is a traditional Hatha and Heart of Yoga practitioner. He is a multi-instrumentalist

in various music projects, whilst also sharing songs and prayers in ceremonial containers, and has been trained by the world renowned sound Maestro Tito La Rosa and sound practitioners in India. Michael is both a student of Curanderismo and of the Initatic Path.