Michael Tran, LMFT

Michael is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is passionate about helping people find clarity and strength during life’s most challenging moments. He works with children, teens, and adults, guiding them through sudden stressors, major life transitions, and moments of self-discovery. Michael supports clients facing grief and loss, family separation, anxiety about change, and the lingering effects of past trauma.

His therapy style is collaborative and supportive, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and motivational interviewing to help clients understand their thoughts and emotions, build healthy coping skills, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.

When working with children, he incorporates play therapy to create a safe and comfortable space for expression and partners with parents to support the entire family.

For adults, he provides space to explore identity, navigate relationship challenges, and build resilience through life’s transitions. Above all, Michael wants therapy to be a place where clients can speak freely, feel heard, and know they are supported just as they are.

Michael has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from San Jose State University, and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology & Social Action from Palo Alto University. Before coming to Palo Alto Therapy, Michael worked mainly in community mental health settings with a focus on school-based outpatient programs for youth in San Jose Unified School District.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys trying many different and new hobbies: bicycling, bowling, fishing, aquascaping, arcade games, finger-knitting, photography, and brewing artisan coffee. His favorite activities include playing video games, watching movies/animation, reading comics/manga, and trying new foods in the Bay Area.