Therapy Group of DC
Dr. Michael Burrows, Ph.D.
Identity, self-esteem & the patterns that keep you stuck
About Dr. Burrows
If you’re here, something probably feels stuck — in your relationships, in how you see yourself, or in patterns you can’t quite explain but keep running into. I help people slow down and explore what’s underneath that.
My work is rooted in curiosity. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level coping strategies, I want to understand the deeper patterns — often shaped by early relationships, identity, and emotional experiences — that keep showing up in ways that feel painful or confusing. I’m not interested in just managing symptoms. I’m interested in why they’re there.
I draw on psychodynamic and relational approaches, which means the relationship between us becomes an important tool. How you relate to me in the room often reflects how you relate to people in your life — and that awareness, developed together over time, is where genuine change happens.
“I don’t think people need to be fixed. I think they need a space where they can be honest about what’s actually going on — and someone who’s willing to sit in that with them.”
Michael Burrows, Ph.D., Therapy Group of DC
My Approach
I lean toward exploration over rigid structure. The most meaningful breakthroughs I’ve seen come from following what’s alive in the room rather than checking boxes on a treatment plan. I balance warmth and support with honest reflection — gentle enough to feel safe, direct enough to move forward.
I have particular depth in working with grief and loss, self-esteem, and the intersections of identity — including cultural identity, sexual orientation, and what it means to be a man navigating vulnerability. For clients dealing with body image concerns, relationship patterns, or the fallout from major life transitions like divorce, I help connect present struggles to their deeper roots.
Interested in working with Dr. Burrows?
Take the first step — we’ll help you get started.
My research background shapes my clinical work, too. I’ve spent years studying LGBTQ+ identity, community belonging, and how minority stress affects well-being and relationships. That’s not just academic for me — it’s personal and professional commitment that shows up in the room. If you’re navigating questions about identity, sexuality, or what it means to belong, I bring both lived understanding and scholarly depth to that work.
If you’re someone who wants more than symptom management — if you want to understand why you do what you do and build a more authentic relationship with yourself — I think this kind of work can get you there.
Educational Background
Common Questions
It’s mostly about getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, your background, and what you’re hoping to work on — but there’s no pressure to share everything at once. The goal is to start building a relationship where you feel comfortable enough to explore what matters most. Most people have a sense by the end of the first or second session whether the fit feels right.
It’s focused on understanding the patterns — often rooted in past relationships and experiences — that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others today. Rather than just addressing symptoms, we go deeper to explore why those patterns developed and how they’re showing up in your current life. Sessions tend to be conversational and exploratory rather than structured around worksheets or homework.
Absolutely. A lot of my clients come in without a specific diagnosis or clear agenda. You might just feel stuck, disconnected, or like something isn’t working but you can’t quite name it. That uncertainty is actually a great starting point for the kind of exploratory work I do.
Yes — I see clients both in-person at the Dupont Circle office and via secure telehealth for anyone located in Washington, DC. Many clients do a mix of both depending on their schedule.
Ready — or still deciding?
Either way, we’ll make it easy. Get started with Dr. Burrows directly, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you with the right therapist. Takes a few minutes — no commitment.
Transparent Pricing & Insurance Support
Most of our clients get 50–80% of each session reimbursed through their employer insurance. We handle the paperwork.