Michael VanderWaal, LCSW
LCSW, LMSW
Therapist | Retreat Facilitator | Community Builder
Michael VanderWaal is a licensed clinical social worker and retreat facilitator who supports people in reconnecting with their inner wisdom and navigating meaningful transformation. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he works with adults facing grief, burnout, major life transitions, and spiritual or existential questioning. At the heart of his work is a belief that healing happens through connection with self, with others, and with the natural world.
Michael’s approach blends traditional psychotherapy with integrative and expanded state modalities, including ketamine assisted psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, transpersonal psychology, and nature based healing. Whether working one on one, facilitating groups, or holding space on retreat, he brings a relational, intuitive, and spacious presence while remaining grounded in ethical and evidence informed care. His sessions tend to prioritize safety, depth, and integration over performance or quick fixes.
He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and is licensed in Michigan, Missouri, Louisiana, Kansas, and Florida. His training includes CIIS, Polaris Insight Center, and Journey Clinical, and he has facilitated ketamine assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration retreats across the United States. Michael works virtually, in person, and through Beyond Retreats, a nature based retreat company he founded.
Michael cares deeply about creating spaces that feel safe, soulful, and real. He is especially well suited for people seeking depth oriented healing during periods of loss, transition, or inner reorganization. His work is rooted in respect, non judgment, and the belief that healing is less about fixing ourselves and more about remembering who we are.
