Mitchel Acton

Credentials

• Master of Social Work, University of Utah

• Clinical Social Worker

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Utah; Minor in History, University of Utah

• Cognitive, Behavioral therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Philosophy

Mitchel has a passion for working with adolescents and their families. He believes that individuals already have the innate ability to make the changes they would like to see in their lives, but sometimes need assistance in identifying that part of ourselves. Mitchel assists individuals and families by providing a safe and respectful therapeutic setting. He believes that ineffective communication pushes people away and has a strong desire to assist adolescents and their families to have conversations that are congruent with their values, allowing them to discuss core issues effectively, develop emotional and cognitive regulation, and gain the coping skills necessary to manage the difficulties life presents.

Professional

Mitchel began his career in the mental health field working at Gateway Academy for two years as a staff mentor. Mitchel left Gateway in 2018 to pursue his Master's degree in Social Work. During that time, Mitchel worked full time as a Case Manager for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mitchel has since worked in a variety of residential settings, and has experience working in non-profit, school, and outpatient settings. During this time, Mitchel has been able to work with children, adolescents, couples, and families. This experience has allowed Mitchel to work with individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, and other more complex diagnoses such as Schizophrenia. Mitchel has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and the treatment of trauma. 

Personal

When not working, Mitchel is most likely spending time with friends and family. Mitchel enjoys snowboarding, board games, reading, video games and is an avid sports enthusiast. 

Creating Student Success 

Mitchel prefers a relationships-based approach and recognizes the importance of developing strong rapport with his students and their families. Mitchel applies this approach to assist adolescents and their families nurture and develop their relationships as a family in addition to the interpersonal relationships each student will inevitably encounter as they are enrolled at Gateway Academy, and throughout their lives going forward. Mitchel utilizes evidence-based practices and practice-based evidence to teach students adaptive coping skills to manage cognitive distortions, emotion regulation, and provide a firm foundation from which each student is able to thrive on their journey through life.