Michael Batshaw is a New York based psychotherapist, executive coach, author and internationally recognized couples therapist with over 25 years of experience. He is also the founder of the innovative “The Batshaw Method” of psychotherapy and coaching. His expertise on a variety of relationship issues has been featured in such publications as Cosmopolitan, Redbook Magazine and the Chicago Tribune among many others. He is the author of 51 Things You Should Know Before Getting Engaged (Turner, 2009), due to the book’s popularity it was reissued as Before Saying "I Do": The Essential Guide to a Successful Marriage (Turner, 2011). 

Michael graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors in Philosophy, completed his Masters of Science in Social Work at Columbia University, and completed a four year post-graduate training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. He has served as the Clinical Director of a New York City based addiction and recovery agency, that treated individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse. During the course of his career he has treated a variety of issues including post traumatic stress disorders, DID (formerly multiple personality disorder), bipolar disorders I and II, ADD/ADHD, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorders and anxiety and panic disorders. As a dual diagnosis specialist (working with both mental health and substance abuse issues), he has worked with alcoholism, every type of substance abuse as well as sexual addictions, gambling addictions, kleptomania, and co-dependent relationship addictions. 

Mr. Batshaw trains and supervises psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors and social workers in “The Batshaw Method.” In addition, he is on the faculty of the New York Open Center, where he has taught seminars on the techniques to achieve true intimacy in relationships. As a professional coach, he has tailored “The Batshaw Method" to work with Fortune 500 business leaders, professional actors and musicians, doctors, lawyers and other professionals.  

Michael also gives seminars on addiction and recovery utilizing “The Batshaw Method.” The integration of philosophy, meditation and psychotherapy are the foundation of “The Batshaw Method.” He has practiced, studied and taught Zen meditation for over 30 years and was mentored in his Zen practice by the Head Zen Meditation Teacher of the Chogye International Zen Center in New York City.