Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Salas.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to work in psychology, but it took time to find my path to becoming a therapist. Early on, while working in a group home, I attended therapy sessions with one of the children there to better support him. I remember thinking, “This is the thing I can do.”
After graduating in 2008, I began working in a substance abuse program, offering both group and individual therapy. I had a strong interest in providing LGBTQ+ affirming care, but in Nebraska at the time, I had to learn how to reach that audience. Many of my addiction clients also described struggling with sexual compulsivity, and I quickly realized that traditional addiction approaches didn’t always work for them.
Seeking more effective tools, I pursued advanced training in sexuality, eventually becoming certified in sex therapy. Along the way, I navigated the controversy surrounding terms like “sexual compulsivity” and “sex addiction,” especially given the harm caused when such language was historically tied to unethical practices like conversion therapy. As a gay man in the field, I wanted to create a middle ground—one that was sex-positive yet still addressed the real struggles people face. This led to my book, Bridging the Sex Addiction Divide: Mindful Considerations for Vulnerable Clients, written to help clinicians approach this work with both compassion and nuance.
I founded Vantage Point Counseling Services in 2011 as a solo practice, and by 2015, two like-minded therapists (who are still with us today) joined the team. Together, we’ve built a practice grounded in affirming, growth-oriented therapy for the DFW community. My mission remains the same: to keep growing as a clinician, help people understand and accept themselves, and support them in building stronger relationships with themselves and others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was a little challenging to get my name out there in the beginning. The various communities we support have found us and more of our information and services are out there now, but it took awhile to build that network.
We’ve been impressed with Vantage Point Counseling Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Vantage Point Counseling Services is more than just another therapy practice. We specialize in trauma-informed, sex-positive, LGBTQ-affirming therapy that integrates addiction recovery, sexual health, intimacy, and identity into a cohesive path toward healing and a higher quality of life.
Our team is made up of highly skilled therapists with advanced training and experience in sex addiction treatment (CSAT), EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and the Gottman Method for couples. We work with individuals, couples, and groups—both in-person in Dallas and virtually across Texas.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity. We help clients build shame resilience, strengthen relationships, and feel truly understood. Every client receives individualized therapy from clinicians who have deep expertise in navigating complex human experiences. We’re proud to offer a safe, affirming space for those who are too often overlooked or misunderstood in traditional care.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest are deep, lasting connections, creativity, and laughter. Those things are woven into who I am and probably why I love my work so much. I have always been fascinated by what goes on inside people, their stories, histories, and inner worlds. That curiosity may have its roots in my own family, where we sometimes struggled to communicate feelings with each other. Through my own growth, I have learned how precious and transformative true connection can be.
Creativity and laughter likely came from being an only child, learning to make my own fun and see the world in unconventional ways. Those instincts have carried into my work, inspiring me to create out of the box approaches that help clients discover new perspectives about themselves. They have also stayed with me personally, showing up in my poetry and other creative outlets that keep me engaged, expressive, and grounded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vantagepointdallascounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagepointtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VantagePointDallasCounseling/
