Michael Garbe is a Doctor of Social Work, and a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in incorporating spirituality into therapy. He has experience working in the fields of trauma, substance abuse, and with compulsive and codependent behaviors. He currently practices privately, as well as teaches part-time at Rutgers University School of Social Work. His doctoral research focused on how clinicians assess and work with individuals who have gone through a spiritually transformative experience (STE). These experiences are often triggered by trauma and can be traumatic as well if not properly supported. He hopes to increase spiritual competence within the helping professions, through continued research, teaching, and public speaking. He has presented his research at national conferences, including the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE). He is also the author of "Spiritual Emergency", a chapter in the social work textbook: Spirituality in Mental Health Practice: Phenomenological Perspectives.