Michael Ratcliff

Meet your coach

Michael Ratcliff

I grew up in East Cleveland, Ohio. My environment encompassed economic challenges, violent neighborhoods, and other influences attempting to draw me into a lifestyle of debauchery. These formative years, which were traumatic at times, developed a passion in me to choose to make better choices.

My best decision, and my highest value, is my belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I live with my wife of 30 years, and together we've raised three children, along with two Yorkshires.

I bring together clinical training and a Christ-centered approach to help you navigate life's hardest seasons. I have experience with numerous areas whether identity, sexuality, grief, emotional health, or marriage preparation. I strive to handle these seasons with grace, truth, and practical tools for lasting change.

My superpowers are simple: empathy and listening. I believe healing happens in relationship, not isolation, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you uncover who you are in Christ and move toward freedom, wholeness, and restoration.

The verse I live by is Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

A legacy of purposeful transformation

15+ Years of Transformative Impact

Education & Credentials

  • B.A. in Psychology
    Cleveland State University
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Ashland Theological Seminary

Clinical Experience

  • Counselor — Moore Counseling & Mediation
    Supported individuals, couples, and marriages.
  • Specialties — Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Intervention, IOP & NIOP Programs, Pornography & Sexual Strongholds, And Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Additional Roles

  • Emotionally Healthy Staff Pastor
    The Word Church
  • Outreach Coordinator
    Murtis Taylor Human Service System
15+ Years in Counseling & CoachingOver 15 years of experience walking alongside individuals, couples, and families through life's hardest seasons. Helping people from identity and grief to relationships and emotional health.
Faith-Rooted, Clinically TrainedCombines clinical counseling training with a Christ-centered approach, bringing both professional expertise and biblical wisdom into every session.
Specialized Support for Real-Life StrugglesDeep experience helping people work through anger, emotional strongholds, relational conflict, and the patterns that keep them stuck — with practical, lasting tools for change.
Trusted by Organizations & CommunitiesBrought on as a trainer and coach for organizations across multiple states, equipping teams and individuals with tools for emotional health, de-escalation, and resilience.

A grounded path forward

My Approach

With prayer, presence, and practical wisdom, we create space for honest growth and meaningful change rooted in faith.

Grace Over Judgment

Every session starts from a place of grace, not condemnation. You don't have to have it together to be here. This is a space to be honest without fear of being shamed.

Truth That Transforms

Healing isn't just about feeling better, it's about aligning with truth. I combine biblical wisdom with clinical insight to help you see clearly and move forward with purpose.

The Power of Being Heard

Sometimes the most healing thing is simply being listened to. I create space to truly hear you. I want to hear your story, your struggle, and your heart before ever rushing to fix.

Healing in Community

Transformation doesn't happen in isolation. Whether one-on-one, as a couple, or in a group cohort, we walk it out together. We believe healing is meant to happen in connection, not alone.