Michael S. Odenis a behavioral and communication expert, consultant/counselor, international speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator. He is an expert in human behavior and a coach who forthe past 20 years as a probation officer and in private practice, has helped thousands of clients (adults and teens) who struggle with addiction, abuse, low self-esteem, poor performance or unhealthy relationships, turn their lives around.

Michael developed “The Needs Based Method®” therapeutic modality and is the founder of “Final Step Int.”, abehavior awareness programthat focuses on getting to the core of the individuals needs and helping the client change those behaviors that are preventing life rewarding achievements. Michael believes that once a person has gained Emotional Wellness, they will be able to move forward and make healthier decisions throughout their lives without hesitation and fully confident.

His success rate with childhood trauma clients stems from his early years as a probation officerworking with people from all walks of life who had turned to addiction in response to that trauma.As a teacher in the juvenile camps,Michael has helped hundreds of youth with drug and alcohol abuse problems linked to criminal behavior find alternative methods for fulfilling their needs.

Michael’s book "When Nobody's Home", winner of the 2016 Eric Hoffer award, is a straight forward, compelling nuts and bolts examination of the behaviors that lead to drug abuse, addictions, violence or emotional distress and his unique technique, that gives the individual an awareness and understanding as to how certain “needs” are being met by the destructive behaviors and how to change those behaviors from life diminishing to life fulfilling.  Mr. Oden is the recipient of the IRWIN Award for Most Innovative Writer for the Needs Based Method® technique he developed.

Michael has presented his successful Needs Based Method® techniqueto numerous organizations, schools and universities including USC, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Dominquez Hills, Harvard Faculty Club, Men’s Association for Addition Treatment, Clearview Treatment Program, Bridges to Recovery, New Jersey’s Center for Mental Health, Amtrak, Del Amo Hospital, Haven House and the Department of Juvenile Services to name a few. He has been featured on several radio talk shows and received multiple awards of recognition.

Michael received his M.A. in Counseling in Psychologyfrom the National University, Los Angeles, CA and his B.A. in Sociology from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. He served in the US Marine Corp Reserve where he was the Director of Human Relations.Michael splits his time between his private practice and his work as a Deputy Probation Officer in the State of California.

An inspiration and role model to the millions who have heard his story and and seen his videos, Mike Harrington had no idea the impact his health journey would have on the rest of the world when he first set out. As he persisted through his journey and the weight loss was becoming noticeable, people began to tell him that it was motivating them to take charge of their own health. And, after losing over 200 pounds, Mike’s story got the attention of the media.



His story and videos have been featured in numerous web sites and on television shows such as USA Today, MSN Health, Yahoo Fitness Weight Loss Win, Fox 61’s Stan Simpson Show, RVN TV’s Mid Day with Dana, Donovan Green (Dr. Oz' Personal Trainer) Podcast, and Gilad’s Bodies In Motion newsletter. Mike was also a featured presenter at the Toastmasters District 53 Fall 2017 Conference with his “Half the Man, Double the Awesome” presentation.



Mike receives dozens of messages and emails each month from people seeking advice, pouring out their hearts about their health struggles, and how his story has inspired them and given them some hope. Over the past several years Mike has met and spoken to many people, giving tips on lessons learned through his journey, and more importantly, about sustaining health. Mike is a big fan of Lifestyle Medicine, a branch of medicine which promotes curing chronic illness with lifestyle changes over medication or other means.



Mike has a passion for healthy living and helping others who are looking for a symbol of hope. More than mere weight loss, Mike’s story is about his triumph over the adversities in his life. Most weekends you can find Mike hiking in the woods where he hosts his weekly Facebook Live broadcast, “Hike with Mike” on which he talks about a variety of topics related to health, motivation, and dealing with personal struggles.



Mike’s mission is to “Inspire People To Take Charge Of Their Lives And Their Health By Being An Example Of What Is Possible”.