Michael S. Oden, M.A. is a Deputy Probation Officer in the State of California with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology. For 15 years he has supervised and interviewed thousands of clients who were under the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system. Michael believes in helping individuals who have had issues with substance dependency for most of their lives. He has dedicated his professional life to championing the belief that gaining emotional freedom from addiction is possible. He is a counselor in private practice, a consultant and workshop facilitator, and trainer for organizations. He developed The Needs Based Method(R) and is the founder of The Final Step.