Michael Dautrich, LCSW

Michael Dautrich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, and changes in life. He brings calm, steady support and practical steps to conversations about mood, attention, grief, and conflict. His tone is direct and approachable for someone looking for straightforward care.

He trained with two master’s degrees earned in 1992 and has practiced for more than three decades. Much of his experience came in public mental health settings, including a long tenure at the New York State Office of Mental Health, where he provided both individual and group therapy. That work shaped his emphasis on tools people can use between sessions.

In sessions he often centers the person’s goals and immediate concerns. He uses client-centered methods to focus on what matters most to the individual. He also blends cognitive techniques that look at thought patterns and mindfulness exercises that help with moment-to-moment distress.

He has worked with people facing trauma, substance use struggles, relationship and family difficulties, and long-term mood challenges such as depression and bipolar-related concerns. He also supports those dealing with parenting stress, caregiving strain, chronic health issues, and recovery from separation or loss.

His practice style tends toward clear, practical conversations and short-term planning when that fits the need. People who prefer a collaborative, down-to-earth approach to changing habits and managing upsetting thoughts may find his style helpful. Michael is based in New York and offers services in English.

How his approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy places the person’s goals at the center of each session. The therapist listens closely and helps clients set priorities, offering support that matches their pace and needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking and behaving. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and habit change by giving clear strategies to try between sessions.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase present-moment focus. It often pairs well with cognitive work when stress or strong emotions get in the way of daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques together, and adjust plans based on what the client finds most useful. Goals, preferences, and real-life constraints guide decisions about methods and pacing.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the available session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make scheduling easier, reduce travel, and fit therapy into a busy day. It also allows quick check-ins and focused skill practice between longer sessions, helping clients use tools in everyday situations.