- Practical habit work
- Focus on thoughts
- Collaborative process
About Michael
Michael Masters is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. He focuses on thoughts and everyday habits to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. He brings five years of clinical practice experience to sessions and aims to help people take practical steps toward feeling better.
Before clinical practice, he worked as a community organizer and counseled people affected by systemic conflict and trauma. That background shaped his interest in how life circumstances and daily routines affect mood and behavior. He draws on that experience when talking through challenges with clients.
In sessions he uses clear, down-to-earth language and works with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns and small habit changes. He uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to guide that work. Conversations focus on what a person wants to change and on practical next steps.
He also incorporates strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Existential Therapy when those fit a client's goals. These tools can help with emotion regulation, relationships, and making sense of life transitions. The emphasis is on building skills that fit day-to-day life.
Michael welcomes international clients and conducts sessions in English. To begin, readers should use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to schedule according to therapist availability.
Before clinical practice, he worked as a community organizer and counseled people affected by systemic conflict and trauma. That background shaped his interest in how life circumstances and daily routines affect mood and behavior. He draws on that experience when talking through challenges with clients.
In sessions he uses clear, down-to-earth language and works with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns and small habit changes. He uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to guide that work. Conversations focus on what a person wants to change and on practical next steps.
He also incorporates strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Existential Therapy when those fit a client's goals. These tools can help with emotion regulation, relationships, and making sense of life transitions. The emphasis is on building skills that fit day-to-day life.
Michael welcomes international clients and conducts sessions in English. To begin, readers should use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to schedule according to therapist availability.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
How Michael’s approaches fit into online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful actions. It can help when anxiety, depression, or life changes get in the way of daily living. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts influence behavior and mood and teaches practical techniques to shift unhelpful thinking. CBT is often useful for stress, anxiety, and low mood. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience and pace, offering a respectful space to make sense of problems and decide next steps.Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they will try methods that fit the person’s situation and adjust the plan over time based on what works.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people meet with a licensed professional from different locations, including international settings. Ask about session length and format when you schedule to find a setup that fits everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael often address?
He works with people facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and addictions. He also helps with parenting stress, career questions, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is practical and conversational. He helps people notice thought patterns and develop everyday habits that support change.
What is his professional background?
He has five years of clinical practice and previously worked as a community organizer counseling people affected by systemic conflict and trauma.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LCSW licensed in New York and practices from New York.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.