- Trauma informed
- Evidence based care
- Goal focused
About Michael
Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years in social work and 25 years in behavioral health. He focuses on helping adult men and other adults cope with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, and relationship and self-esteem concerns. He offers a straightforward, trauma-informed approach and describes himself as LGBTQIA affirming.
He has worked in inpatient hospitals, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient settings. That background helped him build a practical set of treatment methods and strong community resource knowledge. He uses a mix of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address a wide range of issues.
In the first sessions he listens to a person’s history and current concerns, then helps set clear, achievable goals. He emphasizes a steady therapeutic relationship and looks for barriers that get in the way of progress. Over time his style can shift from subtle to more direct as trust and clarity grow.
Typical concerns he sees include trauma, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar symptoms, anxiety and stress management, relationship and communication problems, substance use, and challenges tied to medical diagnoses. He also works with issues like attachment, abandonment, codependency, and caregiver stress.
Sessions focus on practical steps and decision-making. Michael helps map out a plan and supports people as they test new behaviors and thought patterns. The client leads the work, and he guides the process toward the goals identified together.
How evidence-based approaches work in online therapy
Michael draws from evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address specific problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on spotting and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress management. Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, useful for intense mood swings, relationship strain, and stress.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will review background, symptoms, and goals during intake and will work together with the client to try methods that fit their needs and preferences. Adjustments are made as progress is tracked and new priorities emerge.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats before booking since formats were not specified in the profile. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Many people also find it helpful to move through skill practice and homework between sessions so therapy aligns with day-to-day routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, relationship and self-esteem issues, and related areas such as abandonment, attachment problems, codependency, and caregiver stress.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is trauma-informed and practical. He starts by listening, sets clear goals, and may become more direct as rapport builds.
What is his clinical background?
He has 16 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 25 years of experience in behavioral health, including inpatient, community, and outpatient settings.
Where is he based and licensed?
He practices in Virginia and holds the VA LCSW credential as provided in his profile.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with clients outside the United States?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.