- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
About Derek
Derek Bakay is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York with 15 years of counseling experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, career concerns, and coping with life changes. He also helps with relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting strains, and self-esteem challenges.
He uses a practical mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. In sessions he listens for the problems that matter most and then helps people try concrete steps that can reduce worry and move things forward. Conversations focus on what the person wants to change and on skills that make daily life easier.
Derek has experience across medical and rehabilitation contexts and brings that background to work with chronic illness, caregiving stress, aging and geriatric issues, and disability adjustment. He also addresses concerns such as career transitions, midlife questions, fatherhood and men's issues, and feelings of emptiness or low motivation.
Sessions aim to be interactive and goal-oriented. People can expect practical strategies from CBT alongside open, person-centered conversation. Solution-focused elements may be used to identify small, measurable shifts that build confidence and reduce avoidance in social or performance situations.
He offers sessions in English from his New York practice. Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling details using the site process outlined for getting started.
How these approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person's experience and priorities. The therapist listens, reflects what is said, and helps people name their goals. This approach supports people who want a conversational, nonjudgmental way to sort out what matters most.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. In practice it breaks worries into manageable parts and teaches concrete skills for anxiety, stress, and mood difficulties. People often use CBT techniques to reduce avoidance and practice real-world tasks step by step.
Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, practical changes. Sessions identify clear short-term goals and track small wins to build confidence and momentum.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences and will adjust the plan as needs change.
Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into work breaks or busy days, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals and therapists often use online meetings to practice exposure tasks, try behavioral experiments, and follow up on skill practice between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, career problems, coping with life changes, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting, self-esteem, and related concerns.
What is his therapy style like?
His style blends client-centered conversation with practical CBT techniques and solution-focused steps to help people try small changes and track results.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of counseling experience and professional work in rehabilitation-related settings.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and practices in New York.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What do sessions cost and how are they billed?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.