- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Mindfulness therapy
About Michael
Michael Mcbrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience based in New Jersey. He lists stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, anger, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, family problems, trauma and abuse, and ADHD among his core areas of focus. He also works with intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes.
Michael uses practical, evidence-based techniques in sessions. He draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of responding. Sessions are straightforward and focused on small, usable steps rather than abstract theory.
In the room he keeps communication plain and direct. He listens for what matters most and helps people set short-term goals they can test between meetings. That might include experiments to reduce avoidance, strategies to calm strong emotions, or skills to improve communication and boundaries.
Michael trained at Rutgers University where he earned a Master degree in Social Work. He holds LCSW credentials in New York and New Jersey and is a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York. His background includes work with a range of mood, trauma, and addiction concerns over two decades.
People often come to him when social situations feel overwhelming, or when relationships and work create persistent stress. He encourages realistic steps and steady progress, with attention to what fits each person’s daily life.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and choosing actions that align with personal values. It helps when worry or avoidance gets in the way of everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down unhelpful thinking and behavior into smaller parts and tests new responses with short experiments between sessions. This approach is useful for anxiety, mood, and many stress-related problems.Finding the right approach is something the therapist will do together with each client. He will listen to goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust based on what helps most. That collaborative process guides whether ACT, CBT, or mindfulness-based techniques are emphasized.
The practical benefit of online therapy is fitting sessions into a busy life. Confirm the current session format options before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to meet during a break, avoid travel time, or choose a shorter check-in when you have limited time. Licensed professionals can guide practice exercises and plan steps that can be used between meetings to build progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
New Jersey, New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He lists stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, anger, depression, addictions, LGBT concerns, family and trauma among his focus areas.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a direct, practical style that draws on cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches to encourage concrete change.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of clinical experience working with mood, trauma, addiction, and relationship concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LCSW with credentials in New York and New Jersey and practices from New Jersey.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.