Michael Smith

Michael Smith is a licensed mental health counselor with 38 years of experience helping people manage strong emotions and difficult life changes. He works with adults who face stress, anxiety, anger, depression, mood disorders, and struggles related to addiction or identity. He practices in New York and conducts sessions in English.

His style is direct but warm. He listens first, then helps people name what feels overwhelming. From there he and the client build small, practical steps to reduce distress and regain control. Sessions often focus on skills that can be used between meetings.

Michael uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs. He leans on cognitive behavioral therapy to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and change behaviors. Client-centered methods help people feel heard and self-directed in their own goals. Mindfulness practices are included when present-moment focus and stress reduction will help.

He also draws on existential ideas to help people look at meaning and choices during major life transitions. Motivational interviewing supports clients who want to change habits tied to substance use or other patterns. These approaches are woven together rather than offered as separate packages.

Michael aims to create clear, doable plans rather than long lists of concepts. He helps people practice new responses to anger, anxiety, and grief so daily life becomes more manageable. To start, prospective clients use the site process to match and schedule a session.

Approaches that translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping clients set their own goals. It is useful for people who need a nonjudgmental space to sort feelings and decide next steps. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches concrete skills to shift them; it often helps with anxiety, anger, and mood symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose which methods to try based on goals and preferences. That plan can change as the client learns what helps and what does not.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. Licensed professionals can use a combination of talking, worksheets, and guided exercises that work well over a remote session, and the therapist will discuss practical details when arranging the first meeting.