Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW

Michael Mcbrearty uses a practical, client-centered approach to help people work through difficult life moments. He combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and motivational interviewing to address stress, anxiety, depression and relationship struggles. Michael keeps the tone open and nonjudgmental and aims to create a respectful space for people to talk about what matters to them.

With 20 years in the field, Michael draws on a range of methods to match each person's needs. He focuses on concrete skills people can use between sessions, such as shifting unhelpful thoughts, building small habits, and using present-moment awareness to reduce overwhelm. He also uses motivational strategies to support change when people feel stuck.

Michael holds a Master Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - in New Jersey and New York. He also has a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York. Those experiences inform his work with addictions and co-occurring concerns.

People come to Michael for many reasons, including grief, caregiving stress, aging and geriatric issues, trauma, eating concerns, ADHD, and challenges with intimacy or communication. He emphasizes partnership in therapy and helps people set manageable goals that reflect their values.

If someone is ready to try therapy, Michael offers a supportive, steady presence and practical strategies aimed at improving day-to-day life and coping during major transitions.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Michael uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a way that helps people clarify what matters most to them and take small steps toward those values. ACT often focuses on actions and exercises that can be practiced between sessions to support lasting change.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that worsen mood and stress. CBT typically involves clear goals, skill practice, and short exercises that can be reviewed during sessions to track progress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to figure out which methods feel most useful based on goals, preferences and daily life. Michael adjusts strategies as people learn what helps and what needs to change.

If you are considering online work, confirm the session formats available before booking. Michael emphasizes practical benefits such as fitting sessions into a busy schedule, making it easier to check in during a lunch break, or using shorter calls for quick progress reviews. Ask about current session options when you start the matching process so arrangements match your needs.