- Direct supportive style
- Values-based change
- Focus on skills
About Michael
Michael Mcbrearty is a licensed clinical social worker who brings a direct, accepting style to therapy. He uses plain spoken, nonjudgmental support to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, addictions, and life changes. Michael provides a steady presence and practical steps to address everyday struggles and emotional pain.
He combines cognitive-behavioral ideas with motivational interviewing and mindfulness practices to help clients notice unhelpful patterns and try small changes. Sessions focus on concrete skills and decisions people can use between meetings. He encourages realistic goals and steady, manageable progress rather than quick fixes.
Michael trained at Rutgers University where he earned a Master Degree in Social Work and he holds licensed clinical social worker credentials in New Jersey and New York. He also has a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York. Those roles inform his work with addiction and co-occurring concerns alongside mood and relationship issues.
Over two decades in practice have given him experience with a wide range of concerns, from coping with trauma and loss to challenges like ADHD, codependency, and caregiver stress. He aims to help people regain balance and make choices that fit their values.
People in therapy can expect a respectful, collaborative process. He listens for what matters most to each person and helps build steps that fit daily life. If someone is ready to begin, he offers support and practical guidance for that work.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions that align with those values. It often focuses on relieving avoidance and building meaningful routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behavior and teaches straightforward skills to shift unhelpful patterns. These skills can help with anxiety, depression and stress. Motivational Interviewing supports people who are unsure about change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal reasons to move forward.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about goals, past attempts at change, and what feels realistic. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as needed based on what helps most.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible to use mindfulness exercises, behavioral experiments, and homework tasks between meetings so therapy fits everyday life.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he help with?
He works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma and relationship and intimacy-related problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is open, genuine, accepting and non-judgmental, with an emphasis on practical steps and collaborative decision making.
What background and experience does he bring?
He has 20 years of clinical experience and draws on work with mood issues, substance concerns, trauma, caregiver stress and other co-morbid problems.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey and New York and works from New Jersey.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.