- Trauma-informed care
- Goal-focused approach
- LGBTQIA affirming
About Michael
Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 16 years in clinical practice and a total of 25 years working in behavioral health. He offers straightforward, trauma-informed care that affirms LGBTQIA people. He sees adults and aims to create a steady, respectful partnership to address pressing problems like anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, stress, relationship strain, and low self-esteem.
Before working in outpatient care he spent years in inpatient settings and community behavioral health centers. That range gave him frequent exposure to many mental health diagnoses and practical experience coordinating resources. He draws on that background when helping people find next steps and local supports.
In sessions he uses tools from several evidence-based therapies to match each person’s needs. He helps people identify goals, notice patterns that get in the way, and try out new ways of thinking and behaving. His style starts subtle and becomes more direct as trust grows and goals become clearer.
Michael’s typical focus includes coping with stress, managing mood symptoms, improving communication, and addressing codependency and attachment concerns. He also supports people navigating adoption and foster care issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, cancer-related adjustment, and commitment or control struggles.
During intake he listens for your history and priorities, then maps a plan together. The client directs the pace and goals, and he assists in removing barriers that keep someone from feeling safer, more capable, and more in control.
How evidence-based approaches work in online therapy
Many of the techniques he uses are drawn from well-studied, practical therapies. Cognitive-based methods focus on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-influenced approaches teach simple attention and breathing skills to lower stress and improve emotional balance. Acceptance-oriented tools help people clarify values and take action even when uncomfortable feelings are present.Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, past experiences, and what feels useful. Together they choose which techniques to try, adjust them over time, and track progress toward the goals the client sets.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules require it. Licensed professionals can adapt homework, skill practice, and goal tracking to remote sessions so progress continues between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael commonly address?
He works with adults on anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, stress, relationship struggles, self-esteem, and related issues such as codependency and attachment difficulties.
What is his general therapy style and approach?
He uses a trauma-informed, collaborative style that begins gently and becomes more direct as rapport grows. He combines evidence-based techniques to match each person’s needs and goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 16 years as a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 25 years overall in behavioral health work across inpatient and community settings.
Where is he based and what credential does he hold?
He is located in Virginia and holds the credential LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.