- Attachment-informed
- Goal oriented
- Trauma aware
About Michael
Michael Leffingwell is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas with 13 years of experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem concerns. He aims to create a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate space for people to talk through difficult moments.
Michael adapts conversation and plans to each person's needs rather than using the same approach for everyone. He draws on attachment-based ideas to look at relationship patterns and on client-centered work to follow what matters most to the person in the room. Cognitive behavioral tools are used when practical strategies and clearer thinking can ease daily struggles.
He also integrates solution-focused methods to set short-term goals and somatic work to bring attention to how the body holds stress. These approaches support people dealing with abandonment worries, attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and codependency concerns. He works with people experiencing substance problems, eating-related issues, dissociation, and the fallout from family-of-origin problems.
Sessions are structured around what the client wants to work on next, with attention to safety and pacing after trauma. Michael emphasizes small, achievable steps so progress feels realistic and sustainable. He encourages questions and collaboration about goals and methods throughout the process.
To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability. The practice is located in Texas and sessions are offered in English.
How Michael’s approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in how people connect and react in relationships. Online sessions can help identify those patterns and practice new ways of relating. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following what matters to the individual, letting the client guide session topics and pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers hands-on strategies to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be practiced between sessions and reviewed during meetings.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will collaborate with each person to decide what methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision can shift over time as progress is made or new concerns arise, and he encourages an open conversation about what is or isn’t working.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also makes it simpler to continue regular work after setbacks or life changes, while keeping momentum toward the goals you and the therapist set together.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Credentials
Texas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Michael commonly address?
He helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include codependency, attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness challenges, and substance or eating-related problems.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Michael uses a mix of client-centered listening and practical techniques. He combines attachment-based understanding with cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused tools tailored to each person.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 13 years of professional work experience supporting people with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, practicing in Texas.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to 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.