- Goal focused
- Skills oriented
- Down-to-earth
About Michael
Prof. Michael McGaugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and relationship and intimacy concerns. He also supports those dealing with trauma, parenting strain, codependency, career challenges, ADHD, and other life changes. He has 22 years of experience in mental health care and brings a practical, down-to-earth style to sessions.
He began his career as an adult case manager and intake specialist in community support services. That early work shaped how he listens and responds to real-world problems. Over time he moved into counseling because he found direct work with individuals the most rewarding.
His training includes advanced degrees in psychology and mental health counseling. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered methods, and mindfulness strategies to help people notice patterns and build new habits. He frames therapy as a process of learning useful skills rather than just talking about problems.
In sessions he focuses on clear steps clients can try between meetings. That might mean testing a different way of thinking, practicing a short mindfulness exercise, or trying a small behavior change. The goal is better daily coping, clearer choices, and a stronger sense of agency.
People who prefer straightforward, goal-focused conversation often find his style helpful. He works from Missouri and supports English-language clients, including international clients. Those interested in beginning can follow the site’s Start Therapy steps to match and schedule time with him.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy centers on the person in front of the therapist. It means the counselor listens closely, reflects back what they hear, and follows the client’s pace to help clarify feelings and goals. This approach can help with depression, relationship struggles, and a sense of emptiness.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and actions link together. It uses short exercises and experiments to test new ways of thinking and behaving, which can reduce anxiety, panic, and compulsive habits. That makes CBT useful for stress, OCD patterns, and panic attacks.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy concentrates on identifying and reshaping emotional responses that underlie relationship and intimacy concerns. It helps people notice emotional patterns and practice different responses in everyday interactions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with clients about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they choose methods and adjust them as progress is made so the plan fits the person’s life and needs.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session formats before booking because the biography does not list them. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Online sessions can make it easier to practice skills between meetings and bring real-life situations into conversation during therapy.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, codependency, trauma, ADHD, and related life changes.
What is his general therapy style?
He takes a practical, down-to-earth approach that emphasizes skills and small steps. Sessions focus on noticing patterns and trying concrete changes between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has 22 years of experience in mental health services, including roles as an adult case manager and intake specialist before working as a counselor.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the Licensed Professional Counselor credential (LPC) and practices from Missouri.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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.