Michael Dautrich, LCSW

Michael Dautrich helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, or struggles with substance use. He is Michael Dautrich, LCSW, and he brings 32 years of clinical experience to sessions. He writes plainly and listens closely to what matters most to each person.

He uses practical, evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered methods to identify unhelpful patterns and find workable changes. Mindfulness and solution-focused ideas are woven into sessions when they fit a person's goals. Conversations tend to be straightforward and aimed at small steps that lead to relief.

Michael trained in social work and counseling and has an extended background in public mental health services in New York. That experience includes individual and group work in a variety of settings over several decades. He draws on that range when helping people navigate complex problems.

Sessions focus on what a person wants to change now and what realistic steps will help. Common topics he addresses include depression, bipolar mood concerns, trauma and abuse, addiction, parenting strain, career stress, and managing anger. He also supports people facing grief, life transitions, and challenges tied to chronic illness or caregiving.

Michael offers a calm, matter-of-fact style and helps people build skills they can use between sessions. He works with each person to set goals and track progress so therapy stays relevant and efficient.

Practical approaches for online therapy

Michael often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, test those thoughts against reality, and try new behaviors that reduce distress. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and many everyday worries.

He also uses client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening and responding to each person's experience. This approach helps people feel heard and clarifies what they want to change. When it fits, he adds mindfulness practices to help with stress and grounding, and solution-focused techniques to build concrete next steps.

Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, try approaches that match those goals, and adjust based on what works. This shared planning helps keep sessions focused and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for deeper conversations that benefit from seeing expressions. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging are handy for shorter updates, quick problem solving, and when a written check-in fits a person's day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other routines while keeping care consistent.