Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW

Michael Mcbrearty follows a practical, evidence-based approach that centers on cognitive behavioral therapy. He combines clear strategies with steady support to help people manage anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction-related concerns. Michael writes simply and listens closely, helping clients name problems and try small, workable changes.

He brings 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. Michael holds LCSW credentials in New Jersey and New York and completed a Master of Social Work at Rutgers University. That background guides his focus on problem solving and making therapy useful day to day.

In sessions he uses a mix of methods including Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and client-centered work. Those approaches are chosen to fit the issue - for example CBT-style skill building for anxiety and motivational interviewing for substance concerns. He helps people practice new behaviors and notice what changes.

Michael often works with concerns such as grief, relationship and intimacy issues, anger, eating and self-esteem difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. He also addresses related topics like communication problems, codependency, caregiver stress, and life transitions.

He aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can take steps toward clearer goals. Michael emphasizes collaboration - setting realistic aims, tracking small wins, and adjusting plans as needed.

CBT and Mindfulness Delivered Online

Michael uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking patterns and practice small behavior changes that reduce anxiety and depression. CBT sessions focus on clear, step-by-step skills like thought records, behavioral experiments, and activity scheduling that can be practiced between meetings.

He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take committed action even around difficult feelings, and Client-Centered Therapy to ensure the conversation stays focused on the client’s experience. ACT supports coping with painful emotions, while client-centered work creates a respectful, listening space for exploring goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Michael will work with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, trying options and adjusting as progress is tracked. He aims to make treatment flexible and goal oriented.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth skill work and face-to-face conversation, phone works well for shorter check-ins or when bandwidth is limited, and chat or text suit brief updates or ongoing coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to continue work when circumstances change.