Dr. Michaela Hammer, LCSW

Dr. Michaela Hammer draws on 35 years of clinical experience and a client-centered approach informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She focuses on helping people through life transitions, grief, relationship struggles, mood concerns, anxiety, and stress in everyday language and practical steps. Dr. Hammer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in Florida and offers services that include video, phone, chat, and messaging sessions.

She pays attention to how myths about aging, memory, and mental health shape what people expect of themselves. She helps separate fact from fiction and works with clients to set realistic goals. Common topics she addresses include memory concerns, depression, bipolar mood issues, ADHD, and caregiving stress.

Dr. Hammer also provides support for bereavement, including pet loss and other losses that are sometimes overlooked. She draws on decades of work in homes, schools, retirement communities, and clinics to tailor practical strategies for grieving and adjusting to change. Her goal is to help people regain routine, purpose, and dignity after loss.

Her background includes creating memory clinics and conducting assessments of cognitive functioning when concerns arise. She shares research and resources with clients and helps them pursue further answers when needed. Sessions focus on what the person wants to improve and on small, achievable steps.

Clients can expect a straightforward, experienced therapist who values clear information and steady support. Dr. Hammer frames work as a collaborative process that respects each person's unique story and timing.

Approach and Online Care with Dr. Hammer

Dr. Hammer uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change thoughts and behaviors that fuel anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping. CBT often focuses on simple, practical exercises and small behavior changes that can reduce symptoms and improve daily routines.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes listening and understanding the person's goals. This approach helps people feel heard and guides the pace of work based on what matters most to them. Motivational Interviewing is another tool she draws on when clients want to make changes but feel stuck; it helps build motivation and clarify personal reasons for change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Hammer works with each person to figure out which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time and checks in to make sure progress feels useful to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation when needed, phone can be easier during low bandwidth or when a shorter check-in is preferred, and chat or messaging fits quick updates or flexible schedules. These options help people access steady support while fitting sessions into work, caregiving, or daily routines.