Michael Smith, LMHC

Michael Smith is a licensed mental health counselor with 38 years of experience based in New York. He helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by mood shifts, stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, or the effects of trauma and addiction. His approach aims to make difficult problems easier to talk about and to tackle one step at a time.

In sessions he focuses on what matters most to the person in front of him. He listens without rushing and helps clients identify small, practical changes that can improve day-to-day life. He uses straightforward tools to manage worry, low mood, impulsivity, sleep problems, and compulsive behaviors.

Michael draws on a mix of client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, existential reflection, and motivational interviewing. That blend lets him shift between exploring meaning and offering concrete strategies depending on a client's needs. He often pairs focused skills practice with conversations about values and life direction.

Over his career he has supported people facing a wide range of concerns including ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality-related challenges, eating and sleeping problems, and issues tied to aging or intellectual disability. He also helps with compassion fatigue and career or life-purpose questions.

People who prefer clear guidance alongside respectful, attentive listening may find his style a good fit. To start, readers should use the site’s matching flow and schedule a first appointment that fits their timing.

How his approach and online work come together

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and following the client's lead to understand what matters most. It helps people feel heard and decide goals that fit their everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching practical skills to change them; it often helps with anxiety, depression, panic, and compulsive patterns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with a person about goals, try out different techniques, and adjust plans as needed. That means some sessions may focus on skills practice while others dig into meaning and life direction.

If you want online options, confirm the supported session formats before booking so you know what to expect. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, avoid travel time, and have shorter check-ins when days are tight. It can also let people use mindfulness exercises or homework between sessions to build new habits that suit their daily routine.