Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW

Michael Mcbrearty is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey. He offers a direct, accepting style that aims to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. His manner is warm and nonjudgmental, inviting honest conversation about what feels difficult right now.

He blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with motivational interviewing and mindfulness practices. In sessions he focuses on practical steps people can try between meetings and on noticing patterns that get in the way of goals. Work often centers on improving mood, managing cravings or addictive behaviors, and handling relationship and career stresses.

With 20 years of experience, he has supported people facing grief, trauma, anger, and compassion fatigue. He also addresses concerns such as ADHD, bipolar symptoms, intimacy struggles, eating and self-esteem issues, and challenges tied to aging or caregiver stress. His background includes a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and licensure in New Jersey and New York.

Michael encourages collaboration about goals and the pace of work. He aims to help people find clearer values, build small habits that make daily life easier, and strengthen coping when big transitions arrive. The tone in sessions stays practical and respectful.

To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability. Costs vary with location and subscription details; the subscription can be canceled at any time.

Therapeutic approaches that guide online work

Michael often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values while learning to accept difficult feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and trying different behaviors to change mood and reduce anxiety or depressive patterns.

He also brings client-centered listening to sessions, which means the therapist aims to follow the person's lead, reflect what matters, and create a supportive space for practical problem solving. Together the therapist and client will decide which mix of approaches fits the person’s goals and day-to-day needs; this is a collaborative process that can change as progress is made.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time. Some people find phone or video sessions let them maintain momentum during life transitions and stick with skill practice between meetings.