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ML Portrait of Michael Lenker

Michael Lenker

Practical, empathic therapy grounded in CBT principles

LPC Oklahoma

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Michael

About Michael

Michael Lenker is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who centers his work on evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive behavioral strategies while drawing on client-centered and mindfulness principles.

Background and approach

He blends practical skill-building with empathic listening to help clients manage stress, anxiety, mood concerns, trauma-related difficulties, and challenges with self-esteem and motivation. With ten years of clinical experience, he has supported people across inpatient and outpatient settings and spent additional time in community mental health roles focused on behavioral health case management.

Michael takes a tailored approach, collaborating with each person to develop a plan that fits their goals and life circumstances. He has a broad practice focus that includes relationship and family concerns, grief and intimacy-related issues, sleep difficulties, career and parenting strains, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and compassion fatigue.

He also works with many specific challenges such as attachment and abandonment issues, blended family dynamics, body image, chronic illness and caregiving stress, and aspects of sexual diversity including BDSM and kink culture. Michael practices in Oklahoma and offers services in English, and he accepts international clients for remote sessions.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Michael integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy alongside mindfulness practices to guide online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression and to improve coping skills. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship and gives clients space to set the pace and direction of therapy. Mindfulness Therapy helps people develop present-moment awareness and stress regulation skills that can reduce rumination and improve emotional balance.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with each client to clarify goals, try techniques that match their needs, and adjust the plan as progress unfolds so treatment stays practical and responsive to individual preferences.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue care during life transitions, and maintain regular contact for skill practice and problem solving with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
He works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, grief, intimacy-related problems, sleep difficulties, parenting and career challenges, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and compassion fatigue.
What therapeutic approaches does he use in sessions?
His practice incorporates Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, allowing him to mix techniques to suit each client's needs.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He has ten years of experience, including work in inpatient and outpatient therapy settings and five additional years in community mental health as a behavioral health case manager.
Where is this therapist licensed and practicing?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Oklahoma with the credential OK LPC LPC06632.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Yes, he accepts international clients and provides services remotely for people located outside the U.S.
What session formats are available for online work?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin working with this therapist?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Oklahoma

Languages

English