Michael Masters
Compassionate evidence-informed therapy
LCSW New York
- Experience
- 5 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Michael
Michael Masters is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in New York who draws on cognitive behavioral therapy alongside several complementary approaches to help clients navigate difficult life challenges.
Background and approach
With five years of clinical practice, he blends practical skills training with compassionate listening to address concerns such as trauma and abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, addictions, and relationship or intimacy-related issues.
He also works with a broad range of additional focus areas including attachment and adoption concerns, chronic illness and caregiver stress, codependency, and sexual diversity topics like BDSM and kink.
Prior to clinical practice he spent time as a community organizer supporting families and individuals impacted by systemic conflict and neglect, experience that informs his attention to social context and advocacy. He emphasizes collaboration and skill-building so people can better manage emotions, handle life transitions, and pursue career or parenting goals.
Michael offers services in English and accepts international clients, combining evidence-informed methods with a client-centered stance to support each person’s goals.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and practicing new strategies to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with coping. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them while clarifying personal values to guide meaningful action; it often helps with grief, trauma-related avoidance, and life transitions. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens deeply and supports the client's own problem-solving and growth, which can be especially helpful for issues around self-esteem, relationship concerns, and identity exploration.
Finding the most helpful approach is a collaborative process; the therapist will work with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and adapt techniques from CBT, ACT, DBT, or client-centered methods accordingly. That collaborative planning helps tailor interventions to what a client finds most useful rather than applying a single method rigidly.
Online sessions with Michael are available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care across locations and life demands, and they allow clients to choose interaction styles that best support learning skills, discussing sensitive topics, or maintaining ongoing coaching and support.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English