Michael Masters , LCSW

Michael Masters is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York who focuses on helping people navigate trauma, anxiety, and major life changes. He draws on five years of clinical practice to support people facing grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting stress, and challenges tied to identity and addiction.

He began his career as a community organizer. There he counseled individuals and families affected by systemic conflict, trauma, abuse, neglect, and mental health challenges. That background shaped a practical, down-to-earth style that values real-world solutions as much as emotional insight.

In sessions he uses a mix of approaches to match what each person needs. He integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered methods, and existential ideas to help with coping, mood, and self-worth. Conversations are aimed at small, doable steps rather than long theoretical talks.

Michael pays particular attention to issues many women face, including pressures around caregiving, intimacy, and balancing personal goals. He also takes on concerns such as abandonment, attachment struggles, chronic illness, and the effects of trauma and abuse.

People can connect with him through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. He accepts international clients and offers a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then pick actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and the stress of life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying small behavior changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can be helpful for strong mood swings and relationship stress.

Choosing which approach to use is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide whether ACT, CBT, DBT, or a mix of methods feels like the best fit and adjust the plan over time based on progress.

Online therapy gives flexibility in how people connect. Video calls are close to an in-person meeting and let the therapist and client work through exercises together. Phone sessions can fit a short break at work or be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging allow quick check-ins, written reflections, and step-by-step coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to use therapeutic skills in daily life and keep momentum between appointments.