Michael Masters, LCSW

Michael Masters is an LCSW based in New York who uses human-centered approaches to help people navigating tough life moments. He focuses on practical steps that make daily life feel more manageable. He emphasizes respect, steady support, and clear goals in sessions. With five years of clinical practice, Michael draws on different ways of working to match what each person needs. He blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address anxiety, depression, and stress. He also uses Client-Centered and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ideas when people need help with emotional regulation or relationship concerns. Michael has a background as a community organizer. That work involved counseling people affected by systemic conflicts, trauma, abuse, neglect, and anger issues. Those experiences shaped his focus on real-world problems like caregiving stress, chronic illness, grief, and major life changes. In sessions he aims to help people build skills for coping and make values-based choices. Conversations tend to be straightforward and practical, with space to process emotions. He also works with people on issues linked to identity, intimacy, and sexuality, including LGBT concerns and kink-friendly topics. People looking to begin therapy are invited to describe their main struggles and goals. Michael encourages collaboration on a plan that fits each person’s life and pace. For readers in other places, note that international clients are accepted, and sessions are offered in English.

How Michael’s approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take actions that reflect those values. In practice this often means learning to notice hard feelings without letting them stop meaningful steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It usually involves short exercises and homework between sessions to practice skills. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals guide the work and the therapist follows the client’s lead.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. Michael works with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He will explain options, try techniques, and adjust the plan as progress or challenges emerge.

For practical matters, please confirm what online session formats are currently offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also allow focusing on specific skills like emotion regulation or values-based planning in between day-to-day responsibilities.