Michael Henderson

Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with 16 years as an LCSW and 25 years working in behavioral health. He lists stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and depression as primary areas he helps people with. Sessions are described as trauma-informed and LGBTQIA affirming. He has worked across inpatient hospitalization systems, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient settings. That background shaped a practical clinical toolbox and connections with community resources he draws on during care. He asks about a persons history early on to understand what matters most. Michael uses several evidence-based techniques when working with people. He discusses thoughts and behaviors, teaches coping skills, and brings in trauma-focused methods when past events are hindering present functioning. He also addresses career and life-transition concerns alongside mental health symptoms. His style starts more subtle and becomes more direct as trust grows and goals become clearer. He describes therapy as collaborative - the client guides the priorities while he helps identify barriers and possible steps. He frames sessions around practical decision points rather than abstract promises. People who choose him can expect to work through specific problems such as communication or commitment issues, manage mood symptoms, and sort through patterns like avoidance or codependency. He also notes experience with medical and caregiving stress, chronic illness, and adoption or attachment issues. To begin, he learns background information during intake, clarifies goals, and then focuses on steps that address obstacles to those goals.

How evidence-based methods are used in online sessions

Michael draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to help people notice and reshape unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. That approach focuses on identifying specific thoughts, testing them, and trying new behaviors to see what changes in everyday life.

He also uses mindfulness-informed cognitive strategies to teach grounding and awareness techniques that reduce reactivity to difficult thoughts and feelings. These skills can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management because they offer concrete practices to use between sessions.

Finding the right approach happens together. He will review what a person is hoping to change, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what works and what feels manageable. Collaboration means setting clear goals and checking progress over time.

Confirm the exact session formats available before booking, as the biography does not specify formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and let people access care from different locations. Licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to help therapy fit into everyday life without changing clinical focus.