- Trauma informed
- LGBTQIA affirming
- Evidence based approaches
About Michael
Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 16 years in clinical practice and a total of 25 years in behavioral health. He works with adults and uses practical methods to help people manage depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar symptoms, and relationship concerns. He is LGBTQIA affirming and brings a trauma-informed outlook to sessions.
He has worked in inpatient hospital settings, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient therapy. That variety has given him many tools for common problems like mood disorders, trauma, and adjustment after major life changes. He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and community resources he has built over the years.
During intake he focuses on understanding a client's history and current struggles. He aims to build a steady therapeutic relationship and then to identify clear goals for therapy. Progress is paved by naming barriers and trying practical strategies to overcome them.
Michael prefers a collaborative style where the client leads the pace and goals. He starts subtly and becomes more direct as trust grows and goals become clearer. His work emphasizes skill building, problem solving, and supporting decisions that improve day-to-day functioning.
He helps people navigate a range of areas including abandonment and attachment concerns, adoption and foster care related issues, chronic illness and caregiver stress, communication and commitment difficulties, and mood disorders such as depression and Bipolar disorder. His background aims to connect clinical work with real-life supports and resources.
Evidence-based approaches and online therapy options
Michael draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that help people change unhelpful thoughts and build useful skills. For example, cognitive behavioral techniques focus on identifying and testing negative thoughts and practicing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-informed strategies teach simple attention and acceptance skills to reduce reactivity and improve stress management.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, history, and what feels most helpful. Treatment plans are adjusted as progress and needs become clearer.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current online and in-person options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can also use online sessions to connect people with community resources and follow up on skill practice between visits.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist often address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, relationship and self-esteem issues. He also focuses on adoption and foster care related concerns and attachment or abandonment issues.
How would you describe the therapy style used?
The style is collaborative and trauma-informed, starting gently and becoming more direct as rapport grows. Sessions emphasize identifying goals, building skills, and addressing barriers to progress.
What kind of clinical background does he bring?
He has 25 years in behavioral health with 16 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His background includes inpatient hospitalization, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient therapy.
Where is this therapist based and what credential does he hold?
He practices in Virginia and holds the credential LCSW, which is listed as VA LCSW.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.