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Michael Henderson

Therapist · Virginia

Michael Henderson, LCSW

Practical therapy for thoughts and habits

Continue with Michael

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Thoughts and habits
  • Trauma informed
  • LGBTQIA affirming

About Michael

Michael Henderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years as an LCSW and a long career in behavioral health. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, relationships, and self-esteem. He aims to make sessions straightforward and goal-focused. He has worked in inpatient hospitals, community behavioral health centers, and outpatient settings. That variety shaped a practical clinical toolbox and a network of community resources he draws on when helpful. He describes his style as trauma-informed and LGBTQIA affirming. During intake he listens for background and priorities. Then he helps clients set clear goals and identifies barriers that get in the way. He focuses on changing everyday thoughts and habits that keep problems going. He uses a mix of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address trauma, mood concerns, anxiety, stress management, relationship problems, and life transitions. He also supports people coping with medical diagnoses, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and issues linked to adoption or attachment. Michael generally begins subtly and becomes more direct as rapport grows. He views therapy as a collaborative process where the client guides the goals and he helps map steps toward them. Sessions emphasize workable changes in thinking and daily habits. He practices in Virginia and conducts sessions in English. If a reader wants to start, they complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability using the Start Therapy button.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

16+ years

Credentials

Virginia

Languages

English

How evidence-based techniques translate to online care

Michael draws on a few well-known evidence-based approaches in his work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing everyday habits and behaviors that reinforce them; it can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness-informed methods teach simple skills to notice thoughts and bodily reactions so people can respond differently in stressful moments. Acceptance-focused approaches encourage identifying personal values and taking small steps toward them when difficult emotions arise.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about goals, life circumstances, and what feels useful, then tailor techniques to those needs. Clients help set the pace and choose which methods to try as trust builds.

Practical benefits of online therapy are about fitting sessions into life. Online work can make it easier to schedule around work, medical appointments, or caregiving, and it can reduce travel time. Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking so you know what to expect. The focus remains on making therapy work for everyday routines and on changing thoughts and habits that affect daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he work with?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, relationship struggles, and low self-esteem, plus related areas like abandonment, attachment, and caregiver stress.

What is his therapeutic style?

He uses evidence-based techniques and focuses on changing everyday thoughts and habits. His approach is trauma-informed and adapts to each person as rapport grows.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He holds the LCSW credential and has 16 years as an LCSW, with 25 years total working in behavioral health across inpatient, community, and outpatient settings.

Where is he based and licensed?

He is based in Virginia and holds a Virginia LCSW credential.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How does pricing and payment work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working together?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to his availability.

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