Michael Hurd, LCSW

Michael Hurd is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who focuses on practical, solution-focused therapy. He positions himself as a thinking partner and coach, helping people set goals and move forward. Sessions emphasize strengths and present-day problems rather than labels or lengthy symptom lists.

He draws on 36 years of experience working with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and many everyday life challenges. He also supports people facing career strain, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. His work pays attention to background and childhood only when that helps reach current goals.

In sessions he looks for self-defeating patterns and helps people replace them with practical habits. Conversations are direct and problem-centered, and the focus is on what clients can do now to feel better and function more effectively. He aims to lift people up by finding what has worked for them before.

Michael has written books and many articles, and has experience communicating ideas through radio and podcasts. That background informs a clear, straightforward style in therapeutic conversations. He describes therapy as collaborative coaching rather than giving instructions.

People who choose him can expect short-term, goal-directed work that targets everyday thoughts and habits. To begin, clients follow the site’s process to match with him and schedule sessions based on availability.

How these approaches guide online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person’s pace. The therapist creates a respectful, nonjudgmental space and helps clients identify their own goals and values. This approach suits people who want support in discovering what matters to them and building motivation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and everyday habits and how they shape feelings and actions. It uses clear, practical exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build new routines that reduce anxiety, lift mood, or change addictive patterns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has worked before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Confirm the available online session formats before booking because specific formats are not listed in the profile. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, or reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use structured exercises, homework, and focused conversation to help people change thoughts and habits even when they are not meeting in person.