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Michael Mcbrearty

LCSW

Compassionate, practical care for life changes

  • Warm and nonjudgmental
  • Values-based strategies
  • Focus on daily skills

About Michael

Michael Mcbrearty is a licensed clinical social worker who brings 20 years of experience to his work in New Jersey. He offers a warm, accepting presence and focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, and eating and food-related issues. Michael creates a calm space where people can talk and begin to find practical ways forward.

He blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques in session. That means sessions often involve identifying unhelpful thoughts, clarifying values, developing small behavior changes, and practicing mindful awareness. Conversations are direct but compassionate, focused on steps the person can try between meetings.

Michael trained at Rutgers University and holds a Master of Social Work degree. He is licensed as a clinical social worker in New Jersey and New York, and he also holds a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York. His background includes work with people facing addiction, trauma, and major life transitions.

In sessions he emphasizes dignity, respect, and practical problem solving. He frames therapy as a collaborative effort where the person sets goals and they test approaches together. People come for short-term work on a specific problem or for longer-term support when life changes feel overwhelming.

Michael works in English and draws on methods that help with coping, improving relationships, and rebuilding daily routines. If someone is ready to take steps toward change, he offers steady support and encouragement.

Approaches that translate to online work

Michael often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes. CBT is practical and goal oriented, and it can help with anxiety, depression, and eating concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasizes clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult feelings remain. ACT can be useful for stress, grief, and changes people are trying to accept.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist works collaboratively to identify which methods fit a person’s needs and goals. Sessions can combine techniques and adjust over time based on what is helpful.

Please confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also makes it simpler to keep continuity during life changes so progress continues even when routines shift.

License and NPI

LCSW New Jersey · No. 44SC05958400
LCSW New York · No. 081890
NPI1790842946

As shown on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

New Jersey, New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist help with?

Michael helps people address stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, eating and food-related issues, self-esteem, and work or career challenges.

What is his therapy style like?

He uses an open, genuine, and non-judgmental approach that mixes cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support change.

How much experience does he have?

Michael has 20 years of clinical experience working with people on a range of concerns including trauma, addiction, and life transitions.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds a Master of Social Work, is an LCSW, and is licensed in New Jersey and New York with practice based in New Jersey.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are fees and payment handled?

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

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

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